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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Senior Arts Reporter

Organisers of gospel musician and philanthropist Everton Mlalazi’s debut album launch dubbed “In the Presence 1” scheduled to take place this Saturday at 7 Arts Amphitheatre have promised full entertainment value under the Covid-19 restrictions.

South African gospel musician Benjamin Dube will attend the event, which is a red carpet affair.

Also present will be other high profile dignitaries and celebrities from the arts sector and the Government.

The “expensive launch”, as the event has been described by some arts practitioners, will be hosted by radio and television personality Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, Rebecca Muchenje “Becky K” and Mlalazi’s child, Keisha.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, Mlalazi said all was set for the launch.

“Yes, it was long overdue and I know most of you understand that the past years weren’t easy with the Covid-19 pandemic taking its toll,” he said.

“It was another factor which delayed the release, but it also gave us time to reflect and discover ourselves as we used the lockdown to perfect our projects.”

Asked about the album, Mlalazi described it as his masterpiece for 2021.

“The message on the album is about not losing hope and have faith to allow God to take control in your life,” he said. “Just never leave the presence of God.

“The album has 10 tracks, with some of the songs being ‘No Time There’, ‘My Father’s House’, ‘Mwari Hamushanduki’ and ‘Pfugama Unamate”’.

“It is my masterpiece and it is coming in instalments. This is the first one and I will announce a date for the next project. The album was produced by Nigel Nyangombe.”

Mlalazi, who is on cloud nine after his single “Mwari Hamushanduki” featuring Benjamin Dube has been dominating gospel charts on radio stations for weeks, said the event was free for invited guests.

“I believe in honouring the guests and fans. The event is free sand they are only asked to dress up for the occasion. It is a red carpet affair. We have already sent invitations to our selected guests, including some of the lucky fans who have been supporting us, especially on our radio competitions.

“The event will be hosted under the Covid-19 adherence and only 100 people will attend and it will be done within the curfew times.”

Mlalazi’s project assistant and radio host Yvonne Tivatye, who was travelling to Bulawayo for a hand over ceremony of donations by the philanthropist, said his works outside music were done under the theme “Thanksgiving”.

“Mlalazi is involved in a lot of philanthropic work, giving the needy and less privileged communities through the radio platform Star FM show dubbed the ‘Gospel Greats Top 20 Countdown’  which allows artistes to give back to community and vulnerable people, especially those that vote for them,” she said.

“So, Mlalazi is giving groceries, school fees vouchers, heaters, fans, blankets and goes to an extent of even building shelter for them.

“Again, during the month of November which happens also to be a ‘Thanks Giving’ season, he has extended his love and allow fans to giving out Christmas hampers to charity homes. He asks listeners on radio and they win prizes and pick a charity of their choice.”