Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
THE countdown has begun for next month’s Ekhaya Festival, with award-winning gospel star Everton Mlalazi set to make an emotional return to Bulawayo as host and headline act.
Expected to draw huge crowds, this year’s festival is promising a powerful mix of worship, top-class entertainment, fresh young talent and vibrant cultural pride, making it one of the most anticipated gospel gatherings on the calendar.
For Everton, the show is more than another booking.
It is personal.
It is home. “Bulawayo is home. It is where my story was shaped, where I was encouraged and where many of my dreams first began,” he said.
“Every time I come back, I feel gratitude.
“To be part of Ekhaya Festival is powerful because the name itself speaks to me. Home is where identity is formed, where healing happens and where love begins.
“So, this is more than a performance for me.”
The word Ekhaya means “home” in isiNdebele and isiZulu, and that theme is expected to dominate the festival as thousands gather for worship, music and family-friendly celebrations.
But beyond the big names and bright lights, this year’s event has taken a bold turn by opening the stage to upcoming artists who rarely get opportunities on platforms of this size.
Among the fresh faces expected to grab attention are Mwenda Shimuzhila, Tehillah Testament, Minister Herman, Vusa Mangena, Conqueror, Vocal Base, Pastor Barak Family, Dunamis Men and Reality 7.
They will share the spotlight with seasoned crowd-pullers such as Caanan Nyathi, Oncemore Six, Loveness Mukutirwa, Mai Mwamuka, Lorraine Maplanka, Takesure Zamar, Zimpraise Choir, Blessing Jeduthun and Dumi Mkokstad, among others.
Everton says giving young talent exposure was a deliberate move. “We cannot keep talking about growth if we do not create platforms for others. Every established name was once unknown.
“Somebody gave us a chance, and now it is our responsibility to do the same.
“There are many gifted young ministers and musicians in Zimbabwe. Some only need one opportunity, one audience and one moment to be discovered.
“Ekhaya wants to be that bridge.”
His comments are likely to strike a chord in an industry where many rising singers struggle for visibility while major events often recycle the same stars.
And if anyone thinks the organisers are taking things lightly, Everton says they are going all out.
“The team is working with excellence. We are paying attention to sound, stage production, safety, hospitality and every small detail because people deserve quality,” he said.
“We are not just preparing an event, we are preparing an experience. We want families, young people and worshippers to come and leave uplifted.”
Another major attraction will be the cultural fusion on display, with Zimbabwean and South African performers expected to turn the festival into a colourful celebration of heritage, language and identity.
Ndebele, Shona, Kalanga and Tonga influences are expected to mix with South African flavour in a rare showcase of unity through music.
Everton believes faith and culture belong together.
“Our languages, our stories and our traditions are valuable. Culture gives people roots, and faith gives people direction.
“When those two meet in the right way, something beautiful happens,” he said.
Beyond the stage, the festival is expected to pump life into Bulawayo’s economy through transport, food sales, accommodation and tourism activity.
For the City of Kings, Ekhaya Festival is fast becoming more than an annual show — it is becoming a movement.
