Amapiano heavyweights Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa are set to bring an all-star celebration of the country’s music and culture to FNB Stadium on 19 September, with more than 70 000 fans expected to attend Scorpion Kings Live.
The highly anticipated show has unveiled a sprawling lineup featuring some of the biggest names in Amapiano, hip-hop, Afro-soul, house and contemporary African music, positioning the event as one of the biggest live music spectacles on the South African entertainment calendar this year.
Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa lead all-star lineup
At the heart of the event are the Scorpion Kings themselves – Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa – whose partnership has played a major role in the rise of Amapiano from a South African club sound to a global phenomenon.
The duo will be joined by established stars, genre pioneers and younger artists representing different generations of South African music.
The lineup includes Amapiano favourites such as Daliwonga, Young Stunna, Focalistic, Kamo Mphela, Toss, Tman Xpress, LeeMckrazy, MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter and Pcee, alongside artists from other musical worlds.
Afro-soul and contemporary voices including Ami Faku, Msaki, Nobuhle, Nokwazi and Mlindo The Vocalist will bring a different dimension to the event, while hip-hop heavyweights Blxckie and Nasty C add further genre diversity.
Veteran performer Ringo Madlingozi is also part of the lineup, highlighting the event’s attempt to connect South Africa’s established musical heritage with the new generation driving the country’s current sound.
A full day of music and entertainment
The experience will begin well before the headline performances, with fans able to enter from 12h00 for the Scorpion Kings Live pre-show.
Organisers say the intention is to create more than a conventional concert, with music, fashion, food, transport, brand activations and entertainment forming part of the overall experience.
The scale of the event reflects the growing commercial and cultural influence of Amapiano, which has moved beyond South Africa to attract audiences and collaborations across Africa and internationally.
For Scorpion Kings Live, bringing the genre’s biggest names together at one of the country’s most recognisable stadiums is also a statement about the size of the local live entertainment market.
Major brands join the experience
The event has attracted several major brand partners, further underscoring its commercial scale.
SABC1 has joined as the Official Broadcast Partner, aligning the broadcaster with an event centred on South African music, youth culture and entertainment.
Fashion and culture brand GalxBoy is the Official Merch Distribution Partner, while Gautrain has come on board as the Official Transport Partner.
Sprite will serve as the Official Refreshment Partner, with Castle Lite as the Official Beer Partner.
McCafé and RocoMamas will also participate as Official Activations Partners, bringing their respective brand experiences directly to fans at FNB Stadium.
The partnerships mean the event will extend beyond performances, with fans expected to experience activations, food, fashion and entertainment throughout the day.
FNB Stadium set for Amapiano takeover
The choice of FNB Stadium adds another layer of significance to the event.
The Johannesburg venue has hosted some of the country’s biggest sporting and entertainment occasions, making it an appropriate setting for an event that aims to demonstrate the scale of South Africa’s music industry.
With a lineup spanning Amapiano, hip-hop, Afro-soul, house and established African sounds, Scorpion Kings Live is expected to attract audiences across generations.
For Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, the stadium show represents another major chapter in the Scorpion Kings story and the continuing evolution of Amapiano.
With more than 70 000 fans expected, the event is shaping up to be not simply a celebration of the genre, but a showcase of the depth and diversity of South African music.
Limited ticketing options remain available through the official Scorpion Kings Live website, with fans encouraged to secure their tickets ahead of the 19 September event.
Scorpion Kings Live lineup
Ami Faku, Amaroto, Aymos, Angekebabuye MC, Beekayrsa28, Blxckie, Bontle Smith, Busiswa, Busta 929, Daliwonga, DJ Maphorisa, Dladla Mshuniqisi, Focalistic, Kabelo Sings, Kabza De Small, Kamo Mphela, Kammu Dee, Key Tech, Khalil Harrison, Lady Du, Leehleza, LeeMckrazy, Madumane, Mark Khoza, MaWhoo, Mhaw Keys, Miano, Mkeyz, Mlindo The Vocalist, Mnqobi Yazo, Mr JazziQ, Msaki, Mthunzi, Nasty C, Nia Pearl, Njelic, Nkosazana Daughter, Nobuhle, Nokwazi, Pcee, Ricky Lenyora, Ringo Madlingozi, Scotts Maphuma, Semi Tee, Soweto’s Finest, Sykes, Thatohatsi, Toss, Tman Xpress, Tracy, Uncool MC, Vulela, Xduppy, Young Stunna, Zaba and Zawadi Yamungu.
