After a prolonged break from the spotlight, afro-pop band Mafikizolo are on the comeback trail.

The band’s principle members, Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe, will be performing at the Moretele Park Tribute Concert in Pretoria on September 1.

Concert-goers will be treated to a full hour of Mafikizolo, when they take to the stage during the Amstel Golden Hour.

The group, who have not been on stage in about a year, will be following in the footsteps of other premier local outfits, such as Zakes Bantwini, Lira, Zahara, HHP, Hugh Masekela and TKZee, all of whom have played the Golden Hour previously.

In addition to their return to the stage, the band are also busy in studio, recording a follow-up album to 2006′s critically acclaimed Six Mabone.

“It could not have been at a better time. After a long time, it’s a blessing to be given an opportunity to reconnect with our fans,” said Nciza, in an interview with the Sowetan.

Attendees at Saturday’s concert will be treated to a preview of the band’s new material, as well as a generous portion of classic Mafikizolo tunes.

“We have new sounds and we will use the stage to share them with our fans so they can look forward to the new album,” explained Nciza.

Kgosinkwe said they would aim to reconnect with their fans by playing established hits.

The concert aims to celebrate South African music and the artists who have contributed to our musical landscape over the years. Mafikizolo was one of the first non-jazz outfits to perform at the concert, in 2001.

Kgosinkwe said: “The concert has been all about jazz legends celebrating themselves.

“I think the audience missed the groovy part in the concert, they wanted to dance.

“Given that we are the young ones, we are celebrating our legends.”

Other acts to play at the concert include  Jonathan Butler, Letta Mbuli, Zahara, Jonas Gwangwa, Ringo, Zonke, Tsepo Tshola,