Album Review : Freeman - Mangoma Ihobho

There are many dancehall products out there, you cannot even keep up with the releases. Among the thousands of tracks Freeman's new album managed to get my attention. Personally have been a big Freeman fan since the Ndomira Semukono days. I like his style, image and consistency. Not counting the new album he has 3 publicly know albums VaBeliver (2012), New Chapta (2013) and Varidzi Vezvinhu (2014). The first two albums were amazing, still enjoy the albums to date. Varidzi Vezvhinhu on the other hand is just plain average according to me. Despite the album not performing well Freeman remains the most consistent dancehall artist in Zim, he may not be vying for the King of Dancehall throne or realeasing chart breaking hits all the time but he consistently and continuously release good songs. Since he entered the game he is always selected among the top 10 of dancehall artists by Dancehall fans. Such consistency has led to his large and faithful fan base.

So now he has released a new album, Mangoma Ihobho. Every album from now on will have the unfortunate task of being compared to Killer T's Ngoma Ndaimba 2015 album, which may probably be the best Dancehall Album ever made in Zim. Ngoma Ndaimba is only rivaled by Winky D's 2012 Album Igofigo. So now lets get down to Mangoma Ibobho.

The album contains 14 tracks and below is a track by track review.

1) Zvemufirimu

Freeman is at his best when singing love songs and this track testifies to that. Produced by Cashlibs the song is sounding good. Its about appreciating and acknowledging the love your partner gives you. This is a song you sing when u smitten over someone, when they treat you better that you expected.

2) Vhura Mukova

Produced by Russo, the instrumental is sounding nice. This is a motivational track aimed at urging people to keep on working, keep on knocking till the door is opened. Success starts small hence people must not lose hope but strive on till the opportunity arises.  

3) Handimurove ft Daruler

Back to his strong side of love/relationship songs this time featuring the Talented fellow Dangerzone stablemate Daruler. This is a heartbreak song, when your partner is cheating on you. Its more about the actions of the guy when he finds out his lady was cheating on him. Docta is urging people to resolve such instances peacefully Usamurove/Dont hit her just tell her to go. Domestic Violence is on the rise and Freeman is standing up and in his own artistic way is advising people against violence. Produced by award winning producer Oskid, the reggae feel complements the track superbly. Solid track. 

4) Hallo

Another love song. On this track the Dancehall Docta sings about long distance relationships. Freeman is calling his lady who is away and updating her on whats going on in his life and telling her how much she is missed. Its a sweet song. The instrumental blends well with the feel and structure of the track. Its a great and lovely track to listen to, before long you will be singing Hello. Loving the jam. 

5) Mangoma Ihobho ft Delroy

Title track of the album and its a fitting track. Talk about partying, this is the first party/dancefloor filler track of the album. This track is about saying we are the hit makers and we'll keep hiving you more hits. T-Man was in charge of the instrumental and for those who thought Mt Zion record is finished, think again. T-Man still has the magic touch. The collaboration works great here, it's a contender for best collaboration come next Zim Dancehall awards. Big track.

6) Siya

Another one about relationships. Your friends must not be bff's with your girl or man period. Such relationships no matter how harmless they seem it always end badly. Freeman is just stating friendship boundaries, we friends and share a lot of stuff but my lady is off bounds. T-Man again in charge of the productions. They got experimental and tried to implement the same recipe as used for Winky D's monster hit Disappear. The song definitely has a great feel to it, it won't reach disappear levels but it will be a favourite of many.

7) Matakadya Kare

This track has a hardcore feel to it. Freeman is basically saying that success is not dependent on past victories, a person must keep working and not rely on a name. True Words there. Dj Fidelis was in charge of the productions and he did a great job. The instrumental made me wanna do maclarks. Big Tune.

8) Maya ft Celscius

My favourite track on the Album this is a masterpice. Docta featured the best vocalist in Zim Dancehall at the moment Celscius and the collaboration is just off the chain. The track is about saying No to a poor unsatisfying life. Sometimes you need to stand firm and say I will make it against all odds. This is a strong declaration. Love the inclusion of the choir and the hardcore element of the instrumental. JMP showed why he is one of the most respected dancehall producers with this album. Production on point, battle feel on 110%, vocals on point, beat on point!!! Applause Applause. Powerful track. Another strong collaboration of the year contender.

9) Ndinenge Bofu

To make it one has to put blinders and block out all negative comments from people. If you listen to people you will not do anything. Some people are there to bring you down so its advisable to not concentrate on them and focus on you goals and dreams. Russo was in charge of the production again on this track and he did good job. Great track.

10) Top Shutter

True friendship is very hard to come by and this song is about shunning those fake friends and appreciating the true friends. Those who stand by you through thick and thin. Produced by Fantan at Chillspot Records and the track  is sounding good. 

11) Zvakaipa Dai Ndarega
This is an instant classic. Oskid did his magic on this jam with an amazing instrumental. This is a prayer and goal for everyone who knows sometimes they do bad things. On this track Freeman is saying I aim to stop all the bad stuff and be a better upright person. When people say the HKD Boss is always on points and delivers sound advice this is what they mean. Freeman was at his best here and many Zimbos will love this track. Perfect.

12) Confession

Personal songs if done correctly always hit the spot. On this track Freeman is saying you all know the end result but a lot happened in the journey. On the whole track he is narrating some of the challenges he has faced in his life and career. This track will create a more strong connection between Freeman and his fans. The fans will know  more about Freeman after this song. Cashlibs was in charge of the production and he did a great job. Love the track.

13) Zvakadzvanya

Sometimes we may have a smile on our faces and are looking fresh and clean but that does not mean our lives are perfect, hardships still exist. With the economic hardships the country is facing, we must keep working but also we must thank God for what we have now and the fact that you are alive. Produced at Chillspot Records, the instrumental is sounding superb. great track.

14) Happy Time

The album ends with this party track. Reviewed the tracks months ago, read the review here => Happy Time Review

Listen and Download the Album:

In overall this is a great album. Freeman has definitely bounced back from Varidzi Vezvinhu is a strong way. Love the diversity of the messages and themes; Love, Struggle, Motivational and Party. Freeman worked with various producers on this album and that has helped create a balanced album, because every producer brought a unique and different element to the album.
Proud Zimbo Rating: A (83%)

It will definitely contend for Album of the year come Zim Dancehall Awards 2016. This is probably Freeman's Best album to date, its just that good.



What are your thoughts on the album???

Proud_Zimbo