adminBlessed Katiyo in JOHANNESBURG
FREEMAN wrote himself into the history books of Jozi entertainment when he filled up the famed Newtown Music Factory.
He officially launched his David & Goliath album in South Africa over the weekend.
The venue was so full that hundreds of revellers risked parking their vehicles on the dark streets in downtown Johannesburg.
The venue, which holds around 2 000 fans, was already packed by 9pm and organisers increased the entry fee from R100 to R200.
This, however, did not deter fans, who patiently waited in the snaking queues.
The launch in Newtown was the brainchild of Lovemore Mubaiwa of Rich & Famous Entertainment.
He was assisted by Reason “Big Fadda” Chikwavira, Wisdom Mtungwazi and DJ Dee Vibes Tinashe Malunga.
This was their second high-profile concert this year after previously bringing Killer T and ExQ to the same venue.
There was, however, a blight in the arrangement, as intermittent power cuts threatened to derail what had been a flawless gig.
At one point a nasty fight broke out sending fans scattering for cover.
The show started early with various DJs entertaining the early birds.
MCees, led by veteran Rico Myers, Major Mockery and T Boss kept the audience entertained with both their lyrical prowess and dance moves.
Resident dancers Firelady and Adi Teacher left many awestruck with their unbelievable moves.
As the clock ticked towards midnight, the crowd started getting impatient, but veteran host, Jah Seed, and his Japanese DJ Selector Jun held fort until the main artists took to the stage.
The Zimdancehall duo of Bazooka and Boss Pumacol set the stage alight with an electric performance, and could go places if they stick together.
Songs like Kumba Kwedu, Urikukwata Here had the crowd singing along.
There was a surprise element at the show when Enzo Ishall hopped onto the stage to join the duo and the fans went ‘‘crazy’’.
Even though he made a cameo appearance, it was worth noting that he is loved by many in Mzansi.
Then came poster boy, Trevor Dongo, who was a darling of the predominantly female fans.
He did not disappoint despite playing after the electrifying performances of Bazooka and Pumacol.
His melodious voice won the hearts of many and showed his experience in the game.
He was later joined by Madiz, who wowed fans with his rhumba hits and gyrations.
The mood reached a crescendo when Freeman, playing with a full live band, finally went on stage at around 1.20am.
He did not disappoint, but sadly, his performance was again disturbed by a power cut.
This agitated fans rained cans and bottles onto the stage, sending Freeman’s band members scurrying for cover.
But to his credit, Freeman remained on stage and calmed the fans down.
When power returned, just after 2am, he serenaded his fans with hit after hit until the break of dawn.
Songs like Zimbabwean Queen, Pombi, Vakomana veDrip, and many others, left many with sore legs as the dancing never stopped.
It was a performance to remember and ever since Freeman started playing with a live band, he has raised the bar.
The HKD Boss had two other shows on Saturday night in Durban where around 1 400 fans attended.
He wrapped up his schedule with another show on Sunday night in Kempton Park.
Online Reporter