Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
PPREPARATIONS for the Ekhaya Worship Festival are at an advanced stage, with organisers promising a powerful celebration of worship, unity and African culture as local and international gospel musicians converge in Bulawayo for the Africa Day event on May 25.
The festival is expected to draw gospel music lovers from across the region, with award-winning Zimbabwean gospel musician Everton Mlalazi headlining the celebrations.
Organisers say this year’s edition will showcase a strong blend of Zimbabwean and international gospel talent as the festival continues to grow into a regional worship platform.
“We are excited about Ekhaya Worship festival, we have got local and international artists and the beauty of it is that there’s a good balance, the fusion from South Africa and Zimbabwe, you’ll see that cast we have got artists from SA, Bulawayo, Harare, UK, Zambia, it is a festival and our vision is that it grows to an international festival,” he said.
Mlalazi said the event will be free to the public through support from sponsors and partners, allowing communities from all walks of life to participate in the celebrations.
“I come from a school of thought that, and a very humble background where we grew up not paying for shows and when God blessed is with resources and partners who want to partner with us the idea was then to say let everyone that boy in Makokoba, that girl in Emganwini, that old lady and granny from Nkulumane let them come and have a beautiful in the Lord for free because it’s been fully supported,” he said.
The festival line-up includes South African gospel star Dumi Mkokstad, renowned acapella group Once More Six and local gospel musician Takesure Zamar Ncube.
Organisers say the festival will not only celebrate Africa Day through music and worship, but also promote unity, cultural exchange and spiritual upliftment.
