The Star

The Amapiano takeover: DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small set for FNB Stadium show

Nomathamsanqa Sithathu|Published

From Loftus to FNB, 'Scorpion Kings Live; is levelling up as amapiano’s biggest night gets even bigger.

Image: Supplied

After shutting down Loftus Versfeld in 2025, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small are bringing “Scorpion Kings Live” back, and this time it’s bigger, louder and heading to one of the country’s most iconic venues, FNB Stadium.

Set for September 19 2026, the show is expected to draw over 70 000 fans, positioning it as what could be the biggest Amapiano concert yet.

Last year’s debut at Loftus wasn’t just another live show. It was a turning point for Amapiano. The stadium was packed, the lineup was stacked, and the energy carried the night from start to finish.

From Makhadzi setting the tone early on, to performances from the likes of Young Stunna and Kamo Mphela, it was a reminder of just how far the genre has come.

Some moments stood out beyond the music, too. From the detailed stage production to personal touches like Maphorisa’s mother opening his set with a prayer, it all added to a night that felt bigger than just performances. 

Even with the usual challenges that come with events of that scale, like crowd movement and long queues, fans still walked away feeling like they had witnessed something important.

The 2026 edition is building on that foundation. This year, they are calling it “A Family Affair”, a theme that leans into the sense of community around amapiano.

It’s less about just the performance and more about everyone involved in the movement, from the artists and collaborators to the fans who have taken the sound beyond South Africa and into new spaces.

Reflecting on the journey, Maphorisa said the Loftus show was only the beginning. 

“Loftus was a moment we’ll never forget - the energy, the love, the unity. It showed us just how far Amapiano has come. But for us, that was only the beginning. FNB Stadium is about taking that feeling and amplifying it for the world to see.”

De Small echoed that sentiment, framing the show as something that continues to grow with the culture. 

“Every Scorpion Kings Live show is about growth - not just for us, but for the culture. ‘A Family Affair’ is exactly what this is. It’s about bringing everyone together again, bigger than ever, and creating something unforgettable.”

It’s expected to be a step up from 2025, with a bigger setup and a lineup that will likely bring together some of the key names in amapiano right now. 

The focus looks to be on the overall experience and how the show continues to grow within the genre.

The "Scorpion Kings Live" concert is scheduled for September 19 at FNB Stadium. The line-up and ticket information have not yet been announced.