Beloved Gospel Group Returns with New Energy

LEGENDARY gospel group Avante returns after decade-long break.

Avante, the legendary gospel group known for their hit Qina, is set to make a comeback after nearly a decade away from the music scene.

The group, credited with paving the way for many KZN gospel musicians, said they found inspiration in the up-and-coming artists who look up to them.

Currently, Avante is working in the studio on a new EP, scheduled for release at the end of February.

The group last released an album titled Uhambo in 2016. Their journey began with their debut album, Sinethemba, in 1997.

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Over the years, they’ve mourned the loss of three original members: Bongani Ngcobo, Sphiwe Khanyile, and Linda Gcwensa. Presently, the remaining founders are Lucky Cele and James Langa.

Lucky Cele (51), co-founder of Avante from KwaMashu in KZN, told Daily Sun that their break was due to preparing three new members to replace those they had lost.

“After we lost our three members, we didn’t want to go into the studio as just the two of us. We added three members and trained them,” Cele said.

“Following pressure from musicians who look up to us, and our fans, we realised these new members are ready to record. Many gospel musicians, including Thinah Zungu, asked us why we weren’t releasing new music, as we are their role models,” he said.

To maintain the group’s original sound, they added Sizwe Mtambo, Sibonelo Dlamini, and Ntuthuko Mlaba, keeping Avante a five-member ensemble.

“We are keeping the Avante original sound, and these new guys have adapted to it. However, they bring a new taste to our songs,” Cele said.

The group plans to start with an EP and follow up with a full album later.