EBMQ Celebrates 25 Years with Crown Gospel Award Nomination for Hit Song “Josefa”

The Evangeli Best Men Quintet (EBMQ), a distinguished gospel group from Mthatha, have reached a remarkable milestone in their 25-year musical journey with a nomination for Best Music Video at the 2025 Crown Gospel Awards. The nomination recognizes their powerful song “Josefa,” a standout track from their latest album Revival Hits, which has resonated deeply with gospel audiences across South Africa.

Lead singer Thembinkosi Bavuma described the nomination as a moment of gratitude and inspiration for the group. He said the recognition symbolizes growth and divine favour, reinforcing their commitment to their spiritual calling. “This nomination means growth, favour and blessings. I’m personally happy — it’s a motivation for our work, and we feel this is just the beginning,” Bavuma said. He extended thanks to God, pastors, churches, and families who have supported the group over the years. “Josefa is a big song — it’s easy to connect with, and people should look out for the video and the song on YouTube and other digital platforms.”

The five-member group — Sandisiwe Maqokolo, the late Kwandiwe Maqokolo, Mava Mafumba, Thembinkosi Bavuma, and Mxolisi Jejane — was formed in 2000 under the mentorship of gospel icon Lusanda Mcinga. From its inception, EBMQ’s purpose has been to share the love of God through harmonies and stories that inspire faith and perseverance. Their debut album Likhon’isango, released in 2005 under Gallo Records, introduced them to South Africa’s vibrant gospel scene and laid the foundation for their enduring career.

By 2014, EBMQ had released its fifth album, Unabantu Bantu Bakho Thixo, which featured collaborations with Lusanda Mcinga and Betusile Mcinga, a 2014 Crown Gospel Award-winner. Their music consistently reflects spiritual conviction, community connection, and cultural authenticity.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt in 2020, the group responded with Ndilandeleni, an album filled with hope and encouragement during a time of global uncertainty. Produced by Mxolisi Mhlongo and Malizole Fololo, the project strengthened their reputation for faith-driven resilience and musical excellence.

In 2023, EBMQ released Siqonda Ekhaya and its accompanying music video, earning an INGOMA Award nomination and a national performance on One Gospel. Later that year, they released Impi Ka Moya on YouTube, continuing to collaborate with established gospel figures and expanding their reach.

Their 2024 album Revival Hits became a defining moment for the group. Hailed by fans as their most refined body of work, it included the track Josefa, which is now receiving national acclaim. The song’s emotional depth and uplifting message inspired the social media campaign #JosefaToTheWorld, encouraging audiences to share EBMQ’s message of faith globally.

On May 16, 2025, the group released a new single, Mangath’akekho, featuring acclaimed Eastern Cape gospel singer Ziyanda Tshangana. This marked EBMQ’s first collaboration with a female vocalist, reflecting their ongoing commitment to growth and inclusion within the gospel community.

Mentor Lusanda Mcinga praised the group’s consistency and dedication to their ministry. “What has kept this group together for so many years is the mutual goal they share,” she said. “We travelled together for years, and they were never after money — their main goal has always been to spread the word of God.”

Group manager Pinky Pohlo Xintolo expressed deep pride in the nomination, describing it as both a creative and spiritual victory. “Seeing EBMQ nominated is an overwhelming feeling of pride, validation, and excitement,” she said. “The nomination publicly acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and creativity poured into this project. It’s a moment of recognition on Africa’s biggest gospel stage.”

She added that the Crown Gospel Awards judging process values both technical mastery and authentic artistic expression. “I hope EBMQ and the Revival Hits project leave a lasting legacy — one that inspires faith, showcases authentic South African talent, and reinforces the power of gospel music to uplift and unite communities.”

The Evangeli Best Men Quintet’s journey stands as a testament to persistence, purpose, and unwavering faith. Their nomination for Josefa not only celebrates their artistry but also highlights the transformative power of gospel music in South Africa’s cultural landscape.