C O V E R S T O R Y
and engage the urban and youthful audience . “ Robbery '' as a title , is inspired by the losses that many people have endured over the last 2 years due to COVID-19 . Not only through life but also , socialising , working , and all things that make us human . However , it also shares how much one has been robbed of their love whilst giving it to someone who in turn doesn ’ t reflect the same . In short , it ’ s a metaphor which captures the moment which we live in now .
The collective of producers on the project ; Sunshine Family ( Tynash and Shelton ), Rodney Beats , Cymplex & Shamex whom have always brought runway smash hits with . Fans are reminded of how a Sunshine Family and Freeman joint feels like on the party record “ Tanakidzwa ”, a song that is set to fill dance-floors , and a Cymplex and Freeman beat on “ Wairesi ”. A compelling listen and thematic production is brought forward by new producer Shamex on “ Gomba ”. The album only featured one collaboration “ Chimhanya ”, which features the Queen of HKD Family Daruler and Tocky Vibes .
GMI : We live in a time where conversations about mental health are on the increase . Have you been affected in any way in the last year and a half or so ?
Freeman : Mental health is a serious issue , it ’ s something that we as humans go through at one stage of our lives and it ’ s a conversation that we are not having enough of . These past 2 years have taken a toll on a lot of us during this pandemic , as a musician I haven ’ t been able to work to my full capacity due to many restrictions brought upon us by this pandemic . At times as a father , husband and son I have many responsibilities . This year it was hard . Anxiety , and depression can linger but being able to have the right people around you to talk to helps . The company you keep around you is very important , they can make or break you . I urge people to talk , and open up . Sharing your feelings doesn ’ t make you any less of a man .
GMI : When people engage with your music this time around , what do you intend for them to walk away with ?
Freeman : This time around you will hear some songs within the album that have live instruments . On this album I decided to play around with my band , The Wildingz ( HKD Band ) to create a live feel to some tracks . When fans hear this album I want them to appreciate the real music effect we ’ ve placed and the content of lyrics on this project is a bit more seasoned and matured . Right from the beginning on the album with the first track “ Zvichanaka " you already feel it . I want the fans to appreciate the level of work that we put into this .
GMI : Talk to us about the love of your life and how you two met ?
Freeman : Haha , there ’ s a song I did a few years ago off the “ Top Striker '' album titled “ April 19 ". In this song you hear directly from the horse ' s mouth how I met my wife and what happened ! I can tell you that we met on April 19th .
GMI : In Zimbabwe , there ’ s a music industry but not much of a viable music business . What strategies have you adapted to increase the value of not just your music but your brand as an artist , and businessman ?
Freeman : The people I work with and the people I choose to surround myself with enable me to always challenge myself . Yes , the music business side of music isn ’ t something that has a clear structure or blueprint that we can follow - it ’ s all trial and error . As Michelle Mukaro , one of my managers always says “ this music thing is serious business it ’ s not like we are running a tuckshop business under a tree , this is not a tuckshop business ”. There are some strategies I have adopted over the years to ensure that I am always pushing forward . For instance , I work with deadlines . I work with procedures . For example , I finished the ' Robbery ' album earlier in the year .
In July my team and I had a listening session where we listened to each track and critiqued them all . I thought that I was done with the album only to find out that I had only done half the work . From July till September I applied what we discussed . Rome wasn ’ t built in one day nor was it built by one man . I choose to surround myself with people who will always challenge , people who don ’ t always accept the basic standard . Bouncing ideas off each other and discussing goes a long way . It sounds like it ’ s something simple but I ’ m sure not many people out there have this formula . Last but not least , social media . I use my platforms to engage with my fans . I ’ m one of those artists who replies to DM ' s , like some of my fans ' pictures and engage with them in the comment section . This sounds simple but it goes a long way . I ' m sure this can definitely contribute to my rising number of followers across my pages . I engage with my fans . It ’ s very very important .
GMI : Tell us about the three most influential people in your life and how they impacted you .
Freeman : Vybz Kartel , Tinashe Mutarisi and Stern Chizanga ( Minnox ). All these three have impacted my life in a huge way one way or another . The king of dancehall needs no introduction but he inspires me a lot in my music . Tinashe is a renowned successful businessman who I can call a close friend . From his experiences in life , what he shares with me , he is always a drive away and someone I can rely on . Stern my older brother or as we call him Minnox , is a father figure in my life . I lost my father at an early age and that left me clueless as a man . Minnox stepped in and he is the glue that holds me , he advices me and he always expects nothing but the best for me .
GMI : If you could go back and give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice , what would it be ?
Freeman : Say no to peer pressure , it can mislead you and you regret later . Be who
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