Six years ago, an album was born on the road to Durban that would change the face of South African music forever.
On 5 July 2019, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small – then collaborators on a bold new sound – released their first Scorpion Kings album while en route to the Durban July.
Scorpion Kings is an album that introduced two household names. It further ignited a brotherhood between DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small that would shape an entire genre, launch countless artists, and propel Amapiano beyond South African borders into a global phenomenon. To date, the album has amassed over 90 million combined audio and video streams, cementing its place as one of the most impactful and beloved Amapiano projects of all time.
In a powerful full-circle moment this weekend, the Scorpion Kings return to Durban for the Durban July – celebrating six years since the release of the project that started it all. The first Scorpion Kings album remains a defining moment in African music; proof of what is possible when piano, culture, and authenticity meet.
“That album wasn’t just music – that was the beginning of a movement,” says DJ Maphorisa. “We had no idea, driving to Durban that day, just how much our lives – and the whole game; were about to change.”
“We believed in the sound, and the people believed in us,” adds Kabza De Small. “We’ll never forget where it all began.”
As they celebrate this milestone on Saturday 05 July 2025 at The Durban July, fans can also look ahead to another iconic moment taking place on 29 August – Scorpion Kings Live with Friends at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The Kings are set to make yet another mark on the culture by hosting Amapiano’s biggest stage to date – proving once again how far the sound and their vision has come.
This weekend, join the Scorpion Kings in the celebration as they perform at various locations throughout Durban. Be part of their journey to Scorpion Kings Live with Friends at Loftus – don’t miss your chance to see them write the next chapter of history in August.
Tickets for Scorpion Kings Live with Friends at Loftus Versfeld Stadium are available now from Webtickets and Pick ‘n Pay stores nationwide.
Where were you when one of the greatest Amapiano records dropped?
- Relive the iconic album and listen to Scorpion Kings now.
- Follow @scorpionkingslive for all Scorpion Kings Live with Friends updates.
- Follow DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small for their Durban July weekend gig guides.