Online Reporter
Society Reporter
LISTENING to elders, coupled with obedience, is often touted as a sure path to success in life.
This wisdom certainly rings true when one considers testimonies by Everton Mlalazi’s parents. Many have wondered how the fast-rising, multi-award-winning gospel singer has managed to consistently break records and set trends.
Well, ponder no more!
Part of his secret was recently revealed by his father, Enock, during the inaugural Ekhaya Worship Festival held in Bulawayo.
The event, which also served as an occasion to mark the musician’s belated 41st birthday, took place on May 25 in the ZITF Hall 3, coinciding with Africa Day celebrations.
Enock, whose powerful voice dominated hymns in the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church during his prime, said he was not surprised by his son’s remarkable achievements.
The singer has consistently pushed boundaries of what is possible, elevating the standard of gospel music in the country. His innovative approach to album launches and concerts, as founder and director of The Vine and Worship Therapy choirs, has redefined the genre, setting a new benchmark for others to follow.
The musician’s influence has not only been felt domestically but has also extended to regional and international audiences.
Over the years, he has collaborated with renowned South African musicians such as Mabongi Mabaso, Mahalia Buchanan and the Grammy-award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir.
He has also garnered several local and regional music accolades, including the Africa Best Male Artiste of the Year and Africa Viewers’ Choice awards at last year’s CLIMA Africa Awards in Nigeria. “I want to thank my son for his respect,” shared the singer’s father.
“There is not even a single day when I talk to him that he has responded in a disrespectful way. He has never quarrelled or disobeyed me or his mother; I think she can testify to that.
“If he disagrees with what I would have said, he finds a respectful way to approach me and share his thoughts without directly challenging me.”
This, the elderly and soft-spoken patriarch explained, is the reason his son has achieved such success in his work.
“He gets successful in his endeavours through listening and respecting his parents. He is doing that up to now.
“He does not show that he is now a married man and can make his own decisions. Because of his humbleness, we bless him; we give him all the blessings all the time, and we pray for him.” The family patriarch also encouraged people to believe in prayer for solutions to everything in life.
“I even told him (Everton) that at 3am when we pray, let us pray together and they do the same. They also pray for us. There is a strong bond among us as a family and that is how we live; we pray for each other, hence the blessings you see.”
The singer’s wife, Gamuchirai, said: “This year, as a family, we want to celebrate with other people. We decided to celebrate Everton’s father and mother since they are the fountain of our blessings. All the blessings we have in life come from our parents.”
The well-attended and organised Ekhaya Worship Festival added to the singer’s list of milestone achievements.
Running under the theme “Umtombo wez’busiso — The Fountain of Blessings”, the event also served as a platform to empower identified members of the public through its business expo.
This ground-breaking initiative saw the launch of a “Pay It Forward Concept”, where 10 aspiring entrepreneurs were each given US$1 000 as start-up capital.
The expectation is that these beneficiaries will, in turn, fund other budding entrepreneurs with the same amount next year.
This initiative is being done in partnership with a local bank.
“The business and health expo are part of the festival. We are also looking at the issue of health reform and health support by helping people. Old and young people all managed to get free health support,” Everton explained.
“Through the ‘Pay It Forward Concept’, imagine what will happen in the next 10 or so years? About 100 start-ups will begin from this programme. This will make a significant difference in the community.”
The festival united fans and artistes from across the region through music and dance.
Performances came from gospel stars such as Omega Kunou of Spirit of Praise, Sbu Noah, Reality 7, Canaan Nyathi, Takesure Zamar, Mkhululi Bhebhe, Vusa Mangena, Mai Mwamuka and Family Voices.
Mlalazi’s special performance was divided into three segments, featuring the African wardrobe, casual attire and formal wear.
Online Reporter