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Entertainment Editor
He meant business and won the trophy.
If there is one artiste who has evolved and changed the game and face of the popular local genre Zimdancehall, it is Sylvesta Chizanga affectionately known as Freeman.
It was like a movie, epic somehow, to be recorded in the history of Zimdancehall, where an artiste launches his album in front of thousands of fans.
A sold-out venue!
Good sound quality and kudos to the stage management, a difference from previous albums, where many people on stage were observed.
On this feat, it was more international standard. Remember the genre was once associated with rowdy behaviour, rudeness, chaos all the dirty matrix you can think of but alas those who attended the just-ended Freeman’s album launch dubbed “Trophy,” can testify what has been described is the opposite of what happened. Who knew something good can come out of Nazareth?
Freeman won the trophy and with such choreography and a well-put programme, the event was a success.
For now, it is about the show as some have said that it is too early to judge the album.
The “Zimbabwean Queen” singer had mastered the art of album launches, of course, it is the season like last year, October, when he invited Jamaican dancehall superstar Chris Martin to perform on his 12th album titled “David And Goliath.”
Now on the 13th full-length album, the event was held at Alex Sports Club in Harare and this time around it was a “family” affair.
Local is lekker.
The show saw some of the finest artistes such as Killer T, Feli Nandi, Jah Prayzah, Nyasha David, Delroy Shewe, Saintfloew, Nox, Tyfah, King 98, Shasha, Merciless Zimbabwe, and Master H taking time to serenade fans according to the programme.
It would be myopic not to talk about the late Garry Mapanzure who was remembered at the show.
Even in his death, he also had a “trophy” moment at the show as there was a “candle-light” ceremony. All the artistes had a good day in the office, for now, all eyes were on the man of the moment — Freeman.
Yes, it’s the norm for such album launch styles to have supporting acts compared to some genres where they only focus on the sole singer. What he can be accredited for is taking the art — music as a business model.
The artistes who took months planning the event with his team, finally reaped what they sow last Saturday.
Freeman came on stage clad in his denim click suit with his 20-member band ensemble, uniformly smartly dressed, something not used for such a genre.
Besides it is not news when it comes to fashion, for Freeman as somehow it is now in his DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
The HKD Boss as he is known in the showbiz industry, belted out tunes from his previous albums and latest songs.
The launch was also endorsed by seasoned artistes, celebrities, fans and music critics. A day after performing at the launch, Jah Prayzah took to social media to congratulate Freeman for the well-put show and encouraged his fans to stream the album.
“The album launch yanga yakarongeka (well organised) Doctor. Congratulations to an amazing album and also a super successful album launch event.”
“Continuous elevation should be every Zimbabwean artiste’s dream. My Wagwizi family, let’s go and stream the album, and don’t forget to put “Kumba Ndinodzoka” featuring yours on repeat,” he said.
South African-based Zimbabwean singer, Noxi Guni said was proud of what Freeman had displayed.
“Thank you, Zimbabwe. Ain’t no place like home on a real! Felt the love from you all and I am super grateful. Congrats mudiki wangu (younger) Freeman. I am super proud older brother,” he wrote on his social media handles.
One vivid fan identified as Precious aged 33 from Dzivaresekwa said she loves Freeman to the extent of having his tattoo.
“I am a die-hard fan of HKD Boss. Let me congratulate him on the successful launch. It was well organised and he took the trophy home, like the album name. I have his face tattooed on my left arm,” she said.
Precious said had fun in the general seating area.
“I had the VVIP money but the general area was “more fire.” I wish the show could be done every weekend.”
Online Reporter