Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
FOR the second year running, the city of Bulawayo will experience unique Africa Day celebrations when it hosts the annual Ekhaya Worship Festival.
The inaugural event, which was held on May 25, 2025 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, attracted thousands of worshippers and featured seasoned gospel artistes.
This year, the number of performing artistes is expected to more than double.
For many years, Bulawayo had not hosted a major gospel extravaganza featuring veteran artistes from within and beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
That changed last year.
The Ekhaya festival, designed to coincide with Africa Day celebrations, has created vibrant energy that extends beyond the usual excitement of a city preparing for a significant gospel event.
There is a spiritual undercurrent resonating with hope, progress and homecoming.
“I have longed for such an event for a very long time. The first edition was exciting and I am sure this year will be no different. I will be attending with my entire family,” declared Gugulethu Ndlovu.
Ekhaya Worship Festival is spearheaded by multi-award-winning gospel singer Everton Mlalazi.
The event provides a rare opportunity for singers from different denominations to unite in praise and worship while celebrating African identity.
Set to take place at the Hartsfield Rugby Stadium, the festival is anticipated to attract at least 15 000 people.
“There is no better way to celebrate Africa Day. We appreciate the praise theme that comes with the event. However, for some of us, this is also a perfect business opportunity. When large crowds gather, it creates good business prospects for those of us in food vending,” said Nkululeko Ncube.
As Zimbabwe prepares to celebrate African unity and liberation, this gospel extravaganza promises a parallel celebration of spiritual unity and liberation.
Mlalazi sees a profound connection between the two.
“We are honoured to announce the second edition of what promises to be one of the most spiritually uplifting, community-empowering and musically rich events on Zimbabwe’s gospel music calendar — the Ekhaya Worship Festival 2026, taking place in Bulawayo,” said Mlalazi.
According to him, Ekhaya, meaning home, is more than just a name; it is an invitation. He envisions the festival as a homecoming of faith — a sacred space where people from all walks of life can reconnect with God and their spiritual roots.
Mlalazi’s work has touched lives across borders, earning him local and regional accolades, among them Africa Best Male Artiste of the Year and the Africa Viewers’ Choice Award at the CLIMA in Nigeria.
Joining him at the festival will be an exceptional line-up of gospel ministers, featuring some of the region’s most loved and anointed voices. The line-up blends generations, cultures and worship styles — from choral harmonies to modern praise and traditional gospel vibes.
Rising acts such as Mwenda Shimuzhila, Tehillah Testament, Minister Herman, Vusa Mangena, Conqueror, Vocal Base, Pastor Barak Family, Dunamis Men and Reality 7 will share the stage with seasoned figures, including Canaan Nyathi, Oncemore Six, Loveness Mukutirwa, Mai Mwamuka, Lorraine Maplanka, Takesure Zamar, the Zimpraise Choir, Blessing Jeduthun and Dumi Mkokstad.
The inclusion of both South African and Zimbabwean performers is expected to strengthen cultural exchange, showcasing a rich blend of languages, rhythms and styles rooted in African identity.
“When you put young artistes next to experienced ones, something changes. They learn, they grow and the audience also discovers new voices. That is how industries survive,” said Mlalazi.
According to the organisers, the event is more than just a musical gathering.
A free health expo will be offered, providing medical check-ups, consultations and health education by qualified professionals — just as in the inaugural edition.
This initiative aims to bless the community’s physical well-being, mirroring the holistic vision of spiritual and communal upliftment that resonates with Africa Day ideals.
There will also be a business expo where local vendors and small businesses will also be integrated into the festival, creating a platform for economic activity and cultural expression.
This aspect seeks to empower the community, aligning with Africa Day’s broader goals of self-reliance, unity and progress.
The Ekhaya Worship Festival is emerging as far more than just another gospel concert.
This year’s edition places strong emphasis on nurturing raw talent while enjoying the warm support of the Bulawayo community, which continues to embrace the event as both a cultural and spiritual homecoming.
“We are not building a show; we are building people. The idea is simple: give raw talent a stage, give them dignity and let them grow in front of a real audience . . . The problem is not talent; it is opportunity. Ekhaya is trying to bridge that gap,” said Mlalazi.
