All systems went ahead for the Ekhaya Worship Festival in Bulawayo on Monday (Africa’s Day), with the My Kasi Magazine team on the ground to witness what proved to be one of Matabeleland and the country’s standout gospel gatherings.

The hosts for the day were the vibrant duo known across Southern Africa, Miss Becky K and Millicent from South Africa, who set the tone early with energy and warmth.

This year’s edition had taken things to another level, with many describing it as the biggest stage the city had seen.
Following a debut that pulled in over 8,000 people last year, the festival had grown rapidly and welcomed more than 15,000 worshippers to Hartsfield Sports Grounds.

The morning programme opened with strong performances that kept the crowd engaged from the start.

Vusa Mangena delivered a heartfelt rendition of Hlengiwe Mhlaba’s “Sewakhile,” while gospel musician Nkosi Herman led thousands of fans in a sing-along to his well-known song “UJesu Ngiyamthanda.”

The early line-up also featured IWorship music group alongside the award-winning international acapella group Family Voices, who blended gospel and hip-hop vibes and brought a fresh sound to the stage.

A memorable moment came during Minister Loveness Mukutirwa’s set when The Unveiled stepped out of their dressing room to join the audience in dancing and celebrating her songs.

The gesture highlighted the unity and mutual support among Zimbabwe’s gospel artists and drew cheers from the crowd.

As the day moved into the evening, anticipation built for both regional and local acts.
The line-up included Dumi Igwee Mkokstad, Canaan Nyathi, Zaza Mokhethi, Takesure Zamar Ncube, Oncemore Six, and host Everton Mlalazi.

Despite the dropping temperatures, the audience stayed and sang along to every word, especially when The Unveiled performed the popular track “Zvichaita Chete.”

Veteran South African gospel artist Zaza Mokhethi raised the atmosphere further with her performance of “Namhla Nkosi,” a Zulu medley that marked her as the first regional international act to grace the Ekhaya stage.

Oncemore Six followed with “Nginobufakazi,” which had the crowd singing along, while Zimpraise added a nostalgic touch with their throwback hit “Sungano.”

When headliner Everton Mlalazi finally took to the stage, his carefully designed suit immediately caught the eye and set the tone for a standout closing act.

He performed songs including “Ekhaya” and “Angeke Kulunge,” with the crowd singing word for word. The festival closed with his song “Inyang’ Enkulu,” bringing all the headlining artists together on stage for the final moment.

For many in attendance, the Ekhaya Worship Festival cemented its place as one of the country’s biggest gospel music events, blending worship, unity, and world-class performances in a way that resonated far beyond Bulawayo.