Trust Khosa
ZIMDANCEHALL sensation Freeman says he almost quit music in his formative years due to frustration and a lack of financial rewards.
So dire was the situation that he considered exploring other avenues to try and make money.
As he celebrates 15 years as a professional musician, with 14 albums and a string of singles to his name, Freeman vividly recalls the moment he almost called it quits. “Around 2011, when I was still a rookie in the industry, I almost quit music because it was not yet rewarding,” Freeman told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“One of my close associates back then, DJ Staera, gave me the courage to continue working hard. From then on, I continued to work hard and one of my songs, ‘Joina City’, was enough to announce my arrival.”
The musician, who has assembled his own live band, the HKD Band, and established the HKD Festival, held during the last weekend of October each year, attributes his breakthrough to God’s grace.
“I might be popular now but nothing comes for free. Success requires focus and hard work. As we gain experience in this game, we are compelled to evolve and reinvent ourselves to remain relevant.
“I realised that I needed to build a stronger brand, so I assembled my own HKD Band, which has been doing well.
“I also realised that I needed to follow global trends in showbiz. I now have a rich catalogue that appeals to people across different age groups.
“Of course, the credit goes to my team and close associates who have been encouraging me to reinvent myself.”
He added that some musicians of his generation failed to adapt to changing trends. “Without mentioning names for professional reasons, there are some artists from my generation who are still stuck in the past despite having talent.
“Of course, I mind my own business, and this has helped me to become who I am. I simply love what I do but, without the support and encouragement of my closest and most trusted circle, I do not think I would be where I am today.”
Freeman said he continues to work with local music promoters.
“To put the record straight, I work with promoters in everything I do musically.
“It is only the HKD Festival that I run myself, with the assistance of many others working behind the scenes.
“After hosting the first edition at Alex Sports Club and the subsequent editions, including last year’s event at Glamis Stadium, I can see growth in what I am doing.
“I will continue doing my best. Taking risks is necessary, but as musicians, we also need reputable promoters.”
The singer, who fronts a 10-piece band, has devised a system in which the musicians earn according to the money they generate through performances. “Running a band is not easy because the instrumentalists need to be paid, put food on their tables and bring smiles to their loved ones. Sometimes, I use my own money when we fail to meet our targets. I only add more people on stage when we are holding big events, especially the upcoming HKD Festival set for this weekend.”
