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Arts Reporter

Multiple Grammy award winners, South African male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo fans hailed local gospel singer Everton Mlalazi as “a true classic gospel act.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo who were in the country over the weekend for their duet performance with Mlalazi at the ‘In His Presence Volume 2’— Harare edition were surprised and shocked to see how their song is loved by fans.

They performed the song “Nomakunje” twice on stage as per public demand as they had to change the script of the show.

Speaking at the side-lines of the show, Ladysmith Black Mambazo member Sibongiseni Shabalala said they were very happy to be in Zimbabwe and it has been a great journey working with Mlalazi.

“He is a good man, a true classic act. We are very happy to be here. We loved the collaboration with Mlalazi. It has been a great journey recording and performing the song. He is gifted,” said Shabalala.

“We are more than welcome to collaborate with anyone in Zimbabwe but for now we are enjoying Mlalazi and it’s just amazing. What we have witnessed is something else.”

Coincidentally, the show which was held at 7 Arts theatre was a free show to Mlalazi’s fans. He turned 41 years old on Saturday.

He celebrated his birthday in style.

Guests were treated to VIP red carpet affairs as they dressed the part.

Among the guests were some of local top gospel musicians, business personalities, celebrities, socialites and diplomats.

Mlalazi delighted the crowd as he first took fans to his journey on upbringing in an “Oprah Winfrey” set up during a question and answer like segment with his presenter.

Later he started dishing songs from his albums, sequence by sequence to the last.

Fans could be seen dancing and singing along throughout the show.

Besides being entertained by Mlalazi and his two bands Worship Therapy and The Vine, some guests went away with gifts. Instead of gifting the birthday boy, it was vice versa.

The Cclimax of the show was when Mlalazi’s wife Gamuchirai surprised her husband with an emotional loving message which was read by radio personality Rebecca Muchenje affectionately known as “Becky K”.

Mlalazi was touched by the message and as soon after he went on to give a hug to his lovely wife, he was surprised to see one of the musicians he grew up listening come on stage.

It was yesteryear gospel icon Prince Mafukidze — the surprise act of the night.

He only performed ‘Chitsike”, driving the whole auditorium into a frenzy.

The show continued as planned with scintillating performances from Mlalazi.

In his speech, Mlalazi said it was his desire for the corporate world to assist musicians.

“I am happy and I thank God for turning 41 years old but my wish is for stakeholders to support the arts industry,” he said.

“Look how we gospel musicians are united, they came to support me in their numbers and imagine a big show with all those big names, supported by the corporate world. I want to take this music internationally and continue to work in this music business, take it forward.”

He said his secret to music is professionalism and consistency.