Online Reporter
Melissa Mpofu [email protected]
“Everton Mlalazi has done a wonderful thing for the people of Bulawayo.” That sentiment echoed across social media platforms and the Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Monday, Africa Day, as thousands gathered for the second edition of the Ekhaya Worship Festival, a spirit-filled celebration that has quickly grown into one of the city’s biggest gospel events.
What started as a homecoming celebration for Harare-based award-winning gospel musician Everton Mlalazi has grown into a major spiritual event bringing communities together through worship, music, and opportunity.
Following a successful indoor debut last year, this year’s edition moved to the expansive Hartsfield grounds and drew an overwhelming response. Fifteen thousand people reportedly registered before the event, and many more signed up on site. Attendance easily surpassed last year’s numbers.
The free event, deliberately designed to allow everyone to worship and celebrate without barriers, featured top gospel acts from Zimbabwe and South Africa while also incorporating a health and business expo, career guidance sessions, and free medical services for the elderly.
For many, the festival represented far more than entertainment. One of the event’s MCs, Becky K, who has been part of the festival since its inception, said watching its growth has been emotional and inspiring.
“When the event started, it was meant to be like a homecoming where Everton Mlalazi comes back to give back to his hometown, Bulawayo, a city that raised and groomed him. He then discovered that there was a need to host a big gospel festival for his people, and that’s how Ekhaya Festival was born.
“Hosting the event for the second time is amazing because every edition feels different. The atmosphere and energy are never the same. You can tell that people in Bulawayo are hungry for a relationship with Christ, and they know they can experience that at the Ekhaya Festival,” she said.
Backstage, renowned events curator and arts practitioner Saimon “Mambazo” Phiri said the festival showcased the power of collaboration within Bulawayo’s creative sector. Adding to the event’s platinum sponsor, several local service providers worked together on staging and production, something he believes contributed to the event’s success.
“The spirit of collaboration results in what people saw and envied at the Ekhaya Festival. My cardinal rule is collaborate or die,” he said.
Beyond the spectacle, Mambazo said events of this scale create opportunities for creatives while exposing the economic potential of the arts sector.
“Events and opportunities of this nature not only bring excitement, but also keep the creatives busy while keeping the pulse of the arts sector on point. They also reveal existing gaps for the cultural creative industry and its potential revenue streams.”
He also dismissed the long-held belief that Bulawayo audiences do not support local events.
“People support quality. You just have to give them what they want,” he said.
Among those in attendance was musician Mzoe7, who described the festival as one of the most professionally executed events he has witnessed in the city.
“It was a great concert, from the stage and sound to the organisation. It showed how teamwork brings the best results. Seeing Everton attending even the sound checks for other artistes showed how much of a team player and leader he is, and he proved it on stage as well,” said Mzoe7.
He praised the atmosphere, saying the festival created a complete experience for the city.
“The whole city experienced greatness through the festival, from health to business to music; it was magnificent. This is a positive boost to the industry, and I’d love to congratulate everyone who made it possible.”
Another MC, Washie The MC, who has been part of the festival’s journey since its early days as a smaller “Homecoming” event, described this year’s edition as unforgettable.
“What a powerful and historic event. I’m honoured to have played a part in hosting thousands in worship. I’ve been part of this journey since 2023, when the event started as the Homecoming, then we held an album launch at the City Hall before hosting the first Ekhaya Worship Festival last year. I can safely say this year’s event was mind-blowing, considering my experience on stage. The attendance was amazing, overwhelming in fact.”
Wanting to fully absorb the atmosphere, Washie The MC, after his five-hour shift, stepped away from the stage and joined the crowd. This experience, he said, was magical.
He credited the event’s success to aggressive and consistent marketing.
“We did roadshows and pushed the event a lot on social media. We also did physical marketing, meeting and interacting with people to raise awareness, something that led to excitement within the community.”
For UK-based gospel musician Loveness Mukutirwa, who performed in Bulawayo for the first time, the festival was deeply moving.
“It’s been such an experience, we had a good time. It was nice seeing so many artistes from different areas coming together for one cause, raising the name of Jesus high. I also managed to meet other ministers.”
Bulawayo gospel musician Nkosi Herman said the festival may well rank among the standout events of the year.
“It’s been amazing being part of Ekhaya Festival, one of the best events of 2026. Hearing thousands sing ‘UJesu Ngiyamthanda’ (his song due for release) at the Ekhaya Worship Festival was a moment my team and I will never forget. The atmosphere was filled with worship, love, and the undeniable presence of God.”
The overwhelming response to the song during his performance has now inspired its official release.
Gamuchirai Mlalazi, Everton’s wife and manager, thanked everyone who supported and attended the event.
“My heart is completely and absolutely full. Thank you all for making this dream come to life,” she told the audience while also acknowledging sponsors.
