Hip Hop Artist Highlights Problem Gambling

New Zealand artist highlights problem gambling with his new song titled “cup of tea and toast” (CT&T). In the song, Diggy Dupé opens up about how he grew up around gambling. He states that the gambling later became a problem for both his mother and grandmother. Although the artist aims to disrupt the industry with the new song, he revealed that he has had some mixed emotions with sharing such a personal part of his life with the world.

According to Mapu Maia who represents the Pasifika problem gambling agency, the majority of the Pasifika youth can relate with the new song. Mapu states that 20 percent of people seeking help with gambling are Pasifika. This is despite the fact that they only make up eight percent of the population. The new song will bring this issue to the opens says Mapu. She adds that it is going to bring some much-needed clarity to the demographic and the younger generation Dupé talks about in the song.

Shocking Gambling Statistics

Statistics from a survey conducted by the Pasifika problem gambling agency shows that the majority of families in the Pasifika population regard gambling as a normal part of their upbringing. The people surveyed revealed that gambling activities were a regular in the family.

Mapu says two out of five Pacific people said that there was a moderate amount of gambling in the household when growing up. Additionally, the study shows that there were even much higher cases of arguing reported in these families. The families also spent more time gambling and as well as spending large amounts of money on gambling.

Fund-raising Activities Contribute to Problem Gambling

This is according to Mapu, she says that the community and Pacific churches such as raffles and housie have a large influence on the gambling problem. She further reveals that these activities make gambling a norm from an early age and it culturally embeds it.

Artist Highlights Problem Gambling With CT&T Lyrics

With his new song, Dupé aims to highlight problem gambling in his community. He says he remembers from a young age seeing his grandmother opting to take a bus ride to Auckland’s casino daily. He adds that it got to a point where his grandmother gave up church to spend all her pension on pokies.

Speaking about his mother, Dupé says she was a dealer at SkyCity but still had a gambling problem. His mother went to work, dealt cards, and every day after she finished her shift, she would go gamble. He says that it was hard for him to comprehend.

The artist says what inspired the song was his need to help people reflect on their own challenges. Moreover, help them identify their addictions as well as empower them to seek help. He emphasises the importance of self-awareness and financial literacy. According to Dupé, people with existing financial problems turn to gambling seeking a quick fix. He says this is something he witnessed from a young age.