Turning dreams to reality: Everton Mlalazi returns home to launch Ekhaya Worship Festival

Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

THERE is little left that Everton Mlalazi hasn’t achieved in the local and international gospel scene — from high-profile global collaborations that many artistes only dream of, to receiving numerous accolades. Yet, the multi-award-winning gospel musician believes he still has more to offer in order to fully realise his long-held dreams.

The Harare-based artiste, a musical leader within the local Seventh-day Adventist Church and director of two beloved gospel ensembles — The Vine and Celestial Chorus — is preparing to return to his roots in Bulawayo to launch a new annual festival.

Dubbed the Ekhaya Worship Festival, the inaugural edition will take place at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Hall 3 on Africa Day (25 May). The event, which is free to attend, runs under the theme Umthombo Wezibusiso (The River of Blessings), capturing the spirit of the festival as a flowing, life-giving source of hope, healing, and divine favour.

Tipped to become one of Zimbabwe’s premier gospel events, the festival boasts a star-studded line-up. Performers including Joyous Celebration’s Sbu Noah, Takesure Zamar Ncube, Mkhululi Bhebhe, Gospel sensation Once More Six (South Africa) Reality 7, as well as Spirit of Praise’s Canaan Nyathi , Omega Khunou and Xolisa Kwinana.

An exciting mix of local talent will feature as well, including Mai Mwamuka, Pastor Barak, Lorraine Maplanka, Conquerors Africa, VOP Music, Revealed, Vusa Mangena, Vocal Ex, Sipho Snowy, and Harvest House — leading worship through psalms and praise.

The concept of the Ekhaya Worship Festival stems from the dreams of a young boy — Everton Mlalazi — who grew up in Nyamandlovu, Matabeleland North. As a child, he harboured a deep desire to sing in church programmes and dreamt of one day performing in Bulawayo’s major gospel gatherings.

“Over the years, I’ve carried a dream in my heart to return to Ekhaya koBulawayo and organise a concert that unites people from all walks of life in praise to one God. It’s a vision rooted in my love for my roots, my faith, and my passion for creating a space where souls can come together in worship, reflection, and community. This festival is more than just an event; it’s a heartfelt mission to bring people closer to God through music, unity, and shared faith,” said Mlalazi.

When he staged his Homecoming concert in Bulawayo in 2022, Mlalazi said the experience deeply moved him and reaffirmed his desire to do more for the local community. As such, his dream is to grow the festival beyond Bulawayo, expanding it across Matabeleland — emakhaya — returning to the roots he holds dear and building a lasting legacy of faith, music, and fellowship.

Mlalazi credits the birth of the festival to his wife and manager, Gamuchirai, who listened patiently to his ideas and visions for the event. He said her encouragement was instrumental in bringing the Ekhaya Worship Festival to life.

“I consider myself incredibly blessed to have found a partner who truly understands and supports my calling. The Bible says, ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing,’ and I can attest to that fully. My wife is not only my life partner but also my creative collaborator and confidant. She pushes me to dream bigger and think beyond limits.

“Her relentless passion, creative insight, and unwavering support ensure that my ideas are brought to life. Without her, many of the visions I have might never have materialised. I am grateful every day for her presence in my life — she is truly a blessing and an essential part of the journey we are on together, especially with the Ekhaya Worship Festival,” he said.

Despite the challenges involved in organising such a large-scale event, Mlalazi remains hopeful that the festival will become a cherished annual tradition in Bulawayo.

“We recognise the many logistical and organisational challenges involved in making this event happen year after year, but our passion and commitment drive us to keep this vision alive. The ultimate goal is to establish the festival as a celebrated gospel extravaganza that people look forward to each year — uniting hearts in praise, worship, and fellowship, and strengthening our collective faith journey,” he said.

Adding a special touch to the festival, a Free Health Expo will also be held, open to all attendees. The initiative will offer free medical check-ups, screenings, and consultations with healthcare professionals, health education, wellness information, basic treatments, and referrals.

“We believe that worship and spiritual growth are interconnected with physical well-being. As such, the festival is not just a spiritual event but also a movement towards caring for our community’s physical health — creating a space where faith, health, and community come together in unity,” said Mlalazi.

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