Everton Mlalazi dates Grammy winning, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
WHEN Everton Mlalazi stormed the gospel scene not too long ago, like vapour critics thought he would fizzle out in no time.
But three years later, the soulful singer is riding high and scaling heights.
If his followers thought his collaboration with South African gospel icon, Benjamin Dube, his appearance at Sinach’s show in Nigeria and sharing the stage with American musso, Travis Greene was a fluke, the musician has pulled another one.
This time he has collaborated with another multiple Grammy winner, Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the track Nomakunje.
It seems Mlalazi has a liking for Grammy winners, after he also sang alongside Soweto Gospel Choir last year.
This could explain his aspirations as a budding musician in Southern Africa.
Nomakunje, a traditional song rearranged by Mlalazi himself and producer, Nigel Nyangombe is an apt encouragement as 2023 begins.
Taken off a popular Psalm, Mlalazi blends Black Mambazo’s mbube sound with modern contemporary sounds, where he backed by young local singers.
It is apparent that the musician has set his sights on the region following a successful three years on the local scene.
The new look, Black Mambazo, fronted by the late Joseph Tshabalala’s son famed for his group Tshabalala Rythyms.
This is not the first time, the Lady Smith based group has collaborated with a Zimbabwe.
The group sang alongside Oliver Mtukudzi on Hello My baby.
Although the musician has a few hits like Pfugama Unamate among others, the new song sets him apart as one of the few local artists willing to push boundaries.
The new track will certainly give a boost as he seeks to conquer the region where he has joined forced with Dube, Mahalia Buchanan, Mabongi Mabaso among others.
Hot on the heels of a gospel music award at the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAAs), Mlalazi is set for another good year on the gospel scene.
Watch Nomakunje
