Mlalazi invests in family
GOSPEL artiste Everton Mlalazi believes in his music.
He wants his presence felt even beyond his lifetime and is investing in his music and family for that to come to pass.
His wife and two daughters are now just as passionate for music as he is.
Only a Grade Seven pupil, Mlalazi’s daughter can now read music and even performed alongside veteran saxophonist, Joseph Chinouriri, at her father’s album launch at 7 Arts in Harare on Saturday. She opened the show by playing the national anthem on the piano before returning later for a 20-minute performance with Jose Sax.
The younger girl, nine-yearold Keisha, was the star of the show. She was among the three emcees for the night and fitted seamlessly with the two veterans, Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa and Miss Becky.
Mlalazi’s two daughters sang three songs during the launch and it was clear that he was investing into their music future. The girls sparkled.
Mlalazi hailed his wife, Pretty, and said she was behind all his success.
“If you ever look at me and see some degree of order — she is the order. If you ever see me and think there is something there — she is the something,” said Mlalazi as he launched his debut album in glamorous fashion.
It was as if he wanted to divert attention from himself to his family so that whoever attended would say “What a great family that man has, what talented daughters!” instead of “What a talented musician Everton Mlalazi is!”
Mlalazi sought to hide behind South African gospel music giant, Benjamin Dube, who gave a scintillating performance with his full band on the night.
However, the hour still belonged to Mlalazi, who treated the classy audience to some brilliant and organised gospel expedition so well choreographed.
He shone above his beautiful family, above Minister Michael Mahendere who he collaborated with to perform the song “Pfugama unamate”, above SA’s Benjamin Dube and above the star-studded guests in the auditorium.
Mlalazi came out of his humble and quiet shell to exude great confidence and powerful vocals that made him the star of the night.
He certainly made his presence felt on the gospel scene and he looks set to leave it for generations to come.
Perhaps that is why he endured the costs of bringing Dube and his full band to the country and not profiteering from it.
Everyone was invited free of charge to the event and even walked of with some gifts.
Everton Mlalazi has made a mark.
He has set the bar very high for his next performance and or album launch.