AFTER losing two members within a short period of time, gospel group Abanqobi faced other challenges.
The group revealed that it almost split because of the grief and fear.
Two group members died - Sibusiso Zulu in 2024 and Siyabonga Ndlovu in 2025 - after short illnesses.
The group, based in Umlazi, Durban, and known for the hit songs Udondolo and Likude Ikhaya, is nominated for this year's 32nd annual South African Music Awards (Samas) under the Best African Indigenous Faith Album for their album, The Journey Continues.
Abanqobi spokesman and music director Mandla Ntuli said that the nomination gives them strength to soldier on no matter the challenges.
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"After we lost two great singers, the members didn't take it well. We had so many questions and fears that maybe something was wrong. I mean, we can't lose members two years in a row and not get scared. Some of us started to think that a curse or a dark cloud was hanging over us.
"Most members were discouraged even to come to the rehearsals. We also grieved differently, and that was hard. But we pulled ourselves together; we had to, otherwise the group would be shattered," said Ntuli.
The group is competing with Amadodana Ase Weseli, Di Bruin Gospel Projects, and Zion Iskhalanga Academy in the category.
Ntuli, who said Abanqobi has been in the industry for more than two decades, stated that the Samas are the biggest awards in Mzansi, so they aren't taking the nomination for granted.
"There are many gospel groups that could have been nominated. This nomination is big for us, and it motivates us to continue praising God through music. We've survived the worst and we're still going to survive," added Ntuli.
