The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
Award-winning singer and songwriter Everton Mlalazi believes gospel musicians are more effective when they collaborate rather than compete.
He reckons collaborations not only create new audiences, but help improve the depth of compositions as well.
The musician is currently putting final touches on his new effort, “Mwari Hamushanduki”, which features famed South African gospel musician Benjamin Dube.
The track will feature on his forthcoming album that is now due for release.
Dube — a chart-topping, award-winning minister, singer, songwriter and music producer — has mentored hundreds of musicians in his homeland.
He is regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished gospel artistes.
Therefore, Mlalazi’s new project with Dube is expected to make waves in Mzansi and beyond. The musician has already attracted attention across borders following the success of his first collaboration single, “My Father’s House”, featuring South Africa’s songbird and former Joyous Celebration member Xolly Mncwango.
The song is doing well on DStv’s Trace Gospel and One Gospel. It is also on rotation on several South African radios, among them Rainbow FM.
Back home, the track has so far been number one for three consecutive weeks on the ZiFM Gospel Chart Show.
“I believe that there is power when we complement to share the Word of God,” said the Vine Group founder and front-man.
“When selecting an artiste to collaborate with, I always look at the song, the dynamic required for the song and the artiste’s repertoire. Will it meet the demands of the song? . . . also, there is a certain grace that different artistes bring to a song that must be considered.
“My first collaboration was with my sister Xolly (Mncwango). I easily chose to work with her because she has amazing vocal ability and flexibility to match my voice. She brought life into the song as expected.”
The singer’s music breakthrough came after he released one of his debut solo singles, “Uyingcwele”, a year ago.
But, how did he manage to convince the famed and decorated Dube to work with him?
“I now have good contacts with some musicians down South, and was in contact with the bishop’s (Dube) manager. Through my manager, I hinted to her that it would be an honour to sing with the bishop, who is one of my music inspirations for years now. He agreed to the invitation and we sent him the song, “Mwari Hamushanduki”, which he likes very much,” explained Mlalazi.
The track, he said, “affirms that God’s promises are true and He remains the same yesterday, today and tomorrow”.
But, the aspiring musician is not limiting his collaborations to foreign artistes.
He has worked with celebrated and talented gospel artiste minister Michael Mahendere on the track “Pfugama Unamate”.
The video hit one million views on YouTube in the first six weeks of its release.
“The second collaboration of my career was with my brother, minister Michael Mahendere. It is topping charts on Star FM’s Gospel Greats Top 20, Radio Zimbabwe Coca-Cola Top 20, Skyz Metro FM and ZiFM Gospel charts.
“The local collabo, for me, needed to be with a man who is humble but with powerful vocal abilities. We actually have another song together, which is a powerful hymn . . . when the time is right it shall come. There is also one last local collabo and several solo songs that will be coming before year-end,” said Mlalazi.
“Pfugama Unamate” encourages people to value prayer in their daily endeavours.
Mlalazi walked away with the Best Newcomer award at the recently held Star FM Listeners’ Choice Awards.
