Johannesburg, Tuesday, 22 September 2026 — SABC1 is proud to pioneer the first-ever television broadcast of Scorpion Kings Live in South Africa. As the event’s Official Broadcast Partner, the channel will bring this landmark concert experience to audiences nationwide on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at 20:00 on SABC1 and SABC Plus.

Staged at the iconic FNB Stadium on 19 September 2026, Scorpion Kings Live brought together some of South Africa’s most influential musical heavyweights for a celebration of the sounds, talent and cultural movements shaping Mzansi’s music landscape and making waves around the world.

At the heart of this spectacular experience were the legendary Scorpion Kings, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, whose contribution to the evolution and global reach of Amapiano has helped define a new era in South African music. Joining them was a phenomenal lineup of artists representing the diversity, creativity and vibrancy of the country’s contemporary music scene.

From the soulful sounds of Ami Faku, Msaki, Nobuhle, Nokwazi, Nkosazana Daughter and Mlindo The Vocalist to the infectious Amapiano energy of Daliwonga, Young Stunna, Focalistic, Kamo Mphela, Toss, Tman Xpress and LeeMckrazy, the concert delivered an unforgettable musical journey for fans across generations.

The partnership between SABC1 and Scorpion Kings Live brings together two brands deeply rooted in South African music, youth culture and entertainment. By taking Scorpion Kings Live to television for the first time, SABC1 is opening this important cultural experience to millions of viewers beyond the stadium and creating a new broadcast milestone for South African music. The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to celebrating local talent, amplifying authentic African stories and connecting audiences with the music and cultural expressions that resonate with them.

As a channel that continues to champion South African talent and youth culture, SABC1 recognises the significance of platforms such as Scorpion Kings Live in showcasing the country’s musical excellence while creating opportunities for audiences to experience major cultural moments beyond the concert venue.

Dichaba Phalatse, SABC Video Entertainment Marketing Manager, comments: “Scorpion Kings Live is more than a concert; it is a defining South African cultural moment. SABC1 is proud to pioneer the event’s first-ever television broadcast and bring the energy of FNB Stadium to audiences across the country. This is what it means to be The Source of Mzansi: connecting viewers to the artists, sounds and moments shaping our culture, and ensuring that important cultural experiences are shared with the nation.”

The broadcast will offer audiences an opportunity to relive the excitement, performances and energy of one of the country’s major music events from the comfort of their homes, bringing the stadium experience to viewers nationwide.

Don’t miss Scorpion Kings Live, broadcasting on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at 20:00 on SABC1 and SABC Plus.

Media enquiries: Caroline Phalakatshela, Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment · 072 382 2032 · phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Joint Media Statement — issued by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Stadium Management South Africa.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, has initiated a special post-event safety and emergency transport intervention to strengthen the protection of women and other vulnerable patrons attending the Scorpion Kings concert at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

The intervention follows deeply disturbing recent reports of the abduction and murder of women and young girls, and responds to a specific and foreseeable vulnerability faced by patrons who may remain in or around the stadium precinct late at night while waiting for e-hailing services, public transport, family members or other transport arrangements.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), the operator of FNB Stadium, and in cooperation with the South African Police Service, Gauteng Traffic Police, the appointed Safety Officer, emergency services and other role-players within the established event safety structure.

The Minister has expressed his satisfaction with the comprehensive safety and security plan approved for the concert. The plan was scrutinised and approved by the Event Safety and Security Planning Committee and provides for a coordinated deployment involving the SAPS, traffic and emergency services, SMSA, the appointed Safety Officer and accredited private security providers.

The Minister backs these role-players to execute the approved plan effectively, with their capability demonstrated through the successful hosting of major international events at FNB Stadium, including the Chris Brown and Travis Scott concerts and the recent Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixture between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

The additional intervention does not replace or suggest any inadequacy in the approved event safety and security plan but provides a focused, additional layer of protection aimed specifically at the post-event period when the stadium precinct progressively clears and some patrons may be waiting for transport.

The Minister said: “The abduction and murder of our women and young girls demands more from us than outrage after another life has been lost. It demands that we look at where women may be vulnerable and act before something happens rather than mourn afterwards.”

“A young woman who comes to enjoy a concert should not have to gamble with her safety to get home. We have identified a specific vulnerability in the period after the event, when some patrons may be waiting for transport, and we are putting additional measures in place to address that risk.”

“This is not a replacement for the approved safety and security plan, nor is it a free shuttle service. It is an additional layer of protection for women and other vulnerable patrons who may genuinely find themselves stranded or waiting in an unsafe area.”

