The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi
ZIMDANCEHALL singer Freeman — born Sylvester Chizanga — believes his latest offering “Trophy” will surpass records set by his previous 12 albums.
Signs of this trend, the chanter reckons, started showing during the well-attended album launch held early last month.
To his credit, the singer has been consistent from the time he broke onto the music scene and is now gradually reaping the fruits of his hard work.
“The attendance alone at Alex Sports Club, during our album launch, was a record in itself. Not even a single album I released before attracted such a huge crowd,” said Freeman.
“Even the number of people who are buying the album or coming to our shows, including positive feedback on social media, is testament that this is a good project.”
His previous effort “David and Goliath”, which was released in October last year, did extremely well on the market.
The album featured Jamaican singer Christopher Martin on the song “Zimbabwean Queen”.
The success of the project changed the fortunes of the gifted chanter, who, for long, had been evaded by awards.
In the past year, Freeman literally found himself on the podium after emerging a victor at some of the country’s major awards ceremonies.
Notable gongs scooped by the musician include the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima), National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), Star FM Listeners’ Choice Awards and Zimdancehall awards.
But the “Joina City” singer believes his latest offering will carry him to a new high.
“The album ‘David and Goliath’ was good but I feel ‘Trophy’ is even much better. I have been fully booked since we released the project, which is a good sign. Just recently, we were in Mozambique for our album tour,” he said.
The artiste has lined up several other shows throughout the country as part of the “Trophy” tour.
“This is the first time that my calendar is fully booked, going beyond the festive season. I have been booked for shows till February next year, which is new in my career.”
Fellow chanter Seh Calaz said Freeman’s project was a touch of class.
“I feel this is one of his best, if not his best, albums and I give thumbs up to my brother. The album deserves international recognition,” said Seh Calaz.
Music producer Arnold “DJ Fantan” Kamudyariwa weighed in.
“I have known Freeman for some time now. His graph continues to rise and his latest offering is easy testimony. ‘Trophy’ is one of the albums to look out for come awards time,” he said.
