“WE must never take it for granted that we have made it into the new year. It is not by our doing, but God’s doing and that is why we must meet and celebrate and praise the Almighty while at it.”
These were award-winning gospel musician Everton Mlalazi’s sentiments in response to his successful hosting of the Celestial Chorus Hymns Night concert held at Glamis Arena on New Year’s Eve.
The concert ushered guest into 2024 by taking them to another level of worship through Zimbabwean and South African gospel music.
Artistes who performed at the concert included renowned South African gospel singers Ayanda Ntanzi, Dumi Mkokstad, Lebo Sekgobela, Mpumi Mtsweni, Janet Manyowa, Rudo Madindi and Canaan Nyathi, among others.
“The concert was aimed at reminding people of the importance of expressing gratitude to God for His protection throughout the year. It was a celebration of life. If we recall, from around 2020 to 2022, we lost so many loved ones due to COVID-19 and one person who attended the concert here, said he was in a comma for 37 days and by God’s grace he made it,” he noted.
“So it was a celebration of life through hymns and that is why we had this event. I am so excited that we had local musicians, the bulk of artistes were from Zimbabwe, we had a few from South Africa. We had an orchestra, a band that was fused with South Africans and Zimbabweans. It was all amazing, we had worship.”
A member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mlalazi has continued to write his own piece of history in showbiz and reflecting on the past year, he reckons the hand of God in his life.
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“The year 2023 was amazing. I won a continental award, (the Africa Male Gospel Artiste of the Year award at Nigeria’s Clima Africa Awards 2023) held at Lagos Television, Agidinmbi, Ikeja, Lagos, was nominated for another (Crown Gospel Awards in South Africa). Recognition encourages us to grow and put more work, but this is God’s work, every platform and opportunity I get I use to further the good news of hope and salvation,” he noted.
“It is both exciting and humbling to be recognised at such a huge stage. I also performed at the Crowne Gospel Awards in South Africa, where I performed with South Africa’s celebrated Spirit of Praise on their inaugural visit to Zimbabwe on November 24. I also launched my second album In The Presence Vol 2 — God’s Grace at Bulawayo City Hall.”
As a way of taking the album to the people, Mlalazi later toured Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Mutare.
He said he will continue the tours in Gweru, Bindura, Chinhoyi and will have another big show in his hometown in Bulawayo.
“I have seen the hand of God in my life, recovery from illness, provision of shelter, clothing and food. Wait until you don’t have these things, that is when you realise you need to be grateful much more,” the multi-lingual praise and worship singer said.
“As such my music is my journey as I always say. I believe we are on a journey to meet our Lord in heaven… Tichazorora tasvika kumusha kusina kuchema, kurwara, rufu kana kushaya. [We shall rest when we reach home where there are no cries, sickness, death or lack].”
Mlalazi said 2024 promises to be an exciting year in which he plans to release his third album as he continues his evangelism mission through music.
“This year marks The Vine choir’s 10-year anniversary and that comes with a massive recording. A number of exciting collaborations on the cards as well so watch the space,” he promised.
Through his music, Mlalazi — who frontlines the Worship Therapy band (the resident band and vocalists for the EM brand) — has created a vibrant gospel sound that is inspired by his love for music and childhood musical influence.
Mlalazi says music is a ministry he uses to evangelise and touch the lives of many, just like how pastors and ministers evangelise through the Bible.
