Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. SOUNDS of different gospel songs will echo at the inaugural Ekhaya Worship Festival 2025 when an array of regional and local gospel artistes take turns to perform on Africa Day at Bulawayo ZITF Hall 3 in Bulawayo.
Local multi-award-winning and internationally celebrated gospel artiste, Everton Mlalazi, is the organiser and visionary behind the festival, derived from the Ndebele word “Ekhaya,” meaning home.
The festival to be held under the spiritually resonant theme, Umtombo wez’busiso (The Fountain of Blessings), promises to unite generations, cultures and souls in a divine gathering.
Through the festival, Mlalazi continues to write his piece of history on the competitive showbiz scene with a bold stance to push his artistry, a move away from the habit of waiting for arts promoters’ calls.
Over the years, music and arts promoters have been enjoying the fruits of hiring artistes for their organised concerts or festivals, which sometimes results in artistes being shortchanged by being paid peanuts for their sweat on the stage.
Mlalazi described the festival, which starts from 8am to 10pm, as more than a concert, but a homecoming of faith, a movement, a gathering and revival, as it will feature choral harmonies, modern praise, and traditional gospel.
“The Ekhaya Worship Festival 2025 is a sacred space created for people from all walks of life to return to the presence of God through worship, to reconnect with their spiritual roots and to celebrate community, healing and hope,” he said.
“This festival is a God-birthed vision to create a home where heaven meets earth. When we gather in His name, we step into refreshing, healing and overflowing fountain. Bulawayo, my hometown, will witness a revival that transcends music; it’s about reconnecting with God and each other.”
He added that the festival’s theme reminded people that when they gather in God’s name, they are stepping into a sacred space where heaven meets earth, a refreshing, healing and overflowing place.
The festival’s star-studded lineup features a dynamic blend of celebrated gospel voices in the name of singer Wayburn Dean, vocal performance coach and singer George Pendergrass and artistic director Robert Guy, all coming from the United States, South Africa-based Zimbabwean artistes Takesure Zamar and Mkhululi Bhebhe, VOP Music, South African gospel group Joyous Celebration’s lead singer Sbu Noah, Sipho Snowy and Vocal Ex.
Also performing at the festival are Pastor Barak, Mai Mwamuka, Harvest House, Lorraine Maplanka, Vusa Mangena, Cannan Nyathi, Conquerors Afrika, Revealed Family and Nyangombe Brothers.
Mlalazi said the festival’s powerful lineup represented not only musical excellence, but a rich blend of generations, cultures and worship styles, which reflected the diverse body of Christ.
“The performers at the Ekhaya Worship Festival 2025 ensure every attendee finds a channel to connect with God. Whether you love choral harmonies, modern praise or traditional gospel fire, the festival offers a space for everyone to connect with God and with each other,” he noted.
Apart from the musical extravaganza, but in alignment with its theme, Umtombo wez’busiso, Mlalazi confirmed that the festival will extend blessings beyond worship, incorporating a free health expo open to all attendees.
“We believe worship is holistic and nurtures the spirit. As we pour into hearts and spirits, we will also care for the physical well-being of our community. This is more than an event, it’s a fountain of blessing,” he said.
“Our free health expo initiative will offer free medical check-ups and screenings, consultations with qualified healthcare professionals, health education and wellness information and basic treatment and referrals.”
Mlalazi said there would also be a life-changing raffle for just US$10, attendees can enter a raffle with a “transformative surprise prize,” though details are shrouded in divine suspense.
With thousands expected to attend, Mlalazi said the festival would also become a hub for cultural expression and economic activity as local vendors, small businesses, youth and faith-based organisations would be engaged across many aspects of the festival.
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