By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Hot on the heels of a triumphant Africa Day celebration, organisers of the Ekhaya Worship Festival have announced that next year’s edition will take place on 23 May 2027.
What started as a vision of Minister Everton Mlalazi and his wife Gamu has quickly grown into one of Bulawayo’s most anticipated spiritual gatherings—now expanding to include a Business Expo ahead of the main event.
This year’s festival at Hartsfield Rugby Stadium drew an estimated 15,000 registered attendees, a testament to its soaring popularity among gospel fans in and around the city.
Minister Mlalazi took to Instagram to share his gratitude, posting: “What a day in the presence of the Lord at the @ekhaya_worship_festival. We lifted our voices to Him, danced in His presence! It was an honour to be part of this historical event. Let’s do this again next year—23 May.”
He also gave a special shout-out to South African MC Milly Mashile: “Thank you for flying in and bringing unmatched energy, warmth, and excellence to the entire event. Your presence elevated every moment.”
But the night truly belonged to no single act.
First-timers rubbed shoulders with gospel royalty. Family Voices, Tehillah Testament, iWorship Zim, and Dunamis Men graced the same stage that hosted giants like ZimPraise, Conquerors, Pastor Barak Family, and Reality 7. And every single one brought their A-game.
Matching outfits dazzled under the lights. Choreography popped with precision. Despite a packed lineup and time ticking, no group disappointed—each had done their homework, and their worship.
For choirs and crowd alike, the real gift was the stage itself: a place where believers—and even the curious—could gather not to compete, but to raise the roof.
International flavour came from South Africa’s Zaza Mokhethi and Dumi Mkokstad, as well as Zambia’s Lorraine Maplanka, who shared the spotlight with homegrown heroes Oncemore Six, Canaan Nyathi, and beloved a cappella group Reality 7.
Add to that Dunamis Men, Nkosi Herman, Mai Mwamuka, Zimpraise, Family Voices, Vocal Ex, Vocal Base, Blessing Jeduthun, Loveness Mukutirwa, Mwenda Shimunzhila, iWorship Zim, and Tehillah Testament—and you had a festival that delivered not just spectacle, but soul.
Mark your calendars: 23 May 2027. Ekhaya Worship Festival returns.
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