Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMDANCEHALL kingpin Freeman HKD says he is honoured to perform at one of the biggest music events on the local scene this year − the STEMA Music & Arts Festival 2025.
The festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Stephen Margolis Resort, boasts a star-studded line-up that includes Killer T, Saintfloew, Gemma Griffiths, Nyasha David, and international sensation Tyler ICU. Freeman is among the headline acts expected to set the stage alight on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the event, Freeman said performing at STEMA is a huge honour and another chance to bond with his supporters.
“It means a lot. I take it like any other big festival because it gives me another opportunity to connect with my fans,” he said.
While this won’t be his first time at the Stephen Margolis venue, Freeman says he’s anticipating an even bigger turnout this time.
“Yes, I’ve performed there once. I’m expecting more people to show up,” he said.
“Maybe, look out, maybe there’s a surprise. Or maybe not.” He also took the opportunity to build anticipation for his next major event, the HKD Festival, where he is set to release a new album next month.
“That day, people should expect another hot body of work,” he said.
Freeman stressed the importance of crowd engagement during his performances, saying a lot of his stage energy is driven by fan response.
“It’s very important, some of the things we do on stage are not rehearsed. They’re triggered by fan energy,” he said.
Freeman described his recent career phase as an “inevitable growth” period both musically and personally.
“It has helped me become more appreciative and supportive of festivals like this.”
As anticipation builds up for this year’s STEMA Music & Arts Festival, Freeman’s fans have every reason to be excited.
If his words are anything to go by, attendees are in for a performance that blends experience, energy, and heart. Freeman is no stranger to sharing the stage with some of Zimbabwe’s finest musicians, including Killer T, with whom he shares a loyal fan base, and Saintfloew.
“I’ve shared the stage with Killer T on a lot of occasions. We attract almost the same crowd so it’s fun performing on the same stage with him,” said Freeman.
“Saintfloew is my young brother and we did a song together.
“As for Tyler ICU, this will be our first time sharing the stage, I’m pumped up.”
Freeman said fans should expect something big from his performance.
Freeman revealed he won’t be previewing any unreleased tracks at STEMA.
“No, I won’t be performing any unreleased songs until early October,” he said.
Still, the HKD frontman assured fans that his performance would be well polished, having dedicated the last month to intense rehearsals.
“Definitely, we’ve been rehearsing for the past month preparing for this,” he said.
