By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Zimbabwe’s gospel star Everton Mlalazi’s music is bending all contours in West Africa after he was nominated for two categories in — Nigerian awards — the Clima Africa Awards 2023.
Mlalazi was nominated for the Africa Gospel Artiste of the Year and Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste of the Year categories at the awards set for October 2 at Lagos Television (LTV), Agidinmbi, Ikeja Lagos in Nigeria.
Other nominees in the category are Piesie Esther from Ghana, Winnie Mashaba (South Africa) and Janet Otieno (Kenya).
With the two nominations it appears Mlalazi’s music influence is finally getting recognition beyond Zimbabwean borders something which he has always wanted in a long time.
“This was unexpected, but fully appreciated. I am in awe of and grateful to God for the recognition. It encourages us at EM (Everton Mlalazi) brand to keep working,” Mlalazi told the press.
“On the other end I am very much humbled that I can be recognised in Nigeria for African awards, both Best Gospel and Best Male Gospel Artiste. To our fans we want to say thank you for supporting us, your support encourages us to remain working.”
The suave Mlalazi will battle for honours with Mercy Chinwo, Mr M & Revelations and Moses Bliss, all from Nigeria, in the Africa Gospel Artiste of the Year category.
For the Africa Best Male Gospel Artiste of the Year category, he goes head-to-head with Joe Mettle from China, Dunsin Oyekan, Nathaniel Bassey, Moses Bliss, Testimony Jaga and Peterson Okopi all from Nigeria.
The awards voting platform for nomination categories will begin from August 20 to September 20 on www.climaafrica.com, the official website of the awards organisers.
An ardent Seventh Day Adventist Church member Mlalazi — who leads the Worship Therapy band (the resident band and vocalists for the EM brand) — has created a vibrant gospel sound that is inspired by his love for music and childhood musical influence.
One of his best collaborations to date featured Grammy-award winning acapella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, from South Africa.
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