Afrobeats and Amapiano may have in recent years taken the African music scene by storm, but the gospel genre’s ability to consistently produce more global superstars remains.
There is a general consensus within the African music industry that gospel music has produced more superstars faster than any of the continent’s circular music.
Sinach, Nathaniel Basey, Ada Ehi, Mercy Chinwo, Tim Godfrey and Frank Edwards are some of the most prominent gospel names to emerge from Africa and go on to leave their footprint on the global stage.
And soon to join that growing list of names is Zimbabwe’s very own Everton Mlalazi.
The enterprising artiste has already made a name for himself in the Southern African country, dominating charts with almost every release in the last four years.
Mlalazi shared his thoughts on his success, early influences, and his plans for the future in a recent short conversation with Southern African Times.
Musical Journey and Future Plans
The 42-year-old says his staunch Christian background had a significant influence on his character and later his musical career.
“As a child, I became passionate about music because I was raised in a devout Christian family.
“My parents ensured we had daily morning and evening devotionals with God and my father, in particular, would always sing during those sessions.
“This later cultivated my deep love for classical hymns.’’
Mlalazi became a praise and worship leader in his church at a young age, and it is here where the first seeds of his music career were sowed.
However, due to financial constraints, he followed a path down a more academic route at first and sought to major in statistics.
The gospel sensation tried to carve a successful career in the cooperate world, but the allure of gospel music remained strong at heart.
After all, music and, in particular, gospel was his first love.
In 2014, he then to give in to his true desires and pursue a career in music.
It is here that he formed an ensemble group called “The Vine”.
“The formation of The Vine led to the release of our first album in 2018, a second in 2022, and a third in January 2025,” he revealed.
While he did decide to work as a solo act in 2020, Mlalazi remains joined to the hip with “The Vine” to this very day.
Branching out solo was always going to be a risk, but one that inevitably paid out as he has since shared the stage with artists far and wide like Travis Greene, Minister GUC, Sinach, Benjamin Dube, Ntokozo Mbambo Mbatha, Mahalia Mabongi, Vashawn Mitchelle, Jekalyn Carr, Lady Blacksmith Mambazo , and Soweto Gospel Choir.
“I believe collaborations and sharing the stage with prominent artists has made Zimbabwean music break into the regional and international platforms,” he revealed.
His dedication to creating uplifting gospel music has helped to achieve notable success on various radio charts.
“Songs, such as “Uyingcwele” and “Ekhaya,” having achieved notable success on various radio charts, reflecting our ability to connect with listeners through heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies.’’
Looking towards the future, Mlalazi is determined to help take the musical sector back to its former glory when it produced superstars like Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo and Leonard Dembo.
“I believe that the Zimbabwean music industry has huge potential to grow.We want to ensure our brand goes far and wide across the globe.
“Over the years, I have figured out that music has to be treated as a business,” said the Zimbabwean singer.
“It’s a balance between using gospel music as a tool and creating music that can attract sponsorship and support from the business community at large.’’
“For gospel music in particular, the country is predominantly Christian meaning there is a captive market for the music,’’ herevealed.
Mlalazi’s ability to merge a distinct sound, high-quality music production, and outstanding stage work has distinguished him from his contemporaries.
“I create music that is meant to encourage people. My music is my journey and I want to take people through it.’’
With his uplifting harmonies and memorable songs, Mlalazi’s smooth vocals and dynamic deliveries is getting him awards too.
He has awards from every notable awards body in Zimbabwe.
Recently, Mlalazi’s musical success earned him regional attention as he recently won the Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste of the Year Award at the CLIMA Awards in Nigeria.
Joe Mattle, Dunsin Oyekan, Nathaniel Bassey, Moses Bliss, Testimony Jaga and Peterson Okopi were all among the nominees for Best Male Artist in Africa.
Despite the presence of music heavyweights in the category, the rising superstar was crowned Best Male Gospel Artist, solidifying his exploits on the music scene in the continent.
His success has earned him both local and international attention, with fans eagerly anticipating new music.
“I’m currently working on my fourth album with his group will drop next year,”he reveals.
“I’m also working on more collaborations… it’s going to be a very lovely year for the people who like my music.”
