THE rhythmic pulse of gospel music resounded across the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, South Africa, as Zimbabwe’s gospel singer Everton Mlalazi basked in the glow of a triumph at the Crown Gospel Music Awards on Sunday night.
With his name etched on the coveted Best of Africa Award at the 17th edition of the prestigious awards, the multi-award-winning gospel sensation again cemented his place among the continent’s gospel greats.
The Crown Gospel Awards, often dubbed the “Grammys of Gospel,” are a celebration of divine inspiration, talent and African culture.
For Mlalazi, the award comes barely a month after he and wife-cum-manager Gamuchirai won three awards at the prestigious Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards in Abuja, Nigeria, recently.
In Nigeria, Mlalazi scooped the Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste Award and the Africa Gospel Music Viewers’ Choice Award, while his wife won the Best Manager in Africa Award.
As the celebration mood was about yet to fade, it was rekindled in Mzansi on Sunday as Mlalazi shrugged off formidable competition from Nigeria’s Temitope Bukola David, Eswatini’s Phetsile Masilela and Lesotho’s Tehilla to clinch the Best of Africa Award, proving he is a force to reckon with on the African gospel scene.
Keep Reading
- The Vine sets the bar too high
- The Vine sets the bar too high
- Mlalazi fans in Troubeck resort treat
- Mlalazi fans in Troubeck resort treat
The elated Mlalazi, who fronts The Worship Therapy, in his acceptance speech on the stage as he received the gong, said the award was for all those who believed in his music.
“Wow, wow, wow, thank you, thank you so much. Thank you, South Africa, for honouring arts, for honouring gospel musicians outside of South Africa and thank you, Crown Gospel Awards, for honouring us and to Zimbabwe; this is yours,” he said, his voice filled with happiness.
His trophy gleaming under the stage lights, he continued, "I want to thank everybody who has been part of my journey. I want to thank the group, The Vine, I want to thank Spirit of Praise. I want to thank my wife, who has always been supportive. By the way, she is my manager.
“She has always been with me through thick and thin. The team behind her and everybody who has been supportive. Thank you so much and God bless you. Thank you.”
Mlalazi’s journey to this moment proves to be one of passion, dedication and an unyielding faith that resonates deeply in his music.
For Mlalazi, who has garnered fans across the globe with his soul-stirring melodies and messages of hope, this year, his light has shone the brightest if the number of awards he has received and his songs that are topping the local radio charts are anything to go by.
In a follow-up interview with NewsDay Life & Style yesterday, Mlalazi said: “This is not just a win for me, but for Zimbabwe and everyone who believes in the power of gospel music to uplift and transform lives.”
Mlalazi’s musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings in Bulawayo to leading worship sessions that leave audiences spellbound. His rise is a testament to his authenticity and unwavering commitment to his craft.
Songs like Mwari Hamushanduki and Zita Renyu have not only topped charts but have als became anthems of faith and resilience.
For now, Zimbabwe and the region at large celebrate its son, whose music continues to heal, inspire and bring people closer to the divine.