Everton Mlalazi to Headline Music & Ministry Seminar on Business of Gospel Music

Minister Everton Mlalazi is set to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Music & Ministry Seminar, an event designed to help gospel musicians understand the business side of the music industry while remaining faithful to their artistic and spiritual message. The seminar is being held under the theme “The Business Side of Gospel Music,” placing financial sustainability, professional development and music industry knowledge at the centre of the discussion. The event brings together figures from Zimbabwe’s arts, music and rights management sectors to explore some of the practical challenges facing gospel artists. Discussions will cover issues such as royalties, music rights, branding, streaming revenue, contracts and bookings. The seminar is scheduled for 2 October 2026 at Zimparks HQ, with the programme running from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and admission free.

The choice of theme reflects the growing need for musicians to understand that a successful music career involves more than recording and performing songs. Gospel artists operate within a wider industry that includes copyright, licensing, distribution, live performances, digital platforms and commercial partnerships. Understanding these areas can help musicians make informed decisions about their work and the value of their intellectual property. The seminar will provide an opportunity to discuss these subjects in a setting that specifically considers the needs of gospel musicians. It will also address how artists can pursue sustainable careers without compromising the message at the heart of their music.

Minister Mlalazi will serve as the keynote speaker, bringing a ministry perspective to a discussion that also has a strong business focus. His participation places emphasis on the relationship between ministry and professional music practice. Gospel artists often have to balance their role as ministers and performers with the practical demands of running a music career. That can include managing income, negotiating agreements, protecting creative work and developing an audience. The seminar seeks to create space for these realities to be discussed openly while keeping the purpose and message of gospel music in focus.

The panel discussion will feature National Arts Council of Zimbabwe CEO Napoleon Nyanghi, ZIMURA Board Chairman Alexio Gwenzi and gospel artist Minister Michael Mahendere, alongside other industry figures. Their different areas of experience are expected to contribute to a broad discussion about the opportunities and challenges within Zimbabwe’s music industry. The National Arts Council plays a role in the country’s broader arts and cultural sector, while ZIMURA is associated with the management of music rights and royalties. Mahendere brings the perspective of a gospel artist who operates within the music and ministry space. Bringing these perspectives together can help musicians understand how different parts of the industry connect.

Royalties will be among the important subjects addressed at the seminar. Royalties can provide an income stream for creators when their music is used in ways covered by relevant rights arrangements. For musicians, understanding how royalties work is important because music can generate value through multiple channels beyond direct sales. Artists also need to understand the rights attached to their songs and recordings so they can make informed decisions about licensing and distribution. The discussion is expected to help gospel musicians better understand the relationship between ownership, usage and income.

Music rights will also form part of the conversation, making the seminar relevant to artists who want to protect their creative work. Songs involve intellectual property that can have long-term commercial and cultural value. Musicians who understand their rights are better positioned to negotiate agreements and determine how their work can be used. Contracts can also establish important terms concerning ownership, payments, performances and other professional arrangements. A clearer understanding of these issues can help artists approach the business side of music with greater confidence.

Branding is another key area that gospel artists will explore during the event. An artist’s brand extends beyond a logo or stage name and can include their public identity, music, communication and relationship with their audience. For gospel musicians, branding can also involve presenting a consistent identity while ensuring that commercial activities remain compatible with their ministry values. Building a recognizable identity can help artists communicate their work to audiences and potential partners. The seminar will therefore consider branding as part of building a sustainable music career rather than treating it as a separate promotional activity.

The growth of streaming has also changed how musicians distribute and monetize their music. Digital platforms allow artists to reach listeners in different markets without relying exclusively on physical sales or traditional media. At the same time, streaming revenue involves rights, distribution arrangements and payment structures that musicians need to understand. Artists who release music digitally must consider how their recordings are distributed and how revenue generated from their work is collected. The seminar’s focus on streaming revenue will give gospel musicians an opportunity to examine this increasingly important part of the modern music business.

Bookings and contracts will provide another practical area of discussion. Live performances can be an important part of a musician’s career, but artists and organisers need clear agreements about fees, dates, performance requirements and other conditions. Written contracts can help both sides understand their responsibilities before a performance takes place. Gospel artists may also receive invitations to perform at churches, conferences, festivals and other events, making professional booking practices relevant to their careers. Understanding how to negotiate and manage these arrangements can help musicians approach their work more professionally.

The broader message of the Music & Ministry Seminar is that financial sustainability does not have to conflict with the purpose of gospel music. Artists can learn about business practices while continuing to place their message, faith and ministry at the centre of their work. The challenge is to understand how commercial opportunities can be managed responsibly and in ways that align with an artist’s values. Discussions around royalties, rights, branding, streaming, contracts and bookings can give musicians practical knowledge for making those decisions. By bringing industry professionals and gospel musicians together, the seminar creates an environment for sharing knowledge about both ministry and the realities of building a career in music.

The Music & Ministry Seminar will take place today, 2 October 2026, at Zimparks HQ. The programme is scheduled to run from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, giving participants several hours to engage with the keynote address and panel discussion. Entry is free, making the event accessible to gospel artists and other people interested in understanding the business of music. The combination of industry expertise and a gospel-focused discussion makes the seminar relevant to musicians at different stages of their careers. For artists seeking to understand how royalties, music rights, branding, streaming revenue, contracts and bookings can contribute to a sustainable career, the event offers a platform for practical discussion and professional learning.