By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Zimbabwean gospel musician and minister Everton Mlalazi has earned international recognition after receiving the Africa Global Music Impact Award 2026 at the CLIMA Africa Awards.
The honour celebrates his contribution to gospel music and ministry, recognising the influence of his work in carrying messages of faith, hope and spiritual encouragement.
The award comes shortly after Mlalazi‘s recent visit to Nigeria — a trip that further extended his continental reach at a time when his profile has been rising steadily across Africa.
A career on an upward trajectory
The CLIMA Africa Awards recognition marks another significant milestone in Mlalazi’s career, which has accelerated sharply over the past two years.
He has continued to represent Zimbabwe on the international music stage, using gospel music to reach audiences beyond his home country. His collaborations, live recordings and appearances across the continent have positioned him as one of the region’s most visible gospel exports.
The Africa Global Music Impact Award brings further attention to Zimbabwe’s contribution to the wider African gospel music industry — a sector in which the country has historically punched below its weight in terms of continental visibility.
Label congratulates Mlalazi
EM Music Records, the label to which Mlalazi is signed, has congratulated him on the award.
“This recognition celebrates the power of music to inspire, uplift lives, and carry the message of hope across borders,” the label said in a statement.
“We are proud to witness this incredible milestone in your musical journey.”
The statement looked ahead to what the award might mean for his continued work.
“May this be another stepping stone to greater heights as you continue to impact the world through music and ministry. Congratulations, Everton Mlalazi! The journey continues, and the impact grows!”
Why the award matters
The CLIMA Africa Awards have become one of the continent’s most watched gospel music platforms, and the Africa Global Music Impact Award specifically recognises artists whose work extends beyond entertainment into broader social and spiritual influence.
For Mlalazi, the honour reinforces a career built on structure rather than speed — an approach he has spoken about publicly, describing years of development with his group The Vine Music Ministry before his first solo release.
It also arrives at a moment of significant momentum. The award follows his recent success at previous CLIMA editions, his collaboration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Janet Manyowa, and his induction into the Spirit of Praise ensemble in 2024.
The journey continues
For Zimbabwean gospel music, the award is a reminder that the country’s artists can compete at continental level when given platforms and recognition.
For Mlalazi, it is another marker in a career that shows no sign of slowing.
As his label put it: “The journey continues, and the impact grows.”
About Author
