This weekend is very important for Ntando Bangani, one of the leading Afro-pop musicians.

This weekend is very important for Ntando Bangani, one of the leading Afro-pop musicians.

He is launching a new album tonight and tomorrow night at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.

In the album, called Inqubela, which was released this month, Bangani has returned to his roots by recapturing the nuances of his past glory.

But as far as the beat and melodies are concerned he has moved into the future.

The launch-cum-concert will also feature Tlale Makhene, a fiery jazz percussionist and skilled drummer. Makhene is also hugely respected in the industry for his collaborative contribution.

"I am looking forward to this gig because there is going to be magic on stage. As a percussionist I do not recognise borders at all," said Makhene.

"Because Ntando comes from an Afro-pop background and I have a mainly jazz Afro-pop background, some people think the genres do not sit comfortably with each other. But at this concert we are bringing together two colours with different textures on stage," Makhene said.

He said he was working on a new album which is to be released soon.

His debut album, The Ascension of the Enlightened, released three years ago, was highly rated by critics as a jazz album.