Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The stage is set, the sound systems have been checked, and the spirit of expectancy hangs heavy in the air, the Ekhaya Worship Festival is ready to roll! Months of meticulous planning have culminated in what promises to be a life-transforming event, as organisers, sound engineers, media teams, health personnel, and volunteers have descended on the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre Hall 3 to ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine.
It is official, the inaugural festival is sold out! Yes, you read that right, a free event has managed to sell out. While the event isn’t charging a dime for entry, attendance was tied to online registration, and those digital “tickets” have been snapped up in record time.
What’s the buzz about? The Ekhaya Worship Festival, slated for today is a belated birthday celebration for gospel powerhouse Everton Mlalazi. It is also shaping up to be one of the biggest faith-based music events the city has seen in recent years.
Running from 2pm until 10pm, the event features an all-star line-up of gospel luminaries from across the region and beyond. On the bill are South African gospel giants including Canaan Nyathi and Omega Khunou from the acclaimed Spirit of Praise ensemble, alongside Joyous Celebration’s Sbu Noah. Also gracing the stage will be Once More Six, Reality 7, Takesure Zamar Ncube, UK-based sensation Mkhululi Bhebhe, and Zimbabwe’s own vocal dynamo Abigail Mwembe.
But the festival isn’t just about big names. It is also a springboard for local gospel artistes who will finally have a platform to minister before a large, diverse crowd. This includes the likes of Mai Mwamuka, Pastor Barak, Lorraine Maplanka, Vusa Mangena, Conquerors Afrika, Revealed, VOP Music, Vocal Ex, Snowy, and the powerful Harvest House Choir.
Festival co-organiser Kevin Zhou, popularly known as Kevin The Wedding Planner, shared the team’s excitement and challenges in accommodating the overwhelming response.
“The event is free, and we’ve got thousands of people who registered online to be part of the event. However, we’re overwhelmed as many people are keen to attend even after registration closed. We’ll not turn anyone away, everyone who wants to praise and worship is welcome,” he said.
Ekhaya Worship Festival goes beyond music. It is about holistic wellness, with a Health Expo currently underway on-site. Running from 10am, the expo offers free health screenings, medical consultations, and medication, showing the festival’s commitment to nurturing both spiritual and physical wellbeing.
With its multi-national line-up, community outreach, and free access, the Ekhaya Worship Festival is setting a new standard for gospel events in Zimbabwe. Its success even before the first note is sung, evident in the “sold-out” registration, speaks to the hunger for spiritual revival and wholesome entertainment in the community. Whether you will be there to lift your hands in worship, be moved by powerful testimonies in song, or receive care at the Health Expo, today’s festival promises an unforgettable encounter.
