At the 17th edition of the Crown Gospel Music Awards in South Africa, which took place on November 24, 2024, Zimbabwe’s multi-award-winning gospel sensation, Everton Mlalazi, made the country proud by taking home the coveted Best of Africa Award.
In an interview with Zimgospel, Everton Mlalazi shared his thoughts on receiving the prestigious award. He humbly acknowledged the recognition as a divine mandate to intensify his efforts and fully dedicate himself to the ministry. He also expressed his profound gratitude and honor for being nominated and ultimately emerging as the winner.
“I embrace this award as a call to work harder, do more to spread the message of salvation and God’s grace. It is a commission for me to continue giving all I can to the ministry. I feel humbled and honored, but most importantly very thankful to God. It’s an honor to be a nominee, and then to go on and actually grab the Crown. God is good,” he said.
He added that his life’s journey and personal experiences are reflected in his songs. As long as he lives, he intends to keep making music.
“My music is my life journey. My personal experiences are the central theme in all my music. So as long as I breath, there will always be another project in the works. God is not done with me, so there is surely another story to be told through music”
He expresses deep gratitude to his loved ones, band, producer, and friends who have supported him on his musical journey. He acknowledges the importance of their contributions, critiques, and encouragement.
“I want to thank my wife and three children. They are the inspiration that keeps me going, the wind beneath my wings so to speak. Worship therapy my band and vocalists for being on point every time we are on stage or in the studio and Nigel, my producer. The list is very long, but I would like to mention my friends, some who critic the music and as a result make it better, some who personally support in various ways”
He shares valuable advice on staying true to oneself as an artist. He encourages embracing inspiration from others while maintaining originality.
“Be true to yourself, it’s okay to draw inspiration from other artists. There’s nothing wrong with that, but from that inspiration draw enough strength to be yourself. There is room in the creative space especially for you, no one else can fill it but you. Originality is the best gift you can give yourself as well as your audience”
In honor of the late Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, the awards’ originator, whose vision continues to inspire both established and up-and-coming artists, the event’s theme was “The Legacy Continues Still, We Praise.” Her legacy was duly celebrated at the occasion, which focused on the ways gospel music has inspired and united audiences across national boundaries.
