MULTI-AWARD-WINNING gospel sensation Everton Mlalazi and his wife-cum-manager Gamuchirai are celebrating their harmonious synergy in music and life following their outstanding triumph at the prestigious Christian Legendary and Impact Makers Awards (Clima) held in Abuja, Nigeria recently.
The couple has continued to raise the gospel music bar high against the continent's gospel music heavyweights, bringing home three awards, with Everton also proved to be a fans’ favourite after he scooped the Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste Award and the Africa Gospel Music Viewers’ Choice Award, while Gamuchirai won The Best Manager in Africa Award.
Held at Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Center in Abuja last week, the Clima are apex Christian awards in Nigeria, aimed at celebrating Christian professionals and ministers of God across the continent with integrity in every sphere of life irrespective of age and gender.
While for Everton, who fronts The Worship Therapy, his accolades came through votes, being voted for by mostly Zimbabweans and fans from other countries, for his wife, Gamuchirai, it was different, they was no voting.
The accolade was a result of her outstanding managerial character under the EM (Everton Mlalazi) Music Ministry.
Everton was nominated for the Southern Africa Gospel Artiste of the Year, Africa Worship Artiste of the Year and Africa Best Male Artist of the Year.
He shrugged off stiff competition from Ebuka Songs, Dunsin Oyekan and Frank Edwards all from Nigeria, Israel Mbonyi from Rwanda and compatriot Canaan Nyathi based in South Africa to clinch the Africa Best Male Artist of the Year.
At the same awards, Mutare-based gospel diva Dorcas Moyo emerged as Africa’s Best Female Artiste after she battled for supremacy from Nigerians Mercy Chinwo, Yadah, Kenyan Janet Otleno, South African Winnie Mashaba and Deborah Lukalu from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style yesterday after their return from Abuja, Gamuchirai said winning awards on an international stage and representing the country’s rich gospel music heritage was an impressive milestone in their gospel music journey.
“We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering faithfulness of the Lord, our God. It is solely by His grace that we have experienced these blessings. I truly appreciate how the Lord orchestrates everything in His perfect timing,” she said.
Gamuchirai thanked their fans, family and God for the continuous support that has propelled them to the pinnacle of gospel music.
“We are deeply humbled and grateful to all our fans, both young and old, in Zimbabwe and beyond, including those in Nigeria, Europe, America, and Australia. These supporters are the wind beneath our wings, enabling us to shine and soar to new heights every day,” she said, adding that such encouragement inspired them to persevere and achieve their goals in the competitive music industry.
Receiving the prestigious awards has reinforced Gamuchirai’s belief that the sky is the limit.
“I have also come to understand that hard work yields results, even when conducted behind the scenes. I am sincerely grateful to the Clima Africa Awards and their board for recognising our efforts in southern Africa,” she noted.
Sharing the secret behind Everton’s continued success not only at the awards, Gamuchirai said they give all the glory and honour to God, who continually guides them in the right direction.
“We believe in putting our whole heart and strength into whatever we undertake, a principle we actively practice in the. We can achieve all things through Christ, who strengthens us,” she said.
The Mlalazis, who are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, were grateful to God for the incredibly supportive family they are been blessed with.
“Our daughter Natasha actively contributes to the brand through her singing and instrumental talents, while her sister Keisha excels as an emcee and public speaker. I want to also acknowledge Nathan (their son), who, despite still being breastfed, allows me to travel for our work,”Gamuchirai said.
“I am also truly grateful for our parents, siblings, and relatives who continually pray for us and provide encouragement along our journey. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Rhimedia team, led by Kevin and Ndumiso, whose selfless contributions significantly enhance our brand and support our success.”
Everton, whose rise to stardom has been nothing short of inspirational, has captivated many audiences with his soulful voice and deep devotion to spreading the gospel through music.
His wife as the manager has been a pillar of strength in his musical journey that has seen him winning awards — local and international.