Over 50,000 fans celebrate Amapiano’s global rise at Scorpion Kings Live
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium on August 29, 2025, was an unprecedented celebration of Amapiano music, culture, and unity.
Drawing over 50,000 fans, the event transformed the iconic rugby stadium into a vibrant festival ground, showcasing the genre’s explosive growth from township roots to a global sensation. Headlined by the legendary Amapiano duo Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, the concert delivered electrifying performances, surprise guest appearances, and cultural tributes, marking a defining moment in South Africa’s music history.
From the early afternoon, the atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld was charged with excitement. Gates opened at 1 pm, welcoming a diverse crowd eager to experience an all-day musical journey.
The preshow, running from 2 pm to 4 pm, featured emerging artists and local talents who warmed up the audience with infectious beats and dance routines.
By 6 pm, the stadium was packed to near capacity, with 51,762 attendees creating a sea of energy, waving flags, and singing along to every track.
Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, known collectively as the Scorpion Kings, delivered a masterclass in Amapiano production and performance.
Their set seamlessly blended house, kwaito, and soulful rhythms, creating an immersive sonic experience. Fan favourites like “Abalele” and “Asibe Happy” ignited the crowd, while new tracks teased the genre’s future directions.
The duo’s stage presence was magnetic, commanding attention with flawless transitions and engaging interactions. Their ability to blend traditional township sounds with contemporary beats showcased Amapiano’s unique evolution and broad appeal.
One of the night’s highlights was the surprise appearance by Nigerian superstar Davido. His energetic performances of hits like “Fall” and “Unavailable” electrified the audience and underscored Amapiano’s Afrobeat influences.
The collaboration between Davido and local artist Dupiano symbolised a cultural fusion that transcended borders, emphasising the genre’s pan-African reach.
Other notable performers included Kamo Mphela, whose dynamic dance moves and infectious tracks like “Dalie” kept the energy high, and Cassper Nyovest, who injected hip-hop flair with his charismatic raps and crowd engagement.
The inclusion of rising stars and collaborators broadened the concert’s musical diversity, making it a comprehensive showcase of South African talent.
The concert paid tribute to Amapiano’s roots with cultural elements woven throughout the event. Costumes and choreography incorporated traditional Zulu and Sotho motifs, honouring the genre’s origins in Soweto and Pretoria townships.
This cultural grounding added depth to entertainment, connecting modern music with heritage.
Production values rivalled international festivals, featuring massive LED screens, pyrotechnics, laser light shows, and a state-of-the-art sound system that enveloped the stadium.
Drone footage streamed live captured the scale and vibrancy of the event, extending its reach beyond physical attendees.
During the concert, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa surprised fans with announcements of new EP releases. Snippets from upcoming projects were unveiled, generating excitement and anticipation for the genre’s continued innovation.
These moments highlighted the synergy between digital music distribution and live performances in today’s music industry.
The duo’s social media posts following the event celebrated the sold-out status and hinted at future stadium shows, possibly expanding to other major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Industry analysts predict that such mega-events will cement South Africa’s role as a global music powerhouse and inspire similar large-scale Amapiano festivals.
