Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, famously known as the Scorpion Kings, are preparing to deliver another unforgettable moment for the genre as they gear up to headline a major showcase in London. The duo, who have spent years dominating the Amapiano scene with chart-topping hits and groundbreaking performances, are now ready to take their iconic brand to the United Kingdom once again.
Over the years, the Scorpion Kings have firmly established themselves as global ambassadors of Amapiano, helping to push the genre beyond South Africa’s borders and into international markets. Their influence has been felt across continents through sold-out tours, high-profile collaborations, and influential projects released under the Scorpion Kings banner.
Their growing legacy reached new heights in 2025, when the duo hosted a historic stadium show in South Africa that drew more than 50,000 fans, making it one of the largest Amapiano concerts ever staged in the country. The event further proved that Amapiano had evolved from a local sound into a global movement capable of filling massive venues.
Internationally, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small have also continued to dominate stages. Their appearances abroad have consistently attracted huge crowds, including their memorable performance at the Piano People outdoor festival in London, which received widespread praise and showcased the power of Amapiano to global audiences.
Now, the Scorpion Kings are preparing for another major milestone as they headline “Piano People Presents: Scorpion Kings” at the High Lights Festival Series 2026. The event will take place at Barking Park in London on Sunday, 24 May 2026, during the Bank Holiday weekend, and is already being described as one of the biggest Amapiano showcases ever staged in the UK.
Curated by Piano People, the festival will bring together some of the most exciting names shaping the genre today. Alongside the Scorpion Kings, fans will be treated to performances from a powerhouse lineup including Sam Deep, Tyler ICU, MDU aka TRP, Jr SA, and Shakes & Les.
The lineup also features a mix of global and rising talent such as Juls, Leehleza, and Thee Buhle, with organizers teasing the appearance of a surprise guest yet to be revealed.
Set in the scenic Barking Park, the High Lights Festival Series promises an immersive open-air experience featuring state-of-the-art sound systems, multi-stage setups, and striking visual production. The event will celebrate the diversity of South African electronic music with sounds ranging from Amapiano and Afro House to Gqom, 3-Step, and Afro Tech.
What began in the townships of South Africa has now become a global cultural phenomenon, and with the Scorpion Kings leading the charge in London this May, the UK capital is set to experience the electrifying rhythm of Amapiano like never before.
