Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
BULAWAYO was brought to a standstill on Africa Day as thousands of Gospel music lovers flooded Hartsfield Rugby Grounds for the explosive second edition of the Ekhaya Worship Festival, and now fans are demanding an even BIGGER venue for next year’s showpiece.
The festival, spearheaded by multi-award-winning Gospel star Everton Mlalazi, pulled a staggering crowd of more than 15 000 worshippers from across Bulawayo and beyond, turning the venue into a sea of praise, worship and celebration.
But while fans enjoyed electrifying performances from South African and local Gospel heavyweights, many believe Hartsfield can no longer contain the rapidly growing event.
Calls are now growing louder for organisers to take the 2027 edition to the iconic Barbourfields Stadium, popularly known as BF, a venue capable of hosting over 30 000 people.
The star-studded festival featured powerhouse performances from Dumi Mkokstad, Zaza Mokhethi, Canaan Nyathi, Takesure Zamar Ncube, Oncemore Six, IWorship, Nkosi Herman and host Mlalazi himself.
With Mlalazi already confirming that the third edition is set for May 23, 2027, fans have wasted no time lobbying for a larger venue.
One attendee, Thamsanqa Magagula, took to social media shortly after the event, saying Ekhaya had officially become “too big” for Hartsfield.
“We really had fun at Ekhaya. The experience was overwhelming because people attended in massive numbers. I think it’s high time the event moves to Barbourfields to accommodate more people. Bulawayo loves Gospel music and people can’t afford to miss an event of this magnitude,” said Magagula.
Another worshipper, Angela Sibanda, echoed the same sentiments, saying overcrowding became a major talking point during the festival.
“We were too crowded at the venue. Next year we need a much bigger place that can accommodate all of us comfortably. Maybe BF can do the job. But besides that, I really enjoyed seeing some of my favourite Gospel musicians live,” she said.
Other venues being suggested by fans include Khumalo Hockey Stadium, Harvest House International Conference Centre and even a return to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds.
Despite organisers remaining tight-lipped about next year’s venue, Mlalazi hinted that Ekhaya’s vision is far bigger than just a one-night concert.
“We want Ekhaya to become a movement that positions Bulawayo as a major centre for Gospel music and worship in Africa.
“Looking ahead, we hope the festival will expand beyond a one-night event into conferences, outreach programmes, mentorship initiatives and collaborations that empower emerging creatives and ministers,” said Mlalazi.
If this year’s massive turnout is anything to go by, Ekhaya Worship Festival may soon become one of Zimbabwe’s biggest Gospel gatherings, and Barbourfields could be its next spiritual home.
derick.khumalo