History was made on 29 August as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, affectionately known as the Scorpion Kings, etched their names permanently into the history books of South African music and entertainment. Over 50,000 people flooded into Loftus Versfeld Stadium as the two pioneering giants of the Amapiano movement delivered a spectacle that will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic nights in South African cultural history.
From the moment the doors opened, anticipation electrified the air as fans – young and old, local and international – descended on the stadium, united by their love for the groundbreaking sound of Amapiano. Betway Presents Scorpion Kings Live with Friends, in partnership with Metro FM and Converse, was more than a concert. It was a statement and a declaration that South African music leads the global stage.
The Scorpion Kings rose to the occasion and exceeded every expectation. Performing on a 360-degree stage surrounded by tens of thousands of fans, the duo delivered an unforgettable journey through sound, lights, and visuals. Every beat, every drop, every performance felt larger than life, an unmissable moment etched into collective memory. This was Amapiano at its peak, a demonstration of the genre’s unstoppable power and influence, led by the very architects of its movement.
The night unfolded as a tapestry of world-class performances. The Scorpion Kings’ friends roster was made up of African music royalty. Opening in spirituality with a prayer delivered by DJ Maphorisa’s mother, the show continued to elevate as each artist took the stage. Ami Faku’s hauntingly soulful voice soared across the stadium, Msaki delivered a transcendent performance that had the crowd swaying in awe; Makhadzi and Kamo Mphela’s dancing feet shook the crowd, while Focalistic electrified the stadium with his unmatched energy. Sjava, Njelic, Uhuru and Young Stunna brought raw energy that rounded off a perfectly balanced elegance from Tracy and Thatohatsi, Nkosazana Daughter and a suave delivery by Daliwonga, Mthunzi, Phila Dlozi, Mlindo the Vocalist, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta and many more. Taking time to celebrate the greats, the Kings also honoured legendary musician Caiphus Semenya while also paying tribute to fallen Amapiano artists.
In a moment that underscored the global reach of Amapiano, international superstar Davido stormed the stage, sending the crowd into a frenzy as Nigerian Afrobeats and South African Amapiano merged in a celebration of African unity through music. Each performance was a highlight, each collaboration a revelation – together building a festival experience that words can barely capture.
The synergy between these artists and the Scorpion Kings was nothing short of spectacular. It was an evening where South African talent stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the world, proudly proclaiming the power of the country’s music and creativity.
Adding another layer of spectacle was the choreography, helmed by Soweto’s Finest, led by Tom London; the Grammy award-winning choir Amazwi8 and a world-class band led by music director JR Bogopa and creative director James Frank. Their commanding presence transformed the stage into a living canvas, where music and dance collided in perfect unison. From intricate dance numbers to sweeping visual storytelling, their choreography and music turned every moment into performance art, amplifying the energy and connecting 50,000 fans in motion.
The synchronisation of beats, steps, lights, and visuals was breathtaking – showcasing the meticulous planning and artistry that went into creating this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Betway Presents Scorpion Kings Live with Friends was not just an event; it was a seismic cultural moment. Never before has Loftus Versfeld been transformed in such a way – into a temple of sound, spirit, and unity. The overwhelming turnout, the flawless production, and the sheer magnitude of performances firmly cemented this as a landmark in South Africa’s entertainment history.
This show has set a new standard, a high watermark for what South African artists and entertainment can achieve. It demonstrated that with vision, collaboration, and excellence, local music can create world-class shows that rival – and even surpass – the best anywhere in the world.
Behind every historic night is a team whose dedication, creativity, and passion make the impossible possible. To the producers, the technical crews, the dancers, the stylists, the media partners, the sponsors, and every single hand that touched this project – thank you. Your work brought to life a dream that South Africa will never forget.
And to the fans – the 50,000 strong who filled Loftus with song, dance, and spirit – you are the true heartbeat of Amapiano. Together, we celebrated a genre that was born in the streets of South Africa and has now taken its rightful place on the global stage. Thank you for being part of history.
Betway presents Scorpion Kings Live with Friends was more than just a concert – it was proof that music can unite, inspire, and redefine what is possible. The Scorpion Kings have once again proven why they are not only leaders of Amapiano but also shapers of history. The Kings have spoken. History was made.