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Tafadzwa Zimoyo recently in Bulawayo
The golden generation of church choirs will not forget Enock Mlalazi, the man whose robust voice dominated hymn after hymn in the Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA).
Fast forward to today, his son Everton Mlalazi is walking the same path his father took in the 1980s, albeit in the professional gospel music genre.
The singer-songwriter, who is currently getting all the attention in the media from Cape to Cairo, is the man of the moment, moving and shaking the musical scene.
At the official launch of his second album held during the Easter Holiday in Bulawayo at City Hall, Everton revealed all.
The latest rendition dubbed “In the Presence 2: God’s Grace”- which is a follow-up to the first volume – was inspired by his life settings.
Basics first.
The event which was strictly by invite saw guests from as far wide as Harare, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America attending, dressing the part as received in the memorandum.
Everton and his administration engaged top local event promoters and stage management company which made the event more classic, epic and professional.
Who knew the City Hall could end up looking like the popular “Symphony Hall” in Boston, US courtesy of Events Evolution with their stage design work.
The shoebox shape auditorium was light and soundproofed to grand acoustics so much that even when the artists was performing, one could clearly hear the notes and even a buzz by the fly, could not deter the sound on stage work.
The hall was completely changed.
Then in this era, who gives gifts, food and drink to guest during their album launch. The opposite is the norm.
For most artistes, during their album launch they auction their album, perform the songs and sometimes have guest performances.
With Everton the case was totally different as he brought the new dimension in the arts industry.
Everyone went home with the album for free which was on flash-stick.
It would be myopic not to mention Trace Gospel crew who flew all the way from South Africa to give the event the glitz and glamour it deserved.
Although the event started 28 minutes late according to the programme, Everton who was backed by outfit Worship Therapy- clad in glistening lilac and green garments while the men stuck to their Oscar’s theme tuxedo black suits- Everton exploded onto the stage and the rest is history.
He literary swept everyone off their feet.
For the 40-year-old musician, even though he is man of the moment, on stage he looked relaxed, was moribund and looking expensive in his purple suit.
First it was the cream-beige like jacket he wore during the first segment were he was interviewed live on stage by radio and television presenter Sibukelele Maphosa, who from afar could be mistaken for Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi.
The interview which was part of the script, saw Everton baring his soul, chronicling his bumpy journey to music. “Family was my foundation to music,” he said.
“I started singing at the age of 5 years. My dad Enock Mlalazi who is 80 years old taught me to sing in church. He would make me join different choirs to gain confidence and experience. He was strict on notes. We would perform at church as a family and it’s sad that my dad never ventured into music professionally.”
Everton said with his friends they formed a group called Lighthouse which was also a backbone to his solo career.
However, his path in music was short-lived due to financial constraints, leaving him to opt for a career as a statistician.
“I would see my father perform in church, in front of the mirror and around the house. I would ask myself who he was performing to because there was nobody else in the house beside us. However, I remember being so interested in the passion that he had which made me say to myself that this was something that I also wanted to do,” said the musician.
“I would then follow what he was doing. Sometimes he would take pictures of me posing as if I was an artiste. In a way, I would say that I was driven by my father.”
He chiefly said, “During the time with Lighthouse crew, we took part in a competition and were tasked to record an album as individual.”
Fast forward now launching “In the Presence: Volume 2” in his hometown, Everton added that the album is packed with songs that resonates his lifestyle while growing up.
“Each song is more of my journey how it inspired me to be where I am today. I launched them at Easter because the motive is aimed at reviving people.
“After everything that people have been through in the past two years like losing loved ones, this album encourages people to stay in Christ. It has been a rollercoaster and there were times when I really enjoyed music because of the love and support and I am thankful for that.”
Well like the musician had said, it is like a series.
“The first album, In the Presence Volume 1, was an introduction of who I am as in that album, there are a lot of collaborations such as Minister Micheal Mahendere, Bishop Benjamin Dube and Xolly Mncwango among others. This came out during the Covid-19, then the Volume 2, there is only one collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, otherwise the rest of the songs are my music and about me. Volume 3 would be coming soon too.”
“I named it God’s Grace because it is about me, my journey. I hope those who listen to it would relate and also pick their favourite which resonates to their lifestyle. Remember we all shall short of glory of God. Grace is upon us.”
Some of the songs on the album include “He is Coming Back Again”, “I need thee”, “I surrender”, “Nomakunje”, “Nyasha Dzashe”, “Zita Renyu”, Ndokutewera Mponesi” and “Linamandla” among others.
“In all these songs, this is me, how I came to be the star you see today. I had to surrender myself to God because I needed thee as I have been hoping that He is Coming Back.”
Surprisingly, Everton said was not talented but he sings his heart out.
“I don’t think you can say that I can sing. I have seen people who can sing. My daughter Natasha sings better than I do. I sing my heart out, I want to interpret my story through music. I draw my inspiration from my church SDA, I used to sing with other groups at university but during my time Lighthouse group was the best and there were in the habit of poaching singers and they approached me and I ended up with them,” he explained.
“So also on my album there is a song we did back called, “He is coming back”, as a gentle reminder after what we went through, eating one meal a day, squatting and all such stuffs. We knew there is hope ahead as the Lord is coming back. My family has been my hope my foundation.”
Everton intermittently performed his new songs from the album during the interview as part of the script.
Later on, second segment it was more of a praise and worship display as he then battled it out old and new song.
“What a launch with different approach,” said 34-year-old Nomuvuyo Nkomo, one of the guest.
“At least now we can relate the music to the person. My favourite is ‘I Need Thee’. The music is inspiring and I am happy Mlalazi has brought new phenomenon in SDA church,” she said.
His daughter Keisha and radio personality Becky K were masters of ceremony who flawlessly sailed through their segment.
However, the album will be out this Friday on all digital platforms and all songs have videos, including live recordings.
Online Reporter