The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
STAR FM — one of the country’s leading radio stations — has created a new star in gospel singer and songwriter Everton Mlalazi.
His star continues to shine with each passing moment following the tremendous success of his two singles — “Jesus is the Answer” (a cover of Andrea Crouch’s Song) and “Uyingcwele” — last year.
“Uyingcwele” went on to break records on Star FM’s Sunday evening programme Gospel Greats Top 20, which is popular with listeners that vote for their favourite songs through text or WhatsApp platforms.
The award-winning show — currently being hosted by Yvonne Tivatye — has been running on the Zimpapers-owned station for the past nine years from 6pm to 8pm.
The song topped charts for five successive weeks, in the process breaking records that had previously been set by revered singers Michael Mahendere and Janet Manyowa.
Mahendere and Manyowa jointly share the four-in-a-row record for their efforts “Ndinovimba Nemi” and “Zadzisa” respectively.
However, Mlalazi failed to outdo Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro’s “Ebenezer” record of six consecutive weeks on the summit.
But the budding singer and songwriter is not losing hope.
He believes his other single “Ekahya”, which was number one last Sunday on the show, will do the trick for him this time around.
“I have released a number of singles in response to demand by fans. My debut album, due in April, will be the biggest thing in 2021 and I believe it will be a spirit-filled compilation,” reckons The Vine Group founder.
Apart from making waves on
Star FM, the song is receiving favourable airplay on other national broadcasting channels.
And the singer has attracted attention from fellow artistes across borders, as “Uyingcwele” video is playing on regional television channels such as DStv’s Trace Gospel and One Gospel of South Africa.
As a result, he has recorded and released a soul-soothing collaboration single, “My Father’s House”, featuring South Africa’s songbird and former Joyous Celebration member Xolly Mncwango.
Mncwango is a force to reckon with in gospel circles, with worship songs like “Jesus Do It”, “Ngenelela”, “Healing Power” and “Yebo Nkosi” easily standing out.
“It was an honour to collaborate with my sister Xolly. The song is already on the market and is available on all digital platforms,” said Mlalazi.
“I have been following her (Xolly) work for some time, including the projects she has done with Benjamin Dube, and I felt that the arrangement behind ‘My Father’s House’ would suit her. She is humble and easy to work with. I am also working on another collabo featuring Mahendere.”
Meanwhile, the musician says the ongoing Covid-19, poverty and illness have caused untold suffering for many.
He says gospel musicians could help heal troubled souls.
“Gospel music is supposed to give hope while also reminding people of the second coming of Christ to take us home to a place where there will be no death, no Covid-19, no pain, no illnesses but eternal bliss.
“While I will always aim to professionally arrange and produce my music, my main focus is to preach the word of God through music.
“I wish to say to all my fellow Zimbabweans that we must not lose hope, God is surely watching,” he said.
Mlalazi was inspired by Heritage Singers, Shower Power, Joyous Celebration, Benjamin Dube, Marvin Sapp and Bebe Winans.
He is married to Gamuchirai and the union is blessed with two kids — Natasha and Keisha.
