Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Youth icon Sylvester “Freeman” Chizanga firmly believes that gambling and risk-taking have contributed to making him the household name he is today.
The 37-year-old, whose rise to acclaim continues, revealed that he now has the capacity to empower other creatives.
This follows the return of the HKD Festival, which is back by public demand at the Glamis Arena this Saturday.
With the growing popularity of festivals gathering momentum in Zimbabwe, the “Joina City” hitmaker has not only established an annual event but has also been commended for empowering young creatives during his festival. Freeman’s festival will feature an array of stars, including Feli Nandi, Baba Harare, Culture Love, Delroy Shewe, Nutty O, Killer T, Voltz JT, Atenda Chinx, Godfatha, MC Gudo, Merciless Zimbabwe, Godfatha Templeman, Seh Calaz and DJ Tanaman.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Freeman revealed that it was high time artistes used their own connections to promote themselves.
“When I started this festival last year, it was a matter of taking a risk, and we managed to break even and make some profit,” he stressed.
“After last year’s edition, we spent the entire year preparing for this edition. Thousands of dollars have been invested in putting together this festival, which benefits not only myself but also empowers fellow creatives of my generation.
“If you have noticed, young artistes are no longer afraid to host events, whether in the form of album launches or birthday parties. We have seen this trend popularised by several artistes from Mbare who have led by example.”
Freeman, who has inked several endorsement deals with major corporations, noted that the goodwill he has received has made him distinct.
“Each time I reflect on my career, I see that I am evolving while still remaining an artiste. This level of growth is necessary in our profession for us to be counted among the best. I have always wanted to take risks in everything I do because I know that gambling pays off if one plays their cards wisely.
“In my case, I know I am not only making history but also leaving a lasting impression. I want to be remembered as someone who played a part in empowering other artistes of my generation,” he emphasised.
By launching his festival, Freeman stressed that it was a perfect way to learn how event managers operate.
“Putting together our own festival does not mean that we have shunned arts promoters; rather, we want to grow from being mere performers to event planners.
“In life, you never know what the future holds, and in five years or so, I might end up leaning towards arts promotions. It’s just a suggestion, but I will always remain a musician, churning out albums,” he pointed out.
To date, he has a rich catalogue of albums, including “David & Goliath”, “Mukuru Wekambani”, “Trophy”, “Tapinda Tapinda”, “Last Man Standing”, “Vabeliever”, “New Chapter”, “Varidzi Vezvinhu”, “Mangoma Hobho”, “Gango”, “Kusika EP” and “Top Striker”, among several singles.
He is expected to release some singles at this year’s HKD Festival as he cements his connection with both old and new fans.
Backed by the HKD Band, Freeman is one of the few Zimdancehall artistes supported by a live band. He joins the elite league of Winky D, Killer T, Seh Calaz, Nisha T, Saintfloew, Dhadza D and Kinnah, who are also backed by live bands.
Setting up a live band is widely considered a masterstroke, as it allows for greater creativity. Performing with a live band is not only engaging but has also enabled musicians to be innovative on stage.
This has been evident in Freeman’s performances, which have vastly improved over the years.
He has matured from the old Freeman who only needed a laptop and a disc jockey to perform, to being backed by the superb HKD Band, which has won the hearts of many wherever he performs.
A household name in showbiz, Freeman represents the new crop of artistes who have literally taken over the industry.
Buoyed by his amazing talent, hard work and professional conduct, Freeman is undoubtedly one of the finest artistes to look forward to.
Throughout his career, Freeman’s journey has not been easy, from his early days in Bindura to settling in Dzivaresekwa, Harare, where he established himself.
He still holds fond memories of the community that embraced him and where he celebrates his annual birthday.
The community of Dzivaresekwa has accepted him as one of their own, and he consistently delivers for his fans, who supported him when he needed it most.
With his new festival now in its second edition, there is a general belief among his team that they might end up taking it to other cities, judging by its growth.
His festival not only benefits him and fellow artistes but also supports traders selling their wares at the event.
Food and beverage vendors have always partnered with him, making it a significant occasion where every stakeholder leaves the festival in high spirits.
Freeman’s festival joins the long list of major events on the national showbiz calendar, including the recently held Castle Lager Braai Fest, Chibuku Road To Fame, Doek & Slay series, Chibuku Neshamwai, Jacaranda Music Festival, Kadoma Music Festival and the Simon Chopper Chimbetu Festival, among others.
