By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Several top gospel acts are set to light up this year’s Ekhaya Worship Festival on May 25 at Hartsfield Rugby Stadium—and the timing is personal. The festival falls just days after founder Minister Everton Mlalazi’s birthday on May 22.
First-timers like Family Voices, Tehillah Testament, iWorship Zim, and Dunamis Men will share the stage with gospel giants ZimPraise, Conquerors, Pastor Barak Family, and Reality 7. Expect powerful moments and lasting impressions.
What began as a single night of worship has grown into a pilgrimage. From Bulawayo’s streets to beyond the Limpopo, worshippers are making their way—by bus, car, or foot.
And the lineup feels like a prayer answered.
South Africa’s Zanele “Zaza” Mokhethi returns after her tearful 2025 set. Oncemore Six, headliners of the very first festival, bring beloved anthems like Ohlonitshwayo, Themba Lendawo Yonke, and Umkhuleko WeBandla.
Takesure Zamar Ncube is set to perform his new single Rubatsiro, already being called “a hymn for the weary.” And the buzz is all about a joint performance of Zuva Rangu—Ncube and Mlalazi together, like brothers in song.
The stage will barely contain them all: Dumi Mkokstad, Canaan Nyathi, Mai Mwamuka, Lorraine Maplanka, Vocal Ex, Blessing Jeduthun, and more.
At the heart of it all, Mlalazi will unveil tracks from his new album, Great God.
“It’s not about me,” he says quietly. “It’s about that person carrying something heavy. They come here, eat, sing, cry if they need to—and leave lighter.”
As Africa Day approaches, one thing is clear: Ekhaya is no longer just a festival.
It’s a homecoming.
Come for the chicken slice. Stay for the worship. Leave transformed.
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