Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Zimbabwean gospel music continues to make its mark on the continental stage, with top artistes Everton Mlalazi, Dorcas Moyo, and South Africa-based Canaan Nyathi scooping six accolades between them at the African Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (CLIMA) held in Sandton, Johannesburg on Saturday.
The glittering ceremony, hosted at the Maslow Hotel, honoured Christian professionals and ministers of God who have made significant contributions to the faith and the gospel music industry across Africa.
Leading the Zimbabwean charge was Everton Mlalazi, who walked away with three awards: Best Live Recording for Great Is Thy Faithfulness with The Vine, Best Music Impact, and Best Collaboration of the Year for Glory to His Name featuring renowned American gospel artiste Vashawn Mitchell.
In addition to his musical success, Mlalazi received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humanities degree from the Global University of Science and Technology (USA), conferred in collaboration with the CLIMA Awards, in recognition of his contribution to gospel music and ministry.
Mzansi-based singer Canaan Nyathi also flew the Zimbabwean flag high, winning the Africa Indigenous Song of the Year for Ukwenzile, his collaboration with South African gospel powerhouse Spirit of Praise.
Veteran gospel queen Dorcas Moyo capped off a remarkable night for Zimbabwe with two awards — Africa Indigenous Gospel Artist of the Year, honouring her unwavering dedication to traditional gospel music, and the coveted CLIMA Africa People’s Choice Award, a testament to her growing fan base at home and across the continent.
Everton Mlalazi, said to be honoured in such a manner, always reminds him of the reflection of God’s love and grace in the work that he does.
“I am deeply grateful to God for this recognition. I am reminded that every good thing comes from Him (James 1:17), and I accept these honours with a posture of gratitude and responsibility.
“Also, I want to acknowledge the team behind these achievements, my manager who is also my wife, Pretty Mlalazi, and the incredible team that works under her guidance. I am especially grateful for the communities we serve.
“This acknowledgment is a shared blessing and a call to steward this music gift well, to lift others, and to use our influence to promote the Gospel of Christ through music,” said Mlalazi.
Gospel Diva, Dorcas Moyo, who was crowned the Africa Female Gospel Artiste of the Year at last year’s edition, said winning two more awards this year has boosted her confidence and she feels like a conqueror.
“It’s always an unbelievable feeling to realise that you are counted among the best on the continent. I am highly elated to have landed these coveted awards. This is testimony that there is a chord we are striking right, and it has been noticed across Africa,” said Moyo.
Canaan Nyathi said for Ukwenzile to win the Africa Indigenous Song of the Year gong was inevitable.
“One thing I know about myself is that God blessed me with a gift of song writing and on Ukwenzile, the Almighty was showing off. He did it in my life by making me win endless battles and he can still do it in anyone’s life to sail through any bad phase in life.
“The song is very spiritual as it can easily connect with everyone who believes in God. Hence, Ukwenzile was bound to win in that category because it’s a testimony to many who have triumphed in life through trusting God,” said Nyathi.
With these artistes greatly representing the country with pride on a continental stage, the Zimbabwean Gospel music scene is in safe hands, as it is slowly penetrating into the African and global market.
Mathew Masinge