Everton Mlalazi Interview On In The Presence 3: Great God

Renowned gospel artist Everton Mlalazi recently shared insights into his latest project, In The Presence 3: Great God, the third installment in his celebrated In The Presence worship series. In this exclusive interview, Everton talks about the inspiration behind the album, the creative process, and the spiritual intentions guiding his music.

1. In The Presence 3: Great God is the third installment in your worship series. What inspired you to continue this journey, and how does this chapter differ from the previous ones?

The journey continued really because it never really felt finished. Each project came from real moments with God, not a plan to create a series or chase a sound. With this third chapter, I felt a deeper pull to stay in that place of worship, but with more maturity. The earlier albums were very intimate and personal, while Great God lifts its focus higher. It’s more about declaring who God is and honoring His greatness.

2. The album focuses on reverence, praise, and acknowledging God’s greatness. What was your spiritual posture while creating this body of work?

My posture was one—and always is—of humility and surrender. I felt very aware that this was about honoring God, not expressing myself creatively for its own sake. A lot of the music came from quiet moments of prayer, reflection, and waiting on God rather than trying to force inspiration.

3. You describe this project as more than an album, but a worship experience. What do you hope listeners encounter when engaging with this music?

I pray and hope people encounter God in a real and personal way. My prayer is that the music creates space for listeners to slow down, reflect, and connect with Him. Whether it’s in private devotion or in a congregational setting, I pray the songs lead people into His presence.

4. The lead single Muri Mutsvene (“You Are Holy”) is a call to humility and surrender. Why was this song chosen to introduce the album?

Muri Mutsvene sets the foundation for the entire project. Worship begins with recognizing God’s holiness, and that song naturally brings you/pulls you into a place of reverence and surrender. It felt like the right doorway into everything else on the album.

5. The project features collaborations with artists such as Moses Bliss, Oncemore Six, Takesure Zama, and the Harare MUMC Choir. How did these collaborations come together?

The collaborations happened very organically. Each person involved carries a genuine heart for worship, interpreted in their own way and in their own voice. That was the most important thing for me. It didn’t feel like formal features, but more like coming together as one body to serve the same purpose.

6. Biblical truth and prayer are central themes throughout the album. How do scripture and faith guide your songwriting process?

Scripture is the foundation of my songwriting. God’s Word reveals who God is. Through Scripture, God reveals His character, His will, and His nature. The Bible allows us to know God personally, not just know about Him. It shows His holiness, love, mercy, and faithfulness in a way no other source can.

7. How do you balance creating music for personal devotion while also serving congregational and corporate worship settings?

I usually start from a personal place. If a song is honest and meaningful in my private worship, it often translates well in a corporate setting. From there, I focus on simplicity so that people find it easy to truly connect.

8. During the creation of this album, were there moments where you personally experienced God’s presence in a profound way?

Yes, there were several moments like that. Some recording sessions turned into worship moments where we had to pause and just be in God’s presence. Those experiences shaped the heart of the album and reminded me that this was more than just recording music.

9. As a Zimbabwean gospel artist whose music reaches global audiences, what responsibility do you feel in spreading the Good News through worship?

I feel a strong responsibility to remain faithful to the message of the Gospel. It’s an honor to represent Zimbabwe on a global platform, especially having come from such a humble background, but more than anything, I want the music to always point people to Jesus, regardless of where they’re listening from.

10. What legacy do you hope In The Presence 3: Great God will leave in the lives of believers and the wider worship community?

My prayer is that this album becomes something people always return to when they want to worship deeply and sincerely. If it helps believers grow closer to God and encourages the worship community to prioritize presence over performance, then it will have served its purpose. I pray I can help shape up the perspective of who God truly is to everyone out there.

Everton Mlalazi’s In The Presence 3: Great God is more than an album—it is a worship journey designed to draw listeners into moments of reflection, surrender, and encounter with God. Through heartfelt lyrics, authentic collaborations, and a focus on God’s holiness, Everton continues to inspire believers worldwide, reminding them that worship is about presence, not performance. This project solidifies his role as a leading voice in contemporary gospel music, offering a lasting space for personal devotion and corporate worship alike.