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Langalakhe Mabena
Celebrated gospel music sensation Everton Mlalazi is floating on top of the cream after his musical efforts for the past years led to his crowning as the Best Male Gospel Artiste of the Year at the recently held Clima Africa Awards held on 2 October in Lagos, Nigeria.
Mlalazi was nominated in two categories.
For African Gospel Artiste of the Year, he was nominated with Mercy Chinwo, Mr M and Revelations, Nathaniel Bassey, Moses Bliss (all from Nigeria), Piesie Esther (Ghana), Winnie Mahaba (South Africa) and Janet Otieno (Kenya).
He then scooped the Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste of the Year accolade, where he was nominated with Dunsin Oyekan, Nathaniel Bassey, Moses Bliss, Testimony Jada, Peteson Okopi (all from Nigeria) and Joe Mettle (Ghana).
Mlalazi who was visiting Nigeria for the second time in his life said he was elated to have fully represented the Zimbabwean Gospel scene to the extent of clinching the prestigious gong.
“I am so elated. I am so happy yet very much honoured to have been recognised with this award. It is a clear sign that the work of everyone who is part of team Everton Mlalazi is paying off.
“I want to acknowledge my manager and wife, my music team led by the producer, The Vine, Worship Therapy and most importantly the fans who have been voting and supporting us from day one.
“It was not my first time in Nigeria. I was there last December for the Sinach and friends Christmas concert where I performed, and this was the second time at the awards and people love our music there,” said Mlalazi.
The Apo Mambo hit maker said the Southern Music touch is missing in East and Middle Africa. Therefore, there is a fresh market that artistes can penetrate and greatly satisfy worshippers with Heavenly songs.
“As Southern African artistes, we have so much room for penetration and growth in West and Central Africa. Zimbabwe has talent. We have talented musicians in this country. What we need are more platforms to showcase the talent especially in the gospel music scene.
“I will keep appealing to corporates to support gospel musicians, for they will not regret,” said Mlalazi.
Meanwhile, Mlalazi recently released a single titled I Need Thee.
He said he has performed the songs in most of his gigs, but he chose to release the version which was recorded at Bulawayo’s Large city hall early this year, because he connected well with the crowd.
“I have performed I Need Thee medley in Bulawayo and many other places. But Bulawayo was more intimate and very personal.The atmosphere in Bulawayo was deep and it was an easy choice to release the visuals from Bulawayo,” said Mlalazi.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
