Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Gospel music lovers in Bulawayo are set for a spiritually uplifting experience as the Ekhaya Worship Festival returns for its second edition on Africa Day.
Led by gospel musician Everton Mlalazi, the festival continues to grow beyond a music event into a platform for worship, fellowship and community engagement. The Tsholotsho-born artiste’s initiative has become a homecoming of sorts, drawing believers from across the region.
The event brings together worshippers from Bulawayo and surrounding areas, creating a space for prayer and gospel music while also promoting local and regional talent. Organisers have lined up a strong list of performers for this year’s edition, with more names expected to be announced. Among the confirmed acts is South African gospel singer Zanele “Zaza” Mokhethi, who returns to Bulawayo after performing at last year’s event alongside Spirit of Praise.
Oncemore Six is also set to return after headlining the inaugural edition. Known for songs such as Ohlonitshwayo, Themba Lendawo Yonke and Umkhuleko WeBandla, the artiste is expected to deliver another engaging performance.
Takesure Zamar Ncube will also be part of the line-up and is expected to perform his latest song, Rubatsiro, which carries themes of faith and spiritual connection.
Commenting on his return to the festival, Ncube said: “Being part of Ekhaya is overwhelming because I was there at its launch last year. The event was deeply spiritual and brought people together in praise and worship. It’s a great privilege that my brother Mlalazi has included me again. I’m looking forward to an even more powerful and exciting encounter,” said Ncube.
There are also expectations of a joint performance of Zuva Rangu, a collaboration between Ncube and Mlalazi featured on Mlalazi’s album, In The Presence 3: Great God. Other artistes set to perform include Dumi Mkokstad, Canaan Nyathi, and a cappella group Reality 7, known for blending contemporary gospel with traditional isicathamiya. Additional acts announced include Dunamis Men, Conquerors, Pastor Barak Family, Zimpraise, Family Voices, Mai Mwamuka, Lorraine Maplanka, Vocal Ex and Blessing Jeduthun.
Mlalazi is also expected to perform songs from his latest album, Great God, released earlier this year. The project focuses on worship and praise, with themes of devotion and spiritual renewal.
One of the organisers, Kevin Zhou, said preparations for the festival are progressing well, with strong interest already recorded.
“We’re looking at hosting twice the number of audience from last year, so there’s lots to do. We’re so grateful to our sponsors who are making all this possible and are excited about more partners that are coming on board to make this a success as the weeks go by,” said Zhou.
Beyond the music, the festival will continue its community-focused initiatives. Last year’s edition featured a free health expo offering medical services, and organisers say the outreach will be expanded this year.
“We’re carrying on with our medical outreach as we did last year, as well as the elderly people and universities outreach. We have just made all these outreaches bigger for this year because we saw the impact made last year.
This year, the expo is also going to open up to more stakeholders as we want to use it as a platform for career guidance and business development,” said Zhou.
