Following her acclaimed debut, Itha Lam, Cnethemba Gonelo returns with her second album Uhambo Lwam (My Journey), a nine-track collection that fuses amapiano, jazz and soul to deliver messages of comfort, faith, and renewal.

South Africa’s rising amapiano and soul sensation, Cnethemba Gonelo, has officially released her highly anticipated second studio album, Uhambo Lwam (My Journey).

Uhambo lwam is a deeply personal and spiritual body of work that captures her path of self-discovery, healing and celebration through music.

The nine-track album, which fuses spiritual, romantic and dance sounds, stands as a bold declaration of Cnethemba’s purpose and resilience.

For her, Uhambo Lwam is not just a musical project but it is a continuation of her story, one that is rooted in loss, faith, and the redemptive power of sound.

Born in Johannesburg South and raised in a faith-based home as the daughter of a pastor, Cnethemba’s connection to spirituality has always been at the heart of her artistry.

She studied music formally at Central Johannesburg College but says her greatest lessons came from life itself, particularly from grief.

In 2016, she suffered the devastating loss of her sister, who had been her emotional anchor and confidante. That tragedy became the turning point in her journey.

Rather than let pain consume her, Cnethemba turned to what she knew best, music. It became her language of mourning, healing and rediscovery.

“Losing my sister changed everything. Music became my way of speaking to her spirit and healing my own. It reminded me that I was born to heal not just myself, but others who are going through pain they can’t put into words,” the talented star said.

Her 2023 single Lindishonele offered the first glimpse into that transformation, expressing her longing to connect spiritually with her late sister for one more moment in the physical world.

Now, Uhambo Lwam continues that conversation, blending the sacred and the soulful into an intimate portrait of endurance and faith.

The album was titled by her fans as she believes that they share this long journey.

A journey etched in sound and spirit

Uhambo Lwam invites listeners on a sonic pilgrimage through love, faith and resilience.

The album features collaborations with a diverse line-up of talented artists, including Frank Mabeat, Derose, Mzukulu, Beekay, Spelete, Ljay Musica and Lozkin Keys.

Among the standout tracks are:

Chants of My Clan (Mantsundu) – a spiritual invocation that calls upon ancestral guidance and protection.
Amayeza (My Music is the Medicine) – a deeply moving reminder that music has the power to heal both body and soul.

Iinkomo – a love song layered with tenderness and reflection on devotion.

Unodoli – a soothing lullaby that comforts the weary heart and eases the mind.

Cnethemba describes the album as a fusion of sounds that speak to the soul, combining elements of amapiano, jazz, and African spirituality to create something uniquely her own.

“This album is a reflection of my personal and spiritual journey. It’s about love, healing and the beauty that can come from pain. Every song carries a piece of my heart and my truth,” she said.

Music as medicine and hope

Cnethemba’s music has long served as a source of strength for those in search of solace.

Her breakout hit Amathemba, which surpassed thousands views and earned her a gold plaque, became an anthem of hope and endurance.

Its heartfelt message, when the sunsets hopes fades away, but even in that instance a new dawn always follows, resonated deeply with audiences across South Africa and beyond.

She believes that through music, she can reach places words cannot.

“Music allows me to heal while helping others heal too. It’s my way of sharing light in dark spaces. I always want people to feel seen, comforted and encouraged when they listen,” Cnethemba explained.

Her artistry extends far beyond the studio. Over the years, she has been featured on numerous television and radio stations, both local and commercial, and has performed on stages that celebrate the best of South African music.

Her collaborations read like a who’s who of the country’s top producers and performers. She has worked with Kabza De Small, Sir Trill, Kelvin Momo, Murumba Pitch, Junior Taurus, Gaba Canal, and Happy Jazzman, among others.

These experiences, she says, have sharpened her craft and expanded her understanding of how music can connect people across different backgrounds and emotions.

A spiritual calling, not just a career

For Cnethemba, music is not merely a career but it’s a spiritual calling.

Her compositions are imbued with intention, carrying messages of faith, hope, and empowerment for those navigating difficult chapters in their lives.

“Every note I sing is a prayer. Every song is a reminder that healing is possible, even after loss,” she stated.

The release of Uhambo Lwam marks a significant chapter in her artistic evolution. It captures her authenticity and courage, as well as her ability to transform pain into art that uplifts others.

About the album

Album title: Uhambo Lwam (My Journey)

Release date: 22 October 2025

Available on: All major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc.)

Label: Amabali Entertainment

Featured artists: Frank Mabeat, Derose, Mzukulu, Beekay, Spelete, Ljay Musica, Lozkin Keys.

For bookings, contact: 071 994 3855 or 062 290 2443.

Socials (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram): Cnethemba Gonelo

A message to her fans

“Uhambo Lwam is not just my journey, it’s our journey. It belongs to everyone who’s ever felt broken, lost or in need of hope. May these songs remind you that healing is possible, that love never dies, and that music will always find a way to bring us back to life.”