Scorpion Kings Live (Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa) will be going bigger with this year's show at FNB Stadium.
Image: Supplied/mini_photography
As the countdown to Scorpion Kings Live on September 19, 2026, at FNB Stadium continues, IOL caught up with multi-award-winning music producer, musician and one half of the Scorpion Kings, Themba Sekowe, better known as DJ Maphorisa.
Following shows at SunBet Arena and Loftus Versfeld Stadium, the Scorpion Kings are now set to take on FNB Stadium, with over 70 000 people expected to attend.
The first round of tickets for Scorpion Kings Live sold out rapidly after going on sale, with a limited final release of field tickets following.
“We're excited, we're nervous, too much anxiety, but it's a good feeling,” said DJ Maphorisa.
What DJ Maphorisa promises for FNB Stadium
The Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on August 29, 2025, set the standard and proved to be more than just another live music experience.
Headlined by Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, the concert took fans on a journey through some of their biggest hits, alongside performances from some of Mzansi’s top artists, including Ami Faku, Kamo Mphela, Daliwonga, Young Stunna, Kwesta, Mafikizolo and Sjava, as well as Nigerian superstar Davido.
This time around, however, the duo are promising an even bigger experience. “More energy, more music.
"Obviously, it's been like a year now. We have more songs that we've released, so more catalogue, more performances. Kabza will be playing some keys; we're just adding more vibes. It's going to be so much more interesting," said Maphorisa.
While the music took centre stage at the previous concert, fashion also stole the show.
Artists stepped out in outfits that turned heads, proving that the spectacle extended beyond the stage. With thousands of eyes watching, what they wore mattered.
For DJ Maphorisa, fashion is deeply rooted in his understanding of kasi culture.
“As umjita wasekasi, I understand the culture that when you step outside, you have to look good,” he explained, adding that it was important to bring that element to the show.
Putting together a show of the magnitude of Scorpion Kings Live comes with many moving parts, from production and performances to managing fan expectations.
Reflecting on the previous show, DJ Maphorisa acknowledged that there were some challenges and said they are focused on ensuring that this year’s concert is safe.
“Obviously, we had some challenges in the previous show; we're going to make sure that everything is safe,” said the DJ.
DJ Maphorisa also understands that fans have certain songs they want to hear, but with the Scorpion Kings’ ever-growing catalogue, fitting all their favourites into one set remains a challenge.
The duo will have to strike a balance between giving fans the songs they know and love while ensuring that the overall performance remains exciting.
As to whether this year’s line-up will feature an international act, Maphorisa was not quick to confirm or deny anything, but says they are still talking.
Instead, he posed the question: Does the line-up really need an international act?
It is a question that leaves room for debate. On the one hand, the Scorpion Kings have built a catalogue big enough to carry a stadium show on their own. On the other, the excitement an international star can bring to an already stacked line-up cannot be denied.
The revolving stage and on-screen lyrics at the previous Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert were among the highlights for many attendees.
Maphorisa says the duo is aware that they have to strike a balance between fan expectations and what is realistically possible on the night.
The ultimate goal, however, remains simple: they want people to dance.
“We're going to push the vocals really, and we're going to push the instruments really. It's a lot of songs, a lot of good songs.”
One of Maphorisa’s proudest moments from the Scorpion Kings Live journey has been seeing his mother, affectionately known to fans as Mama Maphorisa, open the show with a prayer.
For him, it was a deeply personal moment that helped set the tone for what went on to become a memorable show.
Looking ahead, Maphorisa says the Scorpion Kings’ ambitions extend beyond Amapiano.
“It won’t just be amapiano, but music,” he said, signalling the duo’s intention to continue expanding their sound and their live shows beyond amapiano.
Tickets for Scorpion Kings Live are now limited. On September 19, 2026, the celebrations start early.
Doors open at 12.00pm, with a pre-show taking place before the main show.
IOL
