'Scorpion Kings Live with Friends': all-day pre-show line-up announced at Loftus Versfeld

Nomathamsanqa Sithathu|Published

Anticipation builds for the Scorpion Kings concert, as a hint of a surprise African artist joining the line-up has been revealed.

Image: Instagram

Amapiano DJ duo Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa, who are also known as “Scorpion Kings”, are taking their highly anticipated concert to the next level.  

The “Scorpion Kings Live with Friends” concert at Loftus Versfeld Stadium is set to run from afternoon until late into the night, with the addition of a pre-show stage showcasing some of South Africa’s top performers.

Fans will be treated to a day full of music starting from 2pm. The stadium will host sets from new-school artists to old-school artists.

Acts such as DBN Gogo, Blxckie, 25K, Venom, Dlala Thukzin, Dinho, Christos, Vinny Da Vinci, Ba Bethe Gashoazen, and Banques will be giving fans an early taste of the country’s musical range. 

This will happen before the main Amapiano event begins.

As the day peaks, the DJ duo will headline, performing together as the “Scorpion Kings”. They have become one of the most influential acts in the Amapiano movement and still maintain that status to this day. 

Without revealing too much, Maphorisa hinted during an interview with Metro FM that there would be a surprise African artist, as they have collaborated with artists such as Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Burna Boy on their sophomore album.

Their joint projects “Scorpion Kings” and “The Return of the Scorpion Kings” have not only taken over from the beginning but also helped propel the genre into international spaces.

Known for fusing deep house, kwaito and jazz-inspired elements, they have built a sound that resonates far beyond South Africa’s borders.

“This is not just an Amapiano show; it’s a full-day experience. We’re inviting fans to come early, soak in the vibes, and discover some of the freshest talents the country has to offer. 

“The pre-show stage is all about celebrating music and making the day at Loftus unforgettable,” the Scorpion Kings said in a joint statement.

The concert will mark their first large-scale stadium appearance together since 2022, and they are promising a high-production showcase with performances that will showcase more than one genre. 

The event is positioned as a celebration of collaboration and culture, with Kabza and Maphorisa closely involved in shaping everything from the music selection to the stage design.

"Scorpion Kings Live with Friends" is set to take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday, August 29. 

With the latest update, fans are encouraged to arrive early as doors will open at 2pm to catch the full line-up before the headline act closes out the night.