ZAKES Bantwini is back with a bang.

After taking a break from music for four years, his new album Love, Light and Music 2 will get people into a groovy mood.

“I took time so I could perfect my music. I wanted to make sure that 10 years from now, people can still relate to this album.”

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Zakes said he worked with young talent like Dr Moruti, DJ Maphorisa, Nana Atta, Tellaman and Lebo M’s daughter, Refi.

He said he wanted an honest album that would benefit music culture.

Zakes, whose real name is Zakhele Madida, started his career as a dancer in KwaMashu, KZN, when he was 11. He was taught by Kwezi Mahlobo.

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“He planted a dance seed in me. Through him, I entered dance competitions like Shongololo, which qualified me to take part in the Dance Umbrella festival.”

Zakes describes dance as a celebration of fun and good energy which takes you to another world.

“Dance is good for your body and co-ordination, but it also takes you to another level and shows how you feel,” said Zakes.

He spent his last six months teaching at a dance company in Paris, France.

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Zakes said he discovered L’vovo Derrango in 2005.

“I gave Durban artists hope and brought them closer to their dreams.”

Zakes is also known for his collaboration with Black Coffee in 2009 on Juju from the Home Brewed album.

“Black Coffee played the instrumental of Juju and asked me to sing. I added character to the song and we rocked Mzansi,” he said.

After that, Zakes recorded Love, Light and Music in 2010. It won a Metro FM award for best male album and song of the year at the Channel O awards.

He was Sony Music executive artists and repertoire head for two years.

“My role was to discover artists and match them with right producers and song writers,” he said.

Zakes describes his stage performance as a ritual where he connects with his audience.

“I feel obsessed with my moves.”

His album will be launched on 8 August in Joburg, followed by a promotional tour around the country.