tawandamusarurwa
Features and Arts Editor
ARE you feeling weary and in search of hope?
Well, Everton Mlalazi’s latest offering “In The Presence Volume 2 — God’s Grace” could help restore your soul.
The soul-soothing album comes laden with poignant tracks that will certainly leave one feeling reinvigorated.
The tracks were carefully crafted, with each song composed of a powerful message that smoothly conveys the listener from one composition to the other.
This is the rising singer’s second album, after he dropped the first volume some two years back.
His other outstanding songs, featuring both local and international artistes, have been unleashed as singles.
As has become the norm with Mlalazi’s productions, the sound on the new album is solid. His solid lyrics and backing vocals done by the Worship Therapy puts the icing on the cake.
The effort easily proves the rising and award-winning singer is not a fluke.
Similarly, he seems not to only enjoy preaching through music but also has a strong passion to market his work, which gives him an edge over his counterparts.
“In The Presence Volume 2 — God’s Grace” was officially unveiled during the Easter holiday at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo, which is the singer’s hometown.
The event, which was strictly by invitation, attracted guests from Harare, South Africa, Botswana, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Trace Gospel crew joined the local media in covering the launch.
“This album has songs that resonate with my lifestyle while growing up. Each track is more like telling a story about my journey. I decided to launch the album during Easter so that I can help revive people.
“We have been through a lot since the pandemic hit our shores. Several people have lost their loved ones while others got sick. So, the message is about hope, renewal and staying in Christ,” said Mlalazi.
The opening track “He is Coming Back” sums it all up. In the song, the aspiring musician talks about the coming back of Jesus. It is a track that reassures the flock that the Son of Man did not depart for good but will be returning after building a place for us in the world yonder. He encourages worshippers to hold on to Jesus and vigilantly pray for deliverance.
The song is delivered on a laid-back beat, making it easy to absorb the message.
Enter “I Need Thee”.
The song focuses on his search for mercy and blessings. The track is so comforting, giving hope in times of despair.
It comes in the same mould as “I surrender”, in which the singer is giving his life to Christ and being grateful for the gift of life. Mlalazi pleads with the Lord to take charge of his life.
He equally acknowledges the power of the Creator in the song “In Your Name” and thanks Him for carrying him to where he is today.
“Linamandla” is a danceable track, which is more on the fast pace in terms of beat.
“I named it God’s Grace because it is about me, my journey. I hope those who listen to it will relate and also pick their favourite that resonates with their lifestyle,” said the singer.
He reckons the message of hope is crucial at the moment considering a lot of misfortune has taken place, including accidents and natural disasters such as floods.
“When you listen to my music, you will find that the theme in there is worship, where I just want to thank God for who he has been in my life. God has shown up in my life whenever I thought all had failed. My upbringing is the reason I work so hard. It was not easy. However, in all those difficult times, I have seen the grace of God, and that is the message I want to share,” he said.
Other tracks on “In The Presence Volume 2 — God’s Grace” that were released ahead of the launch as teasers are topping gospel charts on radio.
These include “Ndokutevera Mponesi”; “Nyasha DzaShe”; “Nomakunje”, featuring five-time Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo; and “Zita Renyu”.
“Nomakunje” was on number one for four consecutive weeks on Star FM’s Gospel Greats Top 20 and led the Skyz Metro charts for at least three weeks. “Zita Renyu” topped charts on ZiFM. The songs have also been played on Classic 263 and Trace Gospel channel.
“In The Presence Volume 1” features several artistes, among them Minister Michael Mahendere, Bishop Benjamin Dube and Xolly Mncwango.
The second volume only has one collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
“Volume 3 will be coming soon,” revealed Mlalazi.
Everton is married to Gamuchirai Mlalazi and the couple is blessed with two daughters Natasha and Keisha. He is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Online Reporter