This past weekend’s performance at the FNB Stadium could hardly be described as tranquil, with more than 74,000 people descending to witness Scorpion Kings Live. This famous venue turned into a huge party celebrating music, dance and South African culture.
DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small were leading the party with their unique journey called Scorpion Kings. However, the organizers decided that there would be much more than just a performance.
A Family Affair included more than 70 performers playing different kinds of music, such as Amapiano, hip-hop, Maskandi, Gqom, house, Afro-soul, etc. The whole project had an underlying meaning from the very beginning.
First of all, Karabo Pieterson, great-grandniece of Augustine Pieterson, created the link between the events of 1976 and the modern generation through music and culture.
Secondly, as the show went on, the audience started to feel that the atmosphere became quite different – it went from history to dance and music, showing that Amapiano is not just the sound.
Another emotional element was contributed by Mama Phori during her opening of the performance when she prayed, whereas DJ Maphorisa managed to create a lasting impression entering in his red BMW 320i Gusheshe.
At the same time, Kabza De Small made an impressive visual presentation of the performance with him playing on the burning piano.
Another significant element of the celebration was the fact that ladies took center stage in the showcase of Amapiano, while at the same time, there were the discussions about the safety of women in South Africa.
Noteworthy, is the connection between the local history of Amapiano and its journey to the world with the sound filling up the FNB Stadium with the audience of 74,000+ people.
Additionally, the performance managed to involve the help of the following partners: SABC 1, Castle Lite, Sprite, Gauteng Provincial Government, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, SAMPRA, Gautrain and others.
For those people who could not watch the performance, Scorpion Kings Live will be aired on SABC1 on 3 October 2026.
At the same time, FNB Stadium was more than just the location for the performance; it was the way to highlight the journey that the sound, its people and culture have made.
