Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMDANCEHALL stalwart Sylvester “Freeman” Chizanga believes fame, success and longevity in the music industry do not come cheap, but require consistency, hard work and the ability to evolve with the times.
The 38-year-old singer, who is celebrating 15 years as a professional artiste, recalls how he almost quit music in 2011 when the going got tough, and the rewards were not forthcoming.
For someone who has evolved from being an amateur chanter who used to play backtracks during live shows, to assembling the HKD Band, it is grace galore.
A darling of several corporations, promoters and fans, the HKD boss has vowed not to be flattered by fame.
By hosting his own HKD Festival, which normally takes place on the last weekend of October each year, Freeman is not only a risk-taker, but also a firm believer in following his instincts.
“I might be popular now, but nothing comes for free without focus and hard work,” Freeman told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“Around 2011, when I was still a rookie in the industry, I almost quit music since it was not yet rewarding.
“One of my close associates back then, DJ Staera (born Leeroy Pasi), 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 crooner, who once worked as a cleaner, a butcher and later a supervisor after relocating from Bindura to Dzivaresekwa, Harare, sees God’s grace in whatever he does.
“As we gain experience in this game, we are compelled to evolve and reinvent the wheel for relevance. I realised that I needed to be a better brand and assembled my own HKD Band, which has been doing well.
“I also realised that I needed to follow global trends in showbiz, and now I have a rich catalogue that appeals across ages.
“Of course, the credit goes to my team and close associates who have been encouraging me to reinvent the wheel.
“Without mentioning names for professional reasons, there are some artistes from my generation who are still stuck in the past despite having talent.
“Of course, I mind my own business, and this has made me who I am. I simply love what I am doing, but without the support and encouragement of my closest and most trusted circle, I don’t think I would have been where I am today.”
Despite hosting his own event, dubbed the HKD Festival, every October, he maintains that he is still working with local music promoters.
“To put the record straight, I am working with promoters in everything that I do musically. It’s only the HKD Festival where I will be running my own show, with the assistance of many others in the background.
“After hosting the first one at Alex Sports Club and last year’s edition at Glamis Stadium, I see growth in whatever I am doing.
“I will continue doing my best, but taking risks is also good. As musicians, we badly need reputable promoters,” asserted Freeman.
The singer, who fronts a 10-piece band, has devised a modus operandi where he makes his members eat what they kill.
“Running a band is not easy because the instrumentalists need to be paid, bring food to their tables, and put smiles on the faces of 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.
“My want to make sure everyone is happy, and this has always been my wish, to be honest with you.
“I simply love what I am doing, and I will continue doing so for many years to come.”
He has been working closely with friends when organising album launches and festivals, including Seh Calaz, Baba Harare, Godfatha Templeman, In Total Band, Holy Ten, Queen Kadjah, Nutty O, Nisha Ts, Guspy Warrior, Feli Nandi, Nyasha David, Delroy Shewe, DaRuler HKD and many others. Freeman, who once failed to raise a dollar in three days when he was still a nonentity, believes God has a purpose for everyone’s life.
“I always thank God for His favour and grace. To have the aura and charm that many people say I have is a result of consistency, professionalism, and hard work.
“I can’t share my future plans now because God is in control.
“What I can only say is that I am willing to serve and worship Him.
“All my events are blessed, and this third edition of the HKD Festival is further proof of God’s grace,” he added.
Musically, he boasts a rich catalogue of albums, including “Note Book”, released last year, “Me and Me”, “Trophy”, “Mangoma iHobho”, “David & Goliath”, “New Chapta”, “Vabeliever”, “Through the Years Vol. 1 & Vol. 2”, “Robbery” (2021), “Freeman & Friends” and many others. Now that he has matured into his own man, the Bindura-born-and-raised Freeman is in a good space, but remains humble and focused.
