The wait is over: Ekhaya Worship Festival is here!

Langalakhe Mabenab [email protected]

It is all systems go for the Ekhaya Worship Festival taking place in Bulawayo today. The event, which has erected what could possibly be the biggest stage ever seen in the city, has rapidly grown into one of Matabeleland’s biggest gospel gatherings. After attracting more than 8 000 people at its debut edition last year, this year’s festival is expected to draw more than 15 000 worshippers to Hartsfield Sports Grounds.

The event kicks off with a health and business expo, alongside a career guidance session, before the music festival starts at 2pm.

Founded by multi-award-winning gospel musician Everton Mlalazi and his wife-cum-manager Gamuchirai Mlalazi, the festival was created as a homecoming celebration that coincides with Mlalazi’s birthday on May 22.

Speaking ahead of the event, which is free of entry, Mlalazi said Ekhaya remains deeply personal to him because it gives him purpose in ministry.
“The vision behind Ekhaya was to create a worship experience that feels like home, a place where people can genuinely encounter God through music, prayer, and fellowship. I wanted to build something that unites people from different churches, backgrounds and generations under one atmosphere of worship.

“The pillars of Ekhaya are worship, unity, excellence and community impact. We believe worship should not only inspire spiritually, but also uplift communities and create lasting transformation,” said Mlalazi.

He expressed gratitude for the festival’s rapid growth, saying the mission has always been bigger than simply hosting an event.
“We wanted Ekhaya to become a movement that positions Bulawayo as a major centre for gospel music and worship in Africa. We’re excited that we’re walking in that direction.
“Looking ahead, we hope the festival will expand beyond a one-night event into conferences, outreach programmes, mentorship initiatives, and collaborations that empower emerging creatives and ministers. We want people to experience God, but also leave inspired to positively impact their communities,” he said.

Having turned 44 on Friday, Mlalazi described Ekhaya as his birthday gift.
“There’s something powerful about celebrating life, purpose and ministry at home, surrounded by family, friends and people who have supported my journey from the beginning. Every year, Ekhaya feels like a thanksgiving moment for me.
“I don’t take it for granted that God has allowed me to continue serving through music while celebrating another year of life. Bulawayo will always have a special place in my heart because this is where the dream started,” he said.

Beyond the stage, Mlalazi said the festival aims to contribute positively to Bulawayo by creating opportunities for local businesses, inspiring young people and strengthening community unity.
“Ekhaya is about building people, strengthening relationships and reminding the community that Bulawayo has incredible talent and potential,” he said.

The festival also celebrates Mlalazi’s achievements. Earlier this year, he was appointed Non-Executive Director of OK Zimbabwe Limited, bringing more than 15 years of experience in business development, structured finance, corporate governance and organisational transformation. He also recently graduated with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Evidence Management from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
“These accomplishments didn’t come easy. It all comes down to discipline, prayer and having the right support system. Family support has been very important in my journey. Education is something I value because it helps me grow beyond music and prepares me to lead effectively in different spaces.
“I always encourage young people to pursue knowledge while following their passion and purpose,” said Mlalazi.

Meanwhile, this year’s festival promises a star-studded line-up featuring South African gospel stars Zaza Mokhethi, Oncemore Six and Dumi Mkokstad alongside Canaan Nyathi and acclaimed acappella group Reality 7, most who arrived in the city yesterday. Other performers include Dunamis Men, Nkosi Herman, Mai Mwamuka, Conquerors, Pastor Barak Family, Zimpraise, Family Voices, Vocal Ex, Vocal Base, Blessing Jeduthun, Loveness Mukutirwa, Mwenda Shimunzhila, iWorship Zim and Tehillah Testament.

With Oncemore Six and Dumi Mkokstad featuring on his latest album, In The Presence: Great God, Mlalazi said audiences should expect a worship-filled night centred around the project.
“Great God is a very personal and spiritual project for me. The album reflects gratitude, growth and a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness in my life and ministry. At Ekhaya, people should expect a heartfelt worship experience. We’ll definitely perform songs from the new album alongside the creatives I worked with on the project.
“It’ll be a night of celebration, worship and powerful encounters with God,” he said.