DJ Maphorisa opens up about Scorpion Kings Live FNB Stadium nerves: ‘We’re excited, we’re nervous’

Scorpion Kings Live (Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa) will be going bigger with this year's show at FNB Stadium.

As the countdown to Scorpion Kings Live on September 19, 2026, at FNB Stadium continues, IOL caught up with multi-award-winning music producer, musician and one half of the Scorpion Kings, Themba Sekowe, better known as DJ Maphorisa.

Following shows at SunBet Arena and Loftus Versfeld Stadium, the Scorpion Kings are now set to take on FNB Stadium, with over 70 000 people expected to attend.

The first round of tickets for Scorpion Kings Live sold out rapidly after going on sale, with a limited final release of field tickets following.

“We're excited, we're nervous, too much anxiety, but it's a good feeling,” said DJ Maphorisa.

The Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on August 29, 2025, set the standard and proved to be more than just another live music experience.

Headlined by Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, the concert took fans on a journey through some of their biggest hits, alongside performances from some of Mzansi’s top artists, including Ami Faku, Kamo Mphela, Daliwonga, Young Stunna, Kwesta, Mafikizolo and Sjava, as well as Nigerian superstar Davido.

This time around, however, the duo are promising an even bigger experience. “More energy, more music.

"Obviously, it's been like a year now. We have more songs that we've released, so more catalogue, more performances. Kabza will be playing some keys; we're just adding more vibes. It's going to be so much more interesting," said Maphorisa.

While the music took centre stage at the previous concert, fashion also stole the show.

Artists stepped out in outfits that turned heads, proving that the spectacle extended beyond the stage. With thousands of eyes watching, what they wore mattered.

For DJ Maphorisa, fashion is deeply rooted in his understanding of kasi culture.

“As umjita wasekasi, I understand the culture that when you step outside, you have to look good,” he explained, adding that it was important to bring that element to the show.

Putting together a show of the magnitude of Scorpion Kings Live comes with many moving parts, from production and performances to managing fan expectations.