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Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
Bulawayo is buzzing, and the gospel world is taking notice.
Everton Mlalazi’s “In The Presence Vol. 3: Great God” is dominating regional charts, trending on international platforms, and proving impossible to ignore. From local radio to online playlists across Africa, every track is making waves, and fans here in Mlalazi’s hometown are leading the celebrations. A tour is set to follow, and excitement is building — the city’s favourite son is back, and he’s unstoppable.
Mlalazi’s Great God opens with, Muri Mutsvene, featuring Oncemore Six, a slow, reverent hymn that immediately draws listeners into worship.
“Holiness needs space,” he says. “You can’t rush reverence. This song is about slowing down to honour God.”
The harmonies are rich, the pacing deliberate, and the effect is electric — even in quiet moments, the power of worship is palpable.
The album explodes into energy on the title track, Great God, featuring Nigerian gospel star, Moses Bliss. Southern African choral warmth meets West African gospel fire in a song that has listeners raising their hands from Harare to Lagos.
“Working with Moses was effortless,” Mlalazi says.
“We didn’t rehearse conversations — we worshipped. When worship is genuine, the song carries itself.”
Munondida Ndakadaro, slows the tempo, offering intimate reflection on unconditional love.
“I wanted the words to feel like a confession,” Mlalazi explains.
“Sometimes worship is admitting that God loved you before you got it right.” Its honesty has already sparked countless streams, with fans saying it feels like a personal prayer.
Singles, Angeke Kulunge and Mweya Mutsvene, have already stormed the airwaves, making waves locally and regionally. “The songs are meant to connect, not just climb charts,” Mlalazi notes.
Zuva Rangu, featuring Takesure Zama, combines African melodic phrasing with contemporary worship to deliver a song of guidance and hope.
“It’s about trusting God to light your path even when you can’t see clearly,” he says.
“Worship is direction.” Tracks like, Ngaavongwe and Flying High, bring jubilant praise without breaking the devotional flow. “Joy is worship too,” he says. “You can celebrate and still honour God.”
Ekhaya, is a standout, reflecting on God as refuge and home. “That song will probably follow me my whole life,” he says. “It’s my testimony in melody. Every season, Ekhaya, means something deeper.” Bold declarations of faith continue with, Igazi Lemvana, and Ndichamira, songs that remind listeners why Mlalazi is one of Africa’s most celebrated gospel voices.
Perhaps the most moving track is Baba Ndiri Mwana Wenyu, recorded with the Harare MUMC Choir Vabvuwi. “I grew up singing hymns,” Mlalazi says. “Even though I’m from an SDA background, the hymn tradition in the UMC and SDA is spiritually similar. Theology, reverence, structure — it’s the same heartbeat. Recording this song felt like returning home. No rush, no performance — just truth.”
Collaboration, Mlalazi says, is where the album truly shines. “This project was born out of fellowship,” he explains. “Every collaboration came from shared worship, shared history and shared reverence. I didn’t want features for names — I wanted voices that pray the same way I pray.”
Moses Bliss, Takesure Zama, Oncemore Six and Harare MUMC Choir Vabvuwi all deliver performances that elevate the album to new heights. “Collaboration isn’t about flash or hype,” Mlalazi adds. “It’s about prayer meeting craft, and that’s what makes Great God sing.”
The response has been staggering. Within just 20 days, Great God has topped charts, trended internationally, and inspired worship playlists from Bulawayo to Lagos. “I don’t measure success by numbers alone,” Mlalazi reflects. “When worship moves that fast, it shows that the Spirit is carrying it.”
For Mlalazi, this album is about growth, depth and service. “I’ve learned that music isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing better, going deeper, and letting God lead,” he says.
In The Presence Vol. 3: Great God is not just an album — it’s a statement, a journey, and a call to worship that is impossible for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, or Africa to ignore.
Mlalazi is a multi-award-winning Zimbabwean gospel artiste, songwriter and philanthropist. Founder of EM Music and The Vine Music Ministry, his solo career took off during the Covid-19 period with Virtual Hymns.
He has collaborated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Vashawn Mitchell and Janet Manyowa, and continues to influence gospel music across Africa and internationally. Mlalazi holds a Doctorate in Music and Performing Arts from the Global University of Science and Technology, USA, and is celebrated for blending African gospel traditions with contemporary worship.
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