Freeman congratulates Vigilance Football Club players (pic by Daphne Machiri)
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Zimdancehall star Freeman, real name Sylvester Chizanga, says it is everyone’s duty to eliminate all forms of violence as it disrupts the good functioning of society.
Freeman, who is also known as the HKD Boss, revealed this on Sunday at Alexander Sports Club, on the sidelines of the Men’s Health Goal for Change Freeman’s Birthday Love Shouldn’t Hurt Cup.
The soccer tournament had four teams, Zim Socialites, Gallis FC, Vigilance Football Club and Zim Musicians FC.
And it was Vigilance Football Club who reigned supreme at the tournament, which was attended by hundreds of soccer lovers.
Freeman is one of the influencers for the #LoveShouldn’tHurt Campaign, which is being spearheaded by the Population Solutions for Health (PSH) with support from the Swedish Embassy.
“The theme speaks for itself, Love Shouldn’t Hurt, love should just be something that must be cherished, must be lovely, must flow smoothly without conflicts or fights.
“As an artiste I was so interested in joining this campaign because I felt like my voice can also help the community to stop the violence out there, to stop the violence within relationships, within homes, even within brotherly relationships or sisterly relationships.
“I just want to spread the word out there that people should stay away from violence,” he said.
Freeman was happy with how the celebrations had brought many people together saying “first of all, I would like to appreciate the Swedish Embassy and PSH for bringing us together as arts, ghetto youths, socialites, together as one.”
The talented musician who just turned 37, said this was one of the best way to celebrate his birthday.
“It’s also a way of bringing the youths together especially as we are campaigning against a lot of things, against violence, against drug abuse.
“You know how it is when people are just out there doing nothing, but at least they are here to spend some time with us as artistes, it is a good moment.”
Freeman (second from left) and other Gallis FC players before their first match
Speaking of the soccer tournament which he also participated in, Freeman said: “I’m a soccer addict, so I was enjoying, the only bad thing comes when you are hurt, besides that, bhora ranga riri bhoo (I enjoyed the matches).”
The Love Shouldn’t Hurt is an anti-Gender Based Violence (GBV) campaign which PSH with support from the Swedish Embassy is doing.
According to PSH, the project goal is to contribute towards reduced GBV against women and girls, including child marriages.
The campaign whose first phase was in 2020, is also accompanied by a secondary call to action message encouraging raising hands to love and not to hurt.
“Campaign theme is premised on the insight that when men perpetrate violence, they do not realise the pain they are inflicting, rather they view it as discipline or even as a sign of love.
“Love Shouldn’t Hurt brings this sentiment to life as a way that doesn’t vilify the perpetrator.
“It reframes their actions, it’s a simple idea that shows what love is, and what it isn’t,” reveals a report from PSH.
