The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN gospel musicians’ works continue to make waves on the continent, with a number of them nominated in various categories for the forthcoming Clima Africa Awards 2024.
Everton Mlalazi, Canaan Nyathi, Dorcas Moyo and Joyful Praise Choir were recently announced as some of the African artistes nominated for the awards, modelled to be the top Christian accolades in Nigeria and Africa.
Among the local musicians, Mlalazi has a high profile with the Clima Africa Awards, as this is the second year running that he has received a nomination.
He has been nominated in three categories: Southern Africa Gospel Artiste of the Year, Africa Worship Artiste of the Year and Africa Best Male Artiste of the Year.
Last year, he raised the country’s flag high after he scooped the Africa Male Gospel Artiste of the Year gong in Nigeria. He also had another nomination in the Gospel Artiste of the Year.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, Mlalazi said he was humbled by the nomination and thanked fans for their unwavering support.
“The nomination is humbling, but also speaks to the recognition that Zimbabwean gospel music is getting. I am very much encouraged to continue with the ministry,” he said.
Mlalazi will battle it out with Nyathi, Winnie Mashaba (South Africa), Deborah Ngama (Zambia) and Jumbo (South Africa) in the Southern Africa Gospel Artiste of the Year category.
For the Africa Worship Artiste of the Year award, the “Pfugama Unamate” singer will go against some of the continent’s gospel finest, among them Minister GCU (Nigeria), MOG Music (Ghana) and Chris Morgan (Nigeria).
The eighth edition of the gospel music and personality recognition awards is set to be held in Abuja, Nigeria, on October 5.
The event will run under the theme “The Rebirth”.
According to organisers, voting for the nomination categories will be open from July 1 to August 31.
“I am in awe and grateful to God for the recognition and allowing me to minister through music. Such recognition encourages us to keep working hard,” said Mlalazi.
The musician is in the studio working on a collaboration track with talented gospel diva Janet Manyowa, with the song due for release this month.
The collaboration effort was suggested by the singer’s fans through his social media platforms.
“I am so excited to have a collaboration with one of the gospel giants in Zimbabwe. Having collaborated with a male gospel artiste before, it was time I collaborated with a female,” said Mlalazi.
“When we put it out on our socials who I should collaborate with, our fans had so many amazing names they put forward, but the majority suggested Janet Manyowa.”
Mlalazi has in the past worked with other influential gospel singers, namely Minister Michael Mahendere, South Africa’s five-time Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Xolly Mncwango.
“When the Janet Manyowa suggestion came, we called and she answered to our call, and we began with song-writing sessions, studio sessions and now the song is at production stage. We are also finalising the visuals. The song will definitely be out this month,” said Mlalazi.
The dedicated singer plans to release more singles in the first half of the year, followed by a full album in the last half.
“From our work we started last year, we are releasing this May, a 12-track hymns album that features Zimbabwean and South African gospel musicians,” said Mlalazi.
