Lorraine Maplanka set for powerful worship return at Ekhaya Worship Festival on Africa Day
Bulawayo-based gospel musician Lorraine Maplanka says she is ready to uplift souls and deliver a spirit-filled performance when she returns for the second edition of the Ekhaya Worship Festival, set to take place on Africa Day at Hartsfield Sports Grounds. The gospel singer expressed deep excitement about rejoining a platform she describes as spiritually refreshing and unifying for believers. Her return comes at a time when gospel music gatherings are growing in influence across Zimbabwe and the region. The festival has quickly gained recognition as a major worship event that brings together artists and worshippers in one space. For Maplanka, the event is more than a performance, it is a ministry moment focused on faith, unity and encouragement.
The Ekhaya Worship Festival is curated by multi-award-winning gospel artist Everton Mlalazi and has developed into a major spiritual gathering since its launch. It brings together gospel musicians, church communities and worshippers under a shared theme of praise and African identity. Organisers describe it as a spiritual homecoming that strengthens faith while promoting unity among believers. The event also aims to reinforce community bonds and encourage spiritual growth through music. This year’s edition is expected to attract more than 15 000 worshippers, making it one of the largest gospel gatherings in the city. The festival continues to position itself as a key platform for both established and emerging gospel voices.
Maplanka said she feels honoured to once again be part of the festival and is preparing a powerful set designed to minister to attendees. She emphasized that the gathering represents unity among gospel artists and believers, which she believes is central to spiritual growth. She referenced Psalm 133, highlighting the message that blessings come when people come together in unity. Her focus remains on delivering music that connects deeply with worshippers and encourages reflection and faith. She described the upcoming performance as a moment of service rather than entertainment. Her approach reflects a consistent commitment to ministry through music.
The gospel artist also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of empowering women in gospel music. She said the inclusion of many female artists on the lineup reflects positive progress in recognizing women’s role in ministry. She pointed out that women have always played a key role in spreading the gospel, referencing biblical examples to support her message. According to Maplanka, empowering female gospel artists helps strengthen the overall impact of gospel ministry. She added that seeing women featured prominently in large worship events is both encouraging and inspiring. Her comments reflect a growing conversation about gender representation in the gospel music industry.
The Ekhaya Worship Festival has become known for its diverse and strong lineup of gospel talent from across Southern Africa. This year’s edition will feature South African stars such as Zaza Mokhethi and Dumi Mkokstad alongside Zimbabwean performers like Oncemore Six, Canaan Nyathi and acapella group Reality 7. Other artists on the lineup include Dunamis Men, Nkosi Herman, Mai Mwamuka, Conquerors, Pastor Barak Family, Zimpraise, Family Voices, Vocal Ex, Vocal Base, Blessing Jeduthun, Loveness Mukutirwa, Mwenda Shimunzhila, iWorship Zim and Tehillah Testament. The mix of artists reflects a broad representation of gospel styles ranging from traditional worship to contemporary praise. Organisers say the diversity is intentional and designed to create a full worship experience for attendees.
The festival is scheduled to begin at 9AM and will continue throughout the day into the evening. Attendees can expect continuous worship sessions, live performances and moments of prayer and spiritual reflection. The event has been designed to allow worshippers to engage deeply with the music and message without interruption. Organisers have emphasized that the gathering is free, making it accessible to a wide range of people from different communities. This accessibility has contributed to its rapid growth and strong public interest. Many view it as a rare opportunity for large-scale worship in an open and inclusive environment.
Everton Mlalazi’s vision for the festival continues to focus on unity, faith and cultural identity through gospel music. His role as curator has helped bring together artists from different backgrounds and styles under one platform. The event also serves as a meeting point for collaboration between Zimbabwean and South African gospel musicians. This cross-border interaction has strengthened ties within the regional gospel community. It has also helped raise the profile of Zimbabwean gospel music on a broader stage. The festival continues to grow as a symbol of shared faith and artistic collaboration.
For Lorraine Maplanka, the upcoming performance represents another step in her mission to use music as a tool for spiritual encouragement. Her consistency in gospel ministry has made her a respected voice within Bulawayo’s gospel scene and beyond. As preparations continue, anticipation is building among worshippers who expect a powerful and uplifting experience. The Ekhaya Worship Festival is set to deliver a full day of praise, unity and spiritual renewal. Maplanka’s return adds depth to an already strong lineup and reinforces the festival’s message of faith and togetherness.
