Sundaymail Editor
Society Reporter
ZIMDANCEHALL singer Freeman, whose real name is Sylvester Chidzanga, is a happy man.
The gifted chanter is gradually reaping the fruits of his hard work and consistency.
Gongs have for long evaded the immensely talented musician, but the tide seems to have turned in his favour of late.
Freeman has literally found himself on the podium, or being represented, after emerging a victor at some of the country’s major awards ceremonies. The artiste reckons this is a positive development in his career.
“I have been in the industry for a while and would like to thank organisers of local awards for recognising me as an artiste. I also wish to thank fans who have pushed my work, including the HKD family, for their unwavering support. Bigger things are in the pipeline,” he said.
The musician scooped four gongs at the recently held Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) that were held in Harare.
He won in the “Song of the Year”, “Best Album of the Year”, “Best Male Artiste” and “Best Zimdancehall” categories.
Janet Manyowa and Feli Nandi followed in the lead, with each receiving two awards.
The Zimdancehall singer’s cabinet continues to bulge.
Earlier this year, Freeman bagged three National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), was thrice on the podium at the Star FM Listener’s Choice Awards and also walked away with a gong at the Zimdancehall Awards.
Buoyed by the success, the musician has since set his sights on the international market.
“It is always good to be honoured by your own people. But we are pushing the brand to grow beyond the borders. Breaking into the international scene has been the most difficult part of my journey and the biggest challenge has always been remuneration for all the hard work we do,” Freeman told The Sunday Mail Society.
The singer thanked his fans for their support and motivation, even when the situation was difficult.
“My fans have been the most rewarding part of my musical journey. The love from my community is beyond measure. I am happy the numbers have been growing with each passing moment. A loyal fan base and the love of God, and not forgetting my family, are behind my success,” he said.
“It feels great, to be honest; it feels amazing, knowing your work is being appreciated. Fans and family still come through when the time for voting comes.”
Freeman added that focusing on the positive side keeps him motivated all the time.
“I will not lie, winning four ZIMA awards has been a major highlight of my music career. It is something that I will cherish forever,” he said.
The “Zimbabwean Queen” and “Joina City” hitmaker had a word or two for aspiring musicians.
“Hard work and consistency are crucial if one wants to succeed in whatever they are doing. I have never looked back, even when the situation seemed not to be permitting.
“I would advise aspiring musicians to stay true to their original craft and to always get back up no matter how many times they fall,” urged Freeman.
Without doubt, the singer has proved to be one of the most consistent musicians in the country, among his peers, in the last decade.
His latest offering “David and Goliath” is receiving positive airplay.
Online Reporter