Under the initiative, the following supplementary measures will be in place from the conclusion of the concert: two clearly marked, well-lit and secured Safety Assembly Areas for patrons awaiting transport; an additional 85 security officers dedicated specifically to the initiative, over and above the approved event security complement; variable-message boards and signage directing patrons to the Safety Assembly Areas; four dedicated patrol vehicles continuously sweeping the surrounding precinct to identify and assist women waiting in isolated or unsafe areas; Gauteng Traffic Police warden vehicles positioned at the Safety Assembly Areas to strengthen visibility and deterrence; controlled movement of women away from isolated pedestrian routes towards protected areas; twenty emergency transport vehicles, each with a dedicated driver; emergency transport operating from 22h00 on Saturday until 06h00 on Sunday; and continuation of the additional security deployment until the precinct has been declared cleared and safe by the SAPS Authorised Member.

The emergency transport service will provide a safety net for women and other vulnerable patrons who are genuinely stranded or unable to secure safe transport.

Patrons assisted through the emergency transport component will be required to provide the minimum identification, contact and destination details necessary for the safe administration of their journey. Passenger registers, journey controls and safeguarding measures will apply, and all vehicles and drivers must meet applicable licensing, permit, insurance and roadworthiness requirements.

The service will not operate as a free general transport or shuttle service and will not replace patrons’ responsibility to make appropriate transport arrangements before attending the event. Access will be controlled to preserve capacity for genuine cases of need.

“Our stadiums and our arts and culture venues belong to the people of this country, and that has to include the women of this country,” the Minister said.

“We want this to become the standard at major events across South Africa. Government cannot solve this crisis alone, and the private sector cannot solve it alone. What we can do is stop treating the safety of women as somebody else’s problem.”

SMSA Chief Executive Officer Bertie Grobbelaar said: “SMSA welcomes the Minister’s confidence in the approved safety and security plan and in the state and private security role-players responsible for its execution.”

“We particularly appreciate the Minister’s leadership in building on an already comprehensive plan through this focused intervention for women and other vulnerable patrons. SMSA shares the Minister’s unequivocal stance against violence against women and child abuse.”

“We fully support this initiative and will ensure that the additional measures are properly integrated into the established event command-and-control structure.”

The initiative will be implemented in cooperation with the appointed Safety Officer, the SAPS Authorised Member, relevant government authorities, emergency services and accredited private security providers.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Ms Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture · StaceyK@dsac.gov.za · +27 77 608 7579

Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture · ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za · +27 72 172 8925

Issued by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Stadium Management South Africa.

Johannesburg, South Africa — The wait is almost over. On Saturday, 19 September 2026, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small will take over FNB Stadium for an unforgettable celebration of Amapiano, bringing together more than 70 000 fans and some of the biggest names in South African music.

This Saturday, Scorpion Kings Live is bringing an incredible full-scale celebration of South African music, culture and entertainment. From SABC 1, Sprite and RocoMamas to Castle Lite, VEEV, Gautrain, SAMPRA, GalxBoy, McCafé, Red Bull, Gauteng Provincial Government and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture joining the experience, fans can expect plenty happening both on and off the stage. Together, these partners are helping make this historic stadium experience one for the books.

As the stage builds, fans are encouraged to plan ahead and make sure they know how they will get to the stadium, when to arrive and what to expect once they are there.

Gates open at 12h00, with the pre-show running from 13h00 to 18h30, followed by the main show from 19h00 to 22h30. Fans should arrive early to avoid queues and traffic and to experience as much of the day’s entertainment as possible. Please note that there will be no entry permitted after 21h30, so late arrivals should plan accordingly.

Getting to and from FNB Stadium is one of the most important things for fans to plan in advance. As tens of thousands of people are expected in the area, significant traffic and congestion are anticipated around the stadium. Fans are therefore strongly encouraged to use public transport or the official Park & Ride services wherever possible.

Gautrain, the Official Transport Partner for Scorpion Kings Live, provides a convenient option for fans travelling by public transport. Fans can take the Gautrain to Park Station and then make use of the complimentary Gautrain Bus service to FNB Stadium, which will operate from 10h00 to 20h30 on event day.

After the show, buses will transport fans from FNB Stadium back to Park Station, with the last bus departing the stadium at 01h30. The last Gautrain train from Park Station will depart at 02h00, giving fans an option for getting home after the concert.

Rea Vaya BRT will also operate dedicated event services for Scorpion Kings Live, connecting fans from Soweto, the Joburg CBD, Alexandra and Sandton to FNB Stadium. Before the event, buses will operate from Thokoza Park and Indingilizi (Dobsonville) to Rea Vaya Soccer City Station at 15-minute intervals from 11h00 to 20h00, while event buses from Ellis Park East and Ellis Park North will operate to FNB Stadium from 12h00 to 20h00.

Fans travelling from Sandton and Alexandra can connect via Rea Vaya services through the Joburg CBD, while additional connections will be available from Brenthurst and Orlando Stadium. Following the show, event buses will depart FNB Stadium from 23h30, with the last services to Thokoza Park and Indingilizi departing at 01h30, and the final event buses from the Joburg CBD to Alexandra and Sandton departing at 02h00 on Sunday morning. Festival-goers can use Rea Vaya account-based ticketing cards, available at Rea Vaya stations for R30, and are encouraged to load sufficient funds for their return journey.

Fans who prefer to drive can make use of the official Park & Ride service, which allows them to park at designated locations and take dedicated shuttle transport to and from the stadium. Park & Ride tickets are available through Webtickets, and fans are encouraged to purchase these in advance rather than attempting to find parking around the stadium on the day.

Music lovers wishing to arrive in style can also make use of Cabs Car Hire, which is offering a 10% discount to all Scorpion Kings Live ticket holders. Book a car online using the code SK10 and make your journey to Scorpion Kings Live even better.

Those opting to park at FNB Stadium must purchase parking tickets to ensure safe and secure limited parking in the stadium precinct. Parking tickets are also available through Webtickets.

It is important to remember that there will be no ticket sales at FNB Stadium. Fans should purchase tickets only through the official platforms — Webtickets and www.scorpionkings.live. Fans should also be very cautious of unofficial sellers and resale platforms. Tickets purchased through unauthorised channels, including Viagogo, may not be valid, and organisers cannot guarantee entry for tickets purchased from these sellers.

Once inside the stadium, fans can expect a full day of music, entertainment, food, refreshments, fashion and brand experiences. The event will bring together a diverse line-up of artists and performers across Amapiano, Hip Hop, Maskandi, Lekompo and the broader South African music scene, with the Scorpion Kings at the centre of the celebration.

From a security standpoint, concertgoers are assured that the same security company that successfully managed security operations for the Chris Brown and Travis Scott concerts has been appointed for Scorpion Kings Live, with security capacity doubled for the event. The plan is fully approved by the Joint Operations Committee, with more than 400 marshals, dedicated security personnel, comprehensive SAPS and JMPD presence, support from FNB Stadium Security teams and extensive Emergency Medical Services deployment.

The event is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, and FNB Stadium is wheelchair accessible, with all entry points and gates providing wheelchair access. Fans requiring assistance are encouraged to arrive early and speak to venue staff on arrival.

Fans should keep their belongings to a minimum and make sure they have their valid digital event ticket ready when they arrive. Formal vendors inside the venue will operate cashless, while informal vendors will accept both cash and cashless payments. Fans are encouraged to bring a bank card or another suitable cashless payment method. Only flat-top umbrellas with no pointed tip are allowed, and professional cameras are strictly prohibited.

Most importantly, fans are encouraged to plan their journey before leaving home, arrive early and use official transport and ticketing channels.

As more than 70 000 people are expected at FNB Stadium, Scorpion Kings Live promises to be another historic moment for Amapiano and South African live entertainment on a global scale, bringing music, culture and fans together on one of the country’s biggest stages.

Be part of history this Saturday, 19 September 2026, at FNB Stadium with Scorpion Kings Live — brought to you in partnership with SABC 1, Sprite, RocoMamas, Castle Lite, VEEV, Gautrain, SAMPRA, GalxBoy, McCafé, Red Bull, Gauteng Provincial Government and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Follow @scorpionkingslive for all updates and visit www.scorpionkings.live for all event information.

ENDS

Johannesburg, South Africa (16 September 2026) — Heritage is often framed as something South Africans inherit from the past. Yet the country’s most compelling cultural expressions have never stood still. They are sampled, remixed and carried forward, in the music people dance to, the languages they speak and the food they gather around.

Few contemporary movements capture that idea as powerfully as Amapiano. Born at home and now heard far beyond South Africa’s borders, the genre has become more than a soundtrack. It is a cultural calling card: unmistakably local, confidently modern and increasingly global.

This Heritage Month, Scorpion Kings, the musical force of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, are extending that story beyond sound. Their collaboration with RocoMamas turns the flavours of home into a limited-edition King’s Feast menu, available at participating restaurants nationwide since 01 September 2026. The partnership leads into Scorpion Kings Live at FNB Stadium on 19 September 2026, where RocoMamas will also serve fans and artists.

The timing gives the campaign an immediacy that goes beyond a celebrity menu. It arrives during a month when South Africans are invited to consider what culture means, who gets to shape it and how it remains relevant to a new generation. Here, heritage is not treated as a static display. It is loud, social and designed to be shared.

Amapiano changed the way the world sees South Africa. For DJ Maphorisa, Amapiano’s international reach has helped broaden the global picture of South Africa.

“It’s not just our music that people are connecting with, but our culture, language and creativity. Seeing that influence grow globally makes me very proud of where we come from,” says DJ Maphorisa.

That sense of pride matters during Heritage Month because Amapiano’s success has not required it to flatten its identity for international audiences. Its rhythms, dance culture and vernacular remain grounded in the place that produced them. The more the genre travels, the more visibly South African it becomes.

Kabza De Small’s advice to emerging artists is equally direct: “Stay true to yourself and your roots. That authenticity is what makes you different, and people around the world connect with that.”

It is a statement about music, but it also offers a useful way to read the King’s Feast. Instead of treating local ingredients as nostalgic curiosities, the collaboration places them inside the kind of bold, contemporary experience that RocoMamas has built its identity around. Chakalaka and atchar are not added as decorative nods to heritage. They carry memory, heat and familiarity into a new setting.

When flavour becomes cultural memory — food and music perform similar work in South African life. Both can summon a place, a person or a moment before a story has even been told. Both turn individual memory into a shared experience.

“Flavours like atchar bring back memories and bring people together, just like music does,” Kabza says. Maphorisa echoes the point: “Music and food both bring people together. Combining the two gives people another way to experience and celebrate what makes South African culture unique.”

The menu translates those ideas into three distinct offerings.

These are not quiet flavours, and that is the point. Kabza links the heat of the Papta Sting to the visceral pull of the duo’s sound: “The Papta Sting has that bold heat, and I think our music has the same energy; it’s meant to make you feel something.”

The comparison works because Amapiano has always been physical. It is experienced through movement, repetition and atmosphere as much as melody. Translating that energy into food is playful, but it also reflects how contemporary culture now moves across categories. Music shapes fashion. Artists influence lifestyle. A meal becomes part of the anticipation surrounding a stadium show.

A shared table before a shared stadium: the road to FNB Stadium gives this collaboration its news peg, but its cultural appeal lies in the sense of participation it creates. Not everyone encounters a major musical movement in the same way. Some discover it on a dance floor, others through a playlist, a fashion reference or a gathering with friends. The King’s Feast adds taste to that list.

“It makes the whole experience bigger,” Kabza says of the partnership. “Fans can celebrate the Scorpion Kings through both the music and the food, leading up to the FNB Stadium concert.”

For RocoMamas, the partnership also connects its language of bold self-expression with two artists who have helped define the global rise of Amapiano. Dr Tumi Sebopa, Head of Brands at Spur Corporation, describes it as a natural meeting point between the brand and musicians who are shaping South African culture. The menu, she says, draws on flavours South Africans know and love, then reimagines them through the burgers, wings and ribs associated with RocoMamas.

Cultural pride no longer lives only in commemorative moments. It travels through pop culture, entertainment and the everyday rituals that bring people together. That may be the most fitting Heritage Month message of all. South Africa’s roots do not lose their meaning when they are reworked for a new audience. They gain another route into the future.

As Kabza puts it, the menu is ultimately about more than a meal: “I hope they enjoy the food and feel proud of what it represents. It’s a celebration of our culture, our music and how far we’ve come.”

/ENDS

For more information, visit RocoMamas South Africa or follow the conversation on social media using @rocomamas and #RocoMamasxScorpionKings.

Editor’s note: The King’s Feast is a limited-edition menu available at participating RocoMamas restaurants nationwide from 1 September 2026 for a limited time. Scorpion Kings Live at FNB Stadium takes place on 19 September 2026.

About Spur Corporation: Spur Corporation is a leading casual dining franchised restaurant group with over 751 outlets throughout South Africa, Africa, India, and Mauritius. Its brands include RocoMamas, Spur Steak Ranches, Panarotti’s, John Dory’s, The Hussar Grill, Doppio Zero, Casa Bella, Pizza e Vino, and Modern Tailors.

Media contact: OnPoint PR | Lungile Nyembe | lungile@onpointpr.co.za

Scorpion Kings Live returns to Johannesburg’s iconic FNB Stadium on 19 September 2026, bringing fans together for a major celebration of Amapiano, performance and culture.

Tickets start from R400 per person and are available via Webtickets, Pick n Pay and Boxer stores nationwide.

The event is open to ages 14 and up, giving a new generation of fans the chance to experience the energy and community of Amapiano on a stadium stage.

Curated by DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, Scorpion Kings Live is built around world-class production, electrifying performances and the unmistakable sound that continues to move from South Africa to the world.

More announcements, including lineup reveals and special moments, will follow.

On 19 September 2026, FNB Stadium will host Scorpion Kings Live, a major live music moment shaped around the sound and movement of Amapiano.

The show is more than a concert. It is a reflection of the community that has carried Amapiano from local streets to global stages through shared energy, connection and rhythm.

Fans can expect a powerful live showcase, a dynamic lineup and a stadium atmosphere designed around the spirit of the movement.

Tickets will be available via Webtickets, