SHOW OF THE YEAR?

…Why Freeman album launch succeeded

Trust Khosa Content Coordinator

ACE music promoter, Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza, reckons proper planning made Freeman’s album launch such a grand success story.

The HKD boss launched his 12th album, titled David & Goliath, on Saturday at Alexandra Sports Club.

A huge record-breaking crowd graced the event.

It dwarfed the second day of the Jacaranda festival, which was held at Old Hararians, on the same day.

The main draw card for the Jacaranda festival was Jah Prayzah.

Both shows were held in Milton Park.

Chipaz said Chris Martin’s first visit to the country, where he excelled, courtesy of Red Rose Entertainment made him a darling of many.

“Freeman is a good local artist and adding one of the best Jamaican artists added more flavour to the event,” he said.

The award-winning promoter said the reggae star’s music appeals to locals which boosted the appeal of the event.

“Chris Martin did not disappoint the last time he came to Zimbabwe, which made people decide to come in numbers expecting to see more.

“Freeman’s handlers, and show organisers, deserve all the credit for the well-organised launch where people turned out in numbers,” he said.

Chipaz urged fellow Zim dancehall artists to take a leaf from Freeman’s handlers, and partners, Nash Paints and Hatipfeki Junk, who did their home work to perfection.

“Every business requires proper planning and consultation with those who have been in the game for ages.

“There is no harm in consulting each other because the advice from those who have seen it all is helpful in this profession.

“It’s sad that we still have other people who claim to know it all, thereby making a lot of mistakes in life,” he said.

Another promoter, who preferred anonymity, said Freeman has established himself as a very powerful brand.

“We have seen the journey that Freeman has travelled and the zeal that he has shown us.

“He is an ambitious artist and his achievements are clear testimony that focus and determination can take us places.

“I wish fellow artists can draw some lessons from him,” said the promoter.