By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
If you blinked, you might have mistaken it for a showdown.
The kind where choirs size each other up, harmonies clash like thunder, and the crowd picks a winner. But at this year’s Ekhaya Worship Festival, the only battle was for who could lift Jesus’ name highest.
As the curtain fell on the May 25 event at Hartsfield Rugby Stadium, one thing was clear: this was a clash of choirs in spirit only. In truth, it was a glorious gathering of voices united.
“This is not about competition,” said Josh Mtima, lead singer of The Unveiled, as the crowd swayed. “This is unity of purpose. We gather in one accord to praise, worship, and lift Jesus’ name.”
Dressed head-to-toe in striking white garments, The Unveiled looked less like a band and more like a heavenly procession. And when they unleashed their hit Zvichaita Chete, the thousands packed into the stadium lost all restraint. Hands went up. Voices cracked. Feet stomped.
But the night belonged to no single act.
First-timers rubbed shoulders with gospel royalty. Family Voices, Tehillah Testament, iWorship Zim, and Dunamis Men stepped onto 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. Even with time ticking against a packed lineup, no group disappointed. Each one had done their homework—and their worship.
The festival, founded by Minister Everton Mlalazi, fell just days after his May 22 birthday, adding an extra layer of celebration.
But for the choirs and the 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.
And raise it they did.
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