IT appears grace continue to locate multi-award-winning gospel singer Everton Mlalazi after he was nominated in three categories at the forthcoming Nigeria’s Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (Clima) awards set for October 5 in Nigeria.
The Climas are apex Christian awards in Nigeria, aimed at celebrating Christian professionals and ministers of God with integrity in every sphere of life irrespective of age and gender.
Mlalazi has stood out as a dominant force on the local gospel music scene and beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
This is the second time that Mlalazi’s efforts have been recognised at the Clima awards. Last year, the multi-lingual praise and worship singer was a recipient of the Africa Gospel Artiste of The Year gong at the same awards held at Lagos Television, Agidinmbi, Ikeja, Lagos.
At the 2023 awards, Mlalazi had a double nomination for the Africa Male Gospel Artiste of the Year and Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste of the Year alongside some of the continent’s gospel heavyweights.
The year 2023 appeared to be a good season for Mlalazi as he was also crowned with the Outstanding Gospel Act gong at the annual Bulawayo Arts Awards. He was also nominated for the South Africa’s Crown Gospel Awards under the Gospel Artiste of the Year category.
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A member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mlalazi is basking in the glory of three nominations alongside some of the continent’s gospel heavy weights at this year’s edition of Clima.
He has been nominated for the Southern Africa Gospel Artiste of the Year, Africa Worship Artiste of the Year and Africa Best Male Artist of the
Year.
In the Southern Africa Gospel Artiste of the Year category, Mlalazi battles for honours with seasoned South African gospel diva Winnie Mashaba, Zambia’s Deborah Ngama, South Africa-based Zimbabwean singer Canaan Nyathi and Jumbo of South Africa.
For the Africa Worship Artiste of the Year category, Mlalazi battles for supremacy with MOG Music and the quartet of Nigerian singers, Minister GUC, Onos, Chri Morgan and Preye Odede.
In the Africa Best Male Artist of the Year category, Mlalazi faces stiff competition from Ebuka Songs, Dunsin Oyekan and Frank Edwards all from Nigeria, Israel Mbonyi from Rwanda and compatriot Canaan Nyathi.
According to the awards organisers, voting platform for nomination categories will run from July 1 to August 31 on www.climaafrica.com, the official website of the awards.
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 said music is a ministry he uses to evangelise and touch the lives of many, just like how pastors and ministers evangelise through the Bible.
The Ndokutewera Muponesi singer reckons that winning regional awards, performing at the Crown Gospel Awards in South Africa, launching his second album and touring major cities in Zimbabwe made 2023 a remarkable year for his musical journey.
“2023 was incredible. I sealed a regional award, received a nomination for another, graced the stage at the prestigious Crown Gospel Awards in South Africa and had the honour of performing with Spirit of Praise during their inaugural visit to Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Also, I successfully launched my second album and embarked on a tour covering Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Mutare. To cap off the year, we hosted the celestial chorus hymns night, a memorable event featuring acclaimed artistes such as Ayanda Ntanzi, Dumi Mkokstad, Lebo Sekgobela, Canaan Nyathi, Mpumi Mtsweni, Janet Manyowa and Rudo Madindi, among others.”
Mlalazi said this year collaborations are also in the pipeline. He has begun recording a duet with celebrated local gospel diva, Janet Manyowa.