Amapiano, hip-hop, house, Bacardi and Maskandi converge as fans are urged to arrive early for the 19 September spectacular
JOHANNESBURG, 31 August 2026 — The countdown to Scorpion Kings Live is gathering momentum, with organisers unveiling a vibrant pre-show line-up that promises to transform the 19 September celebration into a full-day showcase of South African music and culture.
Set to take place on 19 September 2026, the highly anticipated event will get underway well before the Scorpion Kings take to the stage, with doors opening at 12pm and an eclectic collection of artists and DJs scheduled to keep fans entertained throughout the afternoon.
The pre-show line-up brings together established and emerging names from across Amapiano, hip-hop, house, Bacardi and Maskandi, reflecting the breadth and dynamism of South Africa’s contemporary music landscape.
Among the artists announced are A-Reece, Dlala Thukzin, Dark Horse, DJs @ Work, Venom, Banques, Sam Deep, Stixx, Mdu aka TRP, Jnr SA, Natiey Lepaka, Wendy Moon, Shandesh and Ba Bethe Gashoazen.
The event will also feature a dedicated Bacardi showcase, bringing Big Baller CEO, Black Boy, Sia The Bee and Zela Force to the stage.
Adding another cultural dimension to the programme will be a Maskandi showcase, featuring Mnotho, Mjabulisi, Mjolisi, Shenge Wasehlalankosi and Jikjiki.
A full day of South African sound
The expanded programme is designed to make Scorpion Kings Live more than a headline concert.
By bringing together different genres, artists and musical communities, the pre-show will create a broad celebration of the sounds that have become synonymous with South Africa’s cultural identity and global musical influence.
Amapiano’s continued international rise has placed South African music firmly on the global stage, while genres such as Bacardi, Maskandi, house and hip-hop continue to evolve through local artists, producers and audiences.
Scorpion Kings Live aims to bring these different musical worlds together in one experience.
The pre-show will set the atmosphere for the main event, encouraging fans to arrive early and immerse themselves in a day built around music, performance, community and culture.
Building anticipation for a landmark concert
The announcement comes as anticipation around Scorpion Kings Live continues to build following unprecedented demand for tickets.
The event is headlined by the Scorpion Kings, the celebrated Amapiano duo comprising DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, whose collaboration has become one of the defining forces in the evolution of the genre.
With the addition of the pre-show, organisers have significantly expanded the day’s entertainment offering, giving audiences more reasons to make the event a full-day experience.
Rather than arriving shortly before the headline performance, fans will be able to experience multiple stages and showcases from midday, creating a festival-style environment ahead of the main attraction.
The diversity of the line-up is also significant.
From the lyrical energy of hip-hop to the club-driven sounds of Amapiano and house, the distinctive rhythms of Bacardi and the storytelling traditions of Maskandi, the programme reflects the depth of South Africa’s musical ecosystem.
Standard Bank customers get exclusive ticket benefits
For fans still looking to attend, limited tickets are available exclusively to Standard Bank cardholders through Webtickets.
Standard Bank debit cardholders can access a 10% discount, while Standard Bank credit cardholders qualify for a 20% discount, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.
With tickets limited, fans are encouraged to secure their places ahead of the event.
The event’s hospitality offering is also available through the official Scorpion Kings Live platform for those looking for a premium experience.
The countdown is on
With doors opening at noon on 19 September, the message to fans is clear: don’t arrive late.
The pre-show is designed to make the hours before the headline performance part of the occasion, turning Scorpion Kings Live into an extended celebration of South African music.
As artists from multiple genres take to the stage, the event promises a meeting point between established stars, rising talent and the audiences driving the country’s music culture forward.
By the time the Scorpion Kings finally step onto the stage, fans will already have experienced an entire day of music.
Scorpion Kings Live takes place on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Doors open at 12pm.
For hospitality suite tickets and event information, visit Scorpion Kings Live and follow Scorpion Kings Live on Instagram for updates and further announcements.
South Africa’s sounds. One stage. One unforgettable day.
