It has been said that when you see a neighbours beard on fire that is a good time to fetch some water and place it close to your own.

Over the last weekend three different stories that caught my attention have stirred my curiosity to ask whether Obuor, Kwadee and other hiplife artistes have anything to do with drugs.

First was a Graphic Showbiz picture of Kwadee cutting his birthday cake (how old is he anyway?) at a party he hosted at an Accra nightclub. Decorating that birthday cake were designs of marijuana leaves. I noticed those leaves because he has the same design on the sleeve of his CD Metoaso and it appears he relishes these leaves.

Second was a Weekend Heritage story about Obuor’s new album, which reminded me an earlier album of his titled ‘Atenteben’ on which relishes marijuana in a way that suggests that “Obuor can smoke the spliff sixteen times more than anybody can.”

I really hope that these hiplifers have nothing to do with drugs but I am quite upset by presentation of marijuana in a fashion that plainly glorifies the drug and its use.

The third story, also in Showbiz was perhaps the major cause of my worry over musicians and their association with drugs. The story was about Kiki Gyan who after a long bout with drugs finally lost his life.

Kiki Gyan’s story, so brilliantly written by Sam Okaitey should scare every musician, young and old, who may be dabbling or even just associated with drugs – in words or deed – to run away as quickly as possible from the substance.

The most telling of Kiki’s story is that as the writer put it, the talented keyboardist lacked the inner will to alter his destiny and all external attempts came to nought. Can there be a sadder story? Can there be a more clear and present danger.