Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena and Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre Hall 3 became a hive of praise and worship on Africa Day, with thousands of people gathering for the official launch of the Ekhaya Worship Festival.
Bulawayo witnessed the birth of an event, by award-winning Gospel singer Everton Mlalazi, that has raised the bar higher in the local gospel music and worship scene.
From the stage setup, sound system, large screen visuals and proper audience segmentation, the overall arrangement of the event was top tier as it was complemented by over 8 000 people who graced the occasion.
For a debut edition, the impressive turnout of worshippers and music lovers from across the country, signalled a resounding success for Ekhaya Worship Festival.
The launch did not attract only a massive crowd but also brought out some of Zimbabwe’s most beloved socialites, including Yayah Good Vibes, Madam Boss and Kevin The Wedding Planner, who were all spotted mingling with fans and enjoying the powerful performance on stage.
Notable delegates who were also in attendance were Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi, Pan Jap founder Brighton Ushendibaba, Solusi University Vice Chancellor Professor Khumbulani Mpofu, Gospel diva Janet Manyowa, amongst others.
Vocal Ex, who were the main band backing almost all artistes on the night, opened the proceedings with an electrifying performance, which set the tone high for the night.
The Mlalazi family on stage.
Mai Mwamuka, who recently released her Hymns Project Volume 1, took to the stage after Vocal Ex and utilised the opportunity to sing songs on her new offering.
South African urban Gospel artist muso Oncemore Six proved to be one of the favourite performers for the night as his soft worship music got many on their knees, with the song “Nginobufakazi” becoming a testimonial sermon to many whom God has blessed abundantly.
At exactly 7pm, South Africa’s Spirit of Praise member Omega Khunou brought a touch of experience on the stage as his set was mainly based on worship. A major highlight of his performance was when he did a cover of “Retshepile Wena”, a piece originally performed by his late close friend Neyi Zimu.
After Khunou, entered Canaan Nyathi who brought the house down delivering a powerful performance that had the crowd on their feet and chanting for an encore. His songs, “Baba Ziveze” and “Ukwenzile”, were on point.
United Kingdom-based Mkhululi Bhebhe continued with a praise flair after Nyathi — as he belted out some of his signature tunes like “Ichokwadi” and “Namata”. What made his set more exciting was the chemistry he got on stage as he was backed by his former Vocal Ex group members.
The man of the moment, Everton Mlalazi, who was celebrating his belated birthday, took to the stage after Bhebhe’s performance.
His much anticipated display was the major highlight of the night as it revealed great investment and rehearsal time on his craft.
The birthday boy performed some of his fine songs like “Ndinomira PaJordani”, “Apo Mambo Opinda”, “Hakuna Usiku”, “Inyang’ Enkulu” and “Sewakhile”, to mention a few.
Other performers for the night included South Africa’s Reality 7, who brought a different vibe to the gig as their fusion of Gospel and Imbube got fans on their feet and singing along to fine tunes.
Joyous celebration’s Sbu Noah and Takesure Zamar Ncube were trusted to close the event, which ended at 12 midnight and they displayed splendid performances.
His wife, Gamuchirai, went on stage with a surprise from the family. She presented a yesteryear video of their daughters singing in church and, to crown it all, their youngest child Nathan was featured playing a piano.
“This birthday is all about Everton’s parents. Thank you so much for bringing up my husband and we promise to keep the legacy. Watch this space as Nathan Ephraim is the next EM,” she said.
The whole family was dressed in themed traditional wear to mark the birthday settings.
On the side-lines of the festival, Mlalazi said the creation of Ekhaya Worship Festival was all about returning home in Bulawayo and giving back to the community.
“Ekhaya is all about me coming back to the community where I grew up. I am from Nyamandlovu, with Bulawayo being my hometown, and I saw it fit to come and plough back to the society that raised me.
“The idea of this festival came from my wife Gamuchirai, who is also my manager. She has been listening closely to my dreams and she is playing a huge role in making sure all my wishes come to fruition,” said Mlalazi.
He further revealed that Ekhaya is more than a festival as it is also an exhibition that increases business traffic in the city.
“It has to be noted that for this festival to become a success we collaborated with a number of companies and stakeholders who had their products exhibited before the festival started. We also had a health expo, which saw people being checked up and given medication for free. As it grows, the festival looks forward to bringing investment and growth to the people of Bulawayo and spread the word of hope to everyone. We had over 8 000 people including locals and those who came out of the city. This brought massive business in terms of hospitality and those in fast-food investment,” said Mlalazi.
Mlalazi’s major highlight was when his wife took to the stage alongside their daughters and sang a happy birthday song for him.
According to Mlalazi, his blessings come from the Biblical discourse on Ephesians 6 Verse 2, as he believes that honouring and respecting his parents has brought him so much blessings and success.
In his speech, Everton’s father Enock Mlalazi echoed the above sentiments as he said, “In all the years I have lived, my son has been respectful to me. His blessings come from that. Although he is married, he approaches me if he needs any assistance before making any major decisions. Once a child honours their parents, God becomes satisfied and blesses them.”
In the spirit of giving back, the festival collaborated with CBZ Bank and managed to select ten individuals in need and blessed them with US$1 000 each for different business start-ups.
As a way of returning the favour, the selected ten will then bless others next year at the festival with the same amount, for the spirit of giving, hope and growth to continue being the cornerstone of the festival.
With the festival announcing itself on a high note, next year’s event is predicted to be much bigger, better and surpass the bar that has been raised higher.
