Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu recently in BULAWAYO
MULTI award-winning gospel artist, Everton Mlalazi, fulfilled his promise of Ekhaya Worship Festival as he united fans from across the region through music and dance in celebrating his belated birthday.
Mlalazi, who turned 41 on May 22, hosted his birthday party in Bulawayo at the ZITF Hall.
It was well attended by local prominent personalities, who included ZIFA chairman Nqobile Magwizi, Madam Boss and Yahya Good Vibes, among others.
The well-choreographed event saw a star studded line up of artists who included Canaan Nyathi, Mukhuli Bhebhe, Mai Mwamuka, Omega Kunou, Oncemore Six, Vusa Mangena and Dunamis Men.
The artists had a good day in the office as they dished out crowd favourite tunes, leaving fans clamouring for more.
The climax of the night came when Mlalazi and mother sang and danced together.
He was later joined on the stage by his family, who churned birthday songs led by his daughters Keisha and Natasha, while his wife delivered a video surprise of their toddler Nathan playing a piano, which mesmerised many.
His father, Enock Mlalazi, said:
“He (Everton) has obeyed us, he has taken all the rules, I think he was quoting the verses that obey your parents.
“We bless him all the time, we pray every morning.
“They pray for us as well and we pray for them as a family,” he said.
Everton said the whole idea of the festival was not just to bring artists together but about empowering each other.
“It was a big programme, artists coming to support. My brother from Spirit of Praise Canaan Nyathi, Janet Manyowa, Jona Chivasa, Takesure Zamar, all coming to Bulawayo.
“We hosted the Ekhaya Worship Festival and the idea is to bring my music back home where I originally come from.
“To share the good news of salvation for the second coming of Christ and when He eventually comes, we will go to Heaven.
“The whole idea started in 2022 when we did a homecoming show and the mission now was to push so that it can’t be about music but other things.
“It’s a holistic approach which should also cover health,” he said.
The musician said he also intends to empower a lot of people.
“We also had businesses from Bulawayo which were exhibiting and we also had partnerships with banks.
“It’s a programme we are calling ‘Pay It Forward Concept’ where ten individuals were identified for start-ups.
“When they begin their start-ups, and when we return next year, they should be handing the cheque to another person.”
Mai Mlalazi said the festival was a demonstration of love.
“I am humbled by your coming to celebrate with us.
“The real reason why we are here is because we believe in all of you.
“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,” she said.
Mlalazi belted out songs like ‘Hakuna Wakaita Sa Jesu’ and ‘Ekhaya,’ among other songs.
