Liberian hip-hop superstar Christopher Nyenga, affectionately known as Christoph The Change, joined thousands of citizens on Thursday, August 7 in a powerful anti-drug march up Capitol Hill, calling for a united stand against drug abuse in Liberia.
Christoph, once a victim of drug addiction himself, marched shoulder-to-shoulder with young people, community leaders, and fellow advocates, using his voice and personal story to inspire change and push for national action against the growing drug crisis.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his Facebook handle minutes after the march, the artist opened up about his past struggles, saying:
“My journey has not been an easy one. I have walked through the darkness of drug abuse, felt its grip tighten around my life, and honestly, I struggled to break free. But with the help of my family, friends, loved ones, and fans, today, I stand here not as a sad victim, but as a joyous survivor. God did it for me.”
The rapper, known for hit songs like “Papay God,” and “Hold Your Polaruh,” and his latest “Akazulu” didn’t shy away from addressing the pain and destruction that drugs have caused in Liberian society.
“As someone who has seen and experienced the destructive power of illicit drug addiction, I am proud to join my fellow citizens, especially the youth of our nation, in saying a firm NO to drugs. Enough of mothers losing their children to drugs! Enough of Mama Liberia losing some of its brightest children to drugs,” he declared.
The march, organized by a coalition of young and women groups and civil society organizations, aimed to raise awareness about the surge in drug abuse ~ particularly involving dangerous substances like “kush” ~ and to call for stronger preventative measures, rehabilitation programs, and community education.
Christoph emphasized the need for unity and compassion in combating the epidemic.
“Fellow citizens, let us unite in protecting our communities. Drug abuse doesn’t just hurt the addict ~ it shatters families, weakens societies, and steals the potential of our youth. We must educate, support, and empower each other to choose a better path.”
His message resonated deeply with many young Liberians who look up to him not just as a musical icon, but now as a living example of transformation and hope.
As Liberia grapples with the challenge of curbing drug addiction, Christoph’s public stance adds a powerful voice to the national conversation ~ one grounded in personal experience and a commitment to change.
