AS 2024 draws to a close, hearts across the globe echo with gratitude, praise and melodies that filled a year like no other for gospel music enthusiasts.
For lovers of soulful praise and worship, 2024 will forever be remembered as one that multi-award-winning gospel singer Everton Mlalazi continued to touch the lives of many through his music.
As they say music is therapy, Mlalazi fronts The Worship Therapy.
The year 2024 has proved to be a season of milestones, blessings and anthems that have resonated locally and beyond the borders, cementing Mlalazi’s place in the gospel music history.
A member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mlalazi’s musical journey proves to be one of passion, dedication and an unyielding faith.
He has captivated audiences worldwide with his soul-stirring melodies and uplifting messages of hope.
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This year has been his most remarkable yet, as evidenced by the numerous awards he won and his songs dominating local radio charts.
His major highlight was joining South Africa’s most loved gospel ensemble, Spirit of Praise, which is led by renowned and multi-award-winning South African singer Bishop Benjamin Dube.
The multilingual singer told NewsDay Life & Style fans’ unwavering support, love, encouragement and prayers have been the foundation of all he has accomplished in his musical career.
Opening the year 2024 with the Celestial Chorus Soiree live recording
This year began with a momentous debut, the live recording of Celestial Chorus Soiree, featuring the powerful anthem Ndinomira paJordani.
It was humbling to see this performance resonate with so many, garnering over two million views on YouTube and touching lives around the world.
Celebration of The Vine Choir’s 10-year anniversary
In July, we celebrated the 10-year anniversary of The Vine (a choir founded in 2014 under the directorship of Mlalazi), an incredible milestone that brought together local and international voices of excellence and faith.
I was deeply honoured to have multi-award-winning American gospel singer and songwriter Jekalyn Carr and compatriot VaShawn Mitchell, as well as United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean singer Blessing Annatoria Chitapa, joining us for the live recording of The Vine Choir @10 Concert and Live DVD Recording at Harare International Conference Centre.
Their anointed voices and powerful ministry made this celebration truly unforgettable and a testament to God’s faithfulness over the past decade.
The event was also attended by performers from South Africa and Germany.
Being inducted into Africa’s biggest gospel ensemble
Adding another feather to the cap of 2024's achievements was the humbling induction into Spirit of Praise, Africa’s biggest gospel ensemble led by Bishop Benjamin Dube.
Sharing this platform with some of the most anointed voices in gospel music, including compatriot Canaan Nyathi, Dumi Mkokstad, Omega, Mmatema, Mpumi Mtsweni, Takie Ndou, and Sindi Ntombela, who are part of this South Africa-based gospel outfit, has been a profound privilege and a dream come true.
Recognition of hard work
This year has also been marked by the recognition of our hard work, with honours at the prestigious Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (Clima) held in Abuja, Nigeria, in September.
I scooped the Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste Award and the Africa Gospel Music Viewers’ Choice Award, while my wife-cum-manager won the Best Manager in Africa Award.
I am remarkably proud of my manager, whose dedication and excellence were rightfully acknowledged at the Clima awards.
Gamuchirai, your vision and hard work continue to be a guiding light for this EM (Everton Mlalazi) brand. Thank you for everything you do.
In November, I won the Best of Africa Award at the 17th edition of the prestigious Crown Gospel Music Awards held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, South Africa.
The Crown Gospel Awards, often dubbed the “Grammys of Gospel,” are a celebration of divine inspiration, talent, and African culture.
It was a great honour to win this award ahead of Nigeria’s Temitope Bukola David, Eswatini’s Phetsile Masilela, and Lesotho’s Tehilla, who are no pushovers in the world of gospel.
Looking ahead to 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, the plans are more exciting than ever.
We are preparing for a tour with Spirit of Praise, the release of The Vine album and Celestial Chorus Vol 2, as well as In His Presence Vol 3.
More tours with The Vine are on the horizon, and I cannot wait to share this journey with all of you.
As we step into a new year, I look forward to continuing to create music that uplifts and inspires and to giving all glory to God for His unending grace.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making 2024 unforgettable.
Here is to an even brighter and more blessed 2025! God bless you all!
Parting shot
I want to take this moment to thank both the local and international publishing houses and magazines, including Forbes, People, for amplifying our story and the radio stations that played our music, spreading messages of hope and inspiration across the globe.
To my incredible fans, thank you for your unwavering support.
Every stream, every ticket, every message of encouragement, and every prayer has been a part of this incredible journey.
These milestones and awards are not mine alone, they belong to all of us.