Oncemore Six Set to Return to Bulawayo for Ekhaya Worship Festival 2025

South African gospel artist Oncemore Six is preparing to return to Bulawayo for the second edition of the Ekhaya Worship Festival after a strong reception at last year’s debut event. His first appearance at the festival left a lasting impact on both the artist and local worshippers, building anticipation for another powerful performance. The festival has quickly grown into one of the most talked about gospel gatherings in the region, drawing attention from across Southern Africa. This year’s edition will take place on Africa Day, May 25, adding deeper cultural and spiritual significance to the event. Organisers expect a larger turnout as the festival continues to expand its reach and influence.

Oncemore Six, known for his hit song Themba Lendawo Yonke, expressed excitement about returning to Bulawayo and reconnecting with the audience that welcomed him warmly during his first visit. He described the city as a second home and shared that his experience was marked by peace, joy and a strong sense of connection with the people. He also noted the shared linguistic and cultural ties between South African and Zimbabwean audiences, which made his stay even more meaningful. His growing bond with Bulawayo has strengthened his commitment to participating in the festival again. He believes this year’s gathering will surpass the energy and impact of the previous edition.

The gospel star also spoke about his collaboration with festival host Everton Mlalazi on the song Muri Mutsvene, which features on Mlalazi’s album In The Presence 3: Great God. He described the creative process as spiritually uplifting and unexpected in its formation, highlighting how faith often guides his musical journey. The track blends English, Shona and Zulu, reflecting a cross-cultural expression of worship that resonates with diverse audiences. Oncemore Six said his familiarity with Shona made the collaboration natural and smooth. He also referenced past work with Zimbabwean artists, including Takesure Zamar Ncube, as part of his growing regional footprint.

Festival organisers have confirmed that preparations are well underway, with expectations of more than 15,000 worshippers attending this year’s event. Kevin Zhou, one of the organisers, stated that the team is aiming to double last year’s attendance figures, supported by strong sponsorship and logistical planning. The festival will remain free to attend, which has contributed to its growing popularity and accessibility. Organisers are focused on ensuring a well-coordinated experience that accommodates large crowds while maintaining a strong worship atmosphere. The scale of the event reflects its rapid growth and increasing importance in the gospel music calendar.

The 2025 lineup features a mix of established and emerging gospel talent from across the region. Alongside Oncemore Six and Everton Mlalazi, performers include Zaza Mokhethi, Dumi Mkokstad, Canaan Nyathi and the acappella group Reality 7. Other artists such as 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 will also take part. The diverse lineup reflects a broad spectrum of gospel styles, from contemporary worship to traditional and choral arrangements. Organisers aim to create a unified worship experience that brings different audiences together under one event.

The festival will begin at 9am with a business expo before transitioning into a full day of worship and praise sessions that continue into the evening. The inclusion of the expo adds a community and economic dimension to the event, offering attendees additional engagement beyond music. Worshippers can expect a continuous flow of performances designed to encourage spiritual reflection and renewal. The structure of the day allows for both early participation and extended evening worship. As anticipation builds, the Ekhaya Worship Festival is positioned to become one of the most significant gospel gatherings in the region, with Oncemore Six playing a central role in its growing legacy.