daniel chigunwe
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Entertainment Editor
It is brand new, it is expected to drop on the scene with loud symphony, and indeed it is expected to be the biggest trophy of 2023.
When you lend it your ear, some usual words hit your earlobe, but don’t hurt.
“Of course and the winner is … Freeman”, such announcements have dominated the music sector where the seasoned Zimdancehall star has been clinching many gongs in various competitions.
Let’s just say “trophies”. With the kind of chartbuster announcement, only Freeman can deliver.
The story is that multi-award winner and Zimdancehall musician Freeman, real name Emegy Slyvester Chizanga, is set to return with his intently presumed 13th full-length album, “Trophy”, somehow marking the most anticipated Zimdancehall event of 2023.
But why the name “Trophy”?
Is Freeman already crowned as the best or does the album carry heavy-weights tunes and master collaborations?
According to the English dictionary, a trophy is a decorative object or a souvenir that is awarded as a prize for a victory or success.
It can be a cup, medal, or other decorative object.
The word “trophy” can also refer to the weapons of a defeated army set up as a memorial of victory.
More so, the word “trophy” comes from the Greek word, “tropaion,” which means “a rout”.
Then with all these meanings, Freeman’s album has to head in that direction, although the artiste confirmed that he named it after looking back on his music career journey, and how he started.
In short, he is authorising that “he has won”, “he is a winner” and “he is still winning”.
“The album ‘Trophy’ represents how far the name Freeman has come in this game,” he said. “My musical journey has been a challenging and sometimes even scary experience. I’ve faced obstacles and hurdles along the way that have tested my determination.
“However, amidst the difficulties, moments of beauty and joy have made the journey worthwhile.”
The “Handina Godo” singer said the process of creating and sharing music has been a lovely and amazing experience, filled with personal growth and artistic fulfilment.
“Overall, despite the challenges, my musical journey has been a rewarding and transformative one,” said Freeman. “I called it ‘Trophy’ because of the things, I managed to achieve from my musical journey, be it my awards, my family, the levels I have reached, the life I have lived because of my musical journey (NdoTrophy kwandiri), I call it the body of success.”
The talented and humble musician said the 13th album features various top artists and he was grateful for how they accepted the collaborations.
“On the album, we have Feli Nandi, Jah Prayzah, Saintfloew, Delroy Shewe, Nox, and Tyfah Guni among others,” said Freeman. “It has 13 songs which come from several inspirations thus love, stability, growth, gratitude, and day-to-day things that happen in society. I want to encourage people to keep pushing and keep working.”
The lanky singer explained the song Trophy’s meaning.
“Trophy’, the title track, is a motivational song that encourages people to go for their dreams, targets relentlessly, and believe that success is yours,” he said.
“On ‘Usandisiye’, it is a love ballad referencing a love that has withstood the test of time and challenges, then there is ‘Ihombe’ – a heartfelt message addressing how we treat our mothers, emphasises the importance of respecting our mothers and loving them.
“The fourth track is ‘Nada’, which features superstar Saintfloew, and this is an incredible feature as we sing to the end of passion. It is inspired against violence and calls out for the preservation of mental health in relationships.
“I have ‘Kumba Ndinodzoka’ which features Jah Prayzah. It is a mischievously fun track where the singers indulge the party life. Track six is ‘Mazirudo’ featuring Delroy Shewe and it is another love ballad, giving an exciting description of the feelings of being madly in love with someone.”
Freeman said another song on the album is ‘Man to Man’, which he did with South African-based Zimbabwean singers, Nox and Tyfah Guni.
“There is also ‘Bhanangana’, ‘Musaga’, ‘Mutaka’ featuring Feli Nandi and ‘Tsiva’ whose special emphasis is that it is a totally out of the box song that infuses Zimbabwean traditional music and dancehall to deliver a woman’s cry on gender-based-violence affecting the society, in our homes,” he said. “Then, the last two are ‘Baby Iro’, and ‘Mhandu’.”
Freeman said with all the collaborations he has done, he wishes to collaborate with American rhythm and soul singer, Chris Brown and Nigerian superstar Davido.
Now the album launch is on this Saturday at Alexander Sports in Harare, despite the likely weather challenges after the meteorological department announced there will be rain everywhere this week.
“It’s going to be a “Trophy Experience”, a representation of the works that we are going to showcase for our new season,” said Freeman. “To my fans, expect fireworks, and as of the rains, we leave it up to God.”
Like any other artistes who release new projects towards the end of the year, many have been asking whether the album is the Christmas gift or there is going to be something else.
“Yes, it is, but I might surprise you,” said Freeman.
He dedicated one of his songs, ‘Usandisiye’ to his wife.
Freeman said he was working on releasing videos for the songs on the album.
“We will release many videos to showcase the message carried within the songs in various ways,” he said.
Commenting on the usual evolvement of the Zimdancehall genre, Freeman said, “Zimdancehall is evolving, although it is just a name, but artistes are evolving. Look at Nutty O and Poptain, to mention a few, their sound has changed, it is now AfroDancehall.”
Sharing his secret to success, Freeman said it was about dedication.
“Passion and dedication,” he said. “I have a genuine passion for my craft because I know I’m here to serve a purpose that gives me the drive to continue pushing.”
Will Freeman’s new album surpass other projects he has done? Well, time will tell.
leeroy
Online Reporter