Online Reporter
Prince Mushawevato
A NEW ERA is dawning for gospel music lovers in Zimbabwe after nearly two decades without a “major” annual worship event on the national calendar.
What began as a modest homecoming festival in Bulawayo has morphed into one of the country’s most anticipated gospel events.
While respectable gospel shows are still being held — notably, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) — organisers rarely attempt to secure larger, more spacious venues.
Most indoor venues in Harare and other major cities like Gweru, Mutare and Bulawayo have a maximum capacity of about 5 000 people, or even less.
Consequently, for nearly 20 years, there has not been a gospel music event that brought together a crowd exceeding 5 000 under one roof.
The Ekhaya Worship Festival, however, has changed this narrative.
The turnout at the second edition of the event ranks among the best in recent times, rivalling popular secular events such as Doek and Slay.
For the second year running, Bulawayo hosted this unique Africa Day celebration.
On May 25, the City of Kings and Queens came alive as thousands of people thronged the Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
This year’s edition attracted approximately 15 000 worshippers, not only from Bulawayo and its surrounding areas but also from as far afield as Mutare, Harare and Masvingo.
For years, gospel fans have longed for concerts modelled along events such as the Ngaavongwe Music Explosion and Nguva Yakwana, which dominated the nation for years.
The Ngaavongwe Music Explosion, a highly popular annual extravaganza, was spearheaded by Elias Musakwa in the 1990s, while Nguva Yakwana was founded by Admire Kasi.
These events attracted top-tier gospel singers from Zimbabwe and beyond, including South African stars like Rebecca Malope, Buhle Nhlangulela, Tembinkosi Booi, the late Vuyo Mokoena and Lundi Tyamara.
Prominent local acts included Machanic Manyeruke, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Mercy Mutsvene, Baba naMai Patai, Ruth Mapfumo, Prince Mafukidze, Vabati VaJehovah and Kudzi Nyakudya.
These festivals played a big role in cultivating both raw and established talent.
However, these events eventually faded.
An attempt to revive one of them a few years ago proved unsuccessful due to lukewarm public response. Now, years after those two extravaganzas ended, the Ekhaya Worship Festival — the brainchild of multi-award-winning gospel singer Everton Mlalazi — appears to have revived the golden era of live gospel music in Zimbabwe.
The event also doubles as a birthday celebration for Mlalazi, who hosts a free luncheon for the elderly as part of the festivities.
“I give it up to my brother Everton Mlalazi. I love his heart and his passion for music,” said singer and composer Canaan Nyathi, who delivered a lively performance.
“Music is peace, and as you can see, the Ekhaya Festival is packed. It is an amazing experience that is transforming lives — even our artistes are getting a platform to sing in front of thousands. I cannot rate this festival against any other.”
The Ekhaya Festival, designed to coincide with Africa Day, generates a vibrant energy that extends beyond simple excitement.
The event carries a spiritual undercurrent that resonates with hope, progress and homecoming.
What sets this affair apart is its unique, holistic structure. Beyond worship, the festival hosts a free health expo, where qualified professionals provide medical check-ups, consultations and health education.
Consultations began as early as 8am and hundreds of attendees took advantage of the service.
“I received medical assistance for the leg and back aches I have suffered from for years,” said an elated Gogo Ncube.
“I lacked the funds to seek treatment previously, so I am glad I had the chance to be treated today.”
The event also featured career guidance sessions for learners and a business expo where sponsors, local vendors and small businesses exhibited their products and exchanged ideas.
By empowering the community, the festival aligns with the broader goals of Africa Day of self-reliance, unity and progress.
“The festival is preaching the gospel of love and unity,” said Munya Chikwanda of Yakha, who handles marketing and business development.
“It is about reaching out to the community and assisting the elderly; it is truly a platform for collaboration.”
The main worship experience remained the event’s centrepiece, as local and visiting artistes ministered through song and dance.
The performances were so compelling that the crowd braved the chilly night air to stay until the end.
The star-studded line-up included South African gospel icons Zaza Mokhethi, Dumi Mkokstad and Oncemore Six.
Local talent was represented by Mlalazi himself, Canaan Nyathi, Takesure Zamar Ncube, Tehillah Testimony, Vusa Mangena and Nkosi Herman.
Other notable performers included Mai Mwamuka, Lorraine Maplanka, Minister Loveness Mukutira and groups such as Dunamis Men, Vocal Base, Pastor Barak Family, Family Voices, ZimPraise, Reality 7 and Vocal Ex.
Before his live set, Mlalazi took the stage with his wife and manager Gamuchirai, and their children — Natasha, Keisha and Nathan-Ephraim — for a special birthday moment. He then opened his set with “Ekhaya”, a song symbolising his return home to Bulawayo. His performance reached a crescendo when he was joined on stage by Oncemore Six for the song “Muri Mutsvene.”
For Mlalazi, Ekhaya — meaning home — is more than just a name; it is an invitation.
He envisions the festival as a “homecoming of faith”, a sacred space where people from all walks of life can reconnect with God and their spiritual roots.
“Every year, Ekhaya feels like a thanksgiving moment for me,” Mlalazi said.
“I don’t take it for granted that God has allowed me to continue serving through music while celebrating another year of life.”
