AFTER hanging up the microphone for 12 years to be the front lady of her own super successful outfit, Linah Ngcobo is back.

Known as one of the top 1980s stars who could dance anyone under the table, Ngcobo, who is affectionately called Ebony, has released a gospel album Indumiso.

Her melodic voice brimming with passion and the many things that console the despondent and destitute, her third CD follows Ngikhalelumoya and Ngeke Ngiphinde.

The two albums had soul and touched those lucky enough to connect with them.

"When I left the industry I was still at the top of my game. I chose to take a back seat while helping my husband's star to soar and taking our children who had just formed Amaponi through their paces," she said.

"Now that everybody is at the top of their game, I feel I can come back with a clear conscience and help spread the word of God while thanking Him for the abundance of my blessings."

The songstress, whose voice is always likened to that of Randy Crawford, admitted that her decision was partly because of disillusionment with an industry that was increasingly sidelining local talent.

She said gospel music was not about fans but a calling and the relationship you have with God.

Ebony got into the industry in 1984. It was not long before she won over the fans with her major hit I Need Somebody.

Then followed hits such as Tell Me Why, Do You Remember, Ice Cream Man, I Am The Winner, Keep This Love, Hold Me, and Inakulawula Nguwe featuring the controversial hit Dlala Ngento Yakho, Phorisa, the sizzling Tshunela, Kwela Kwela and Xi Mbuku Mbafe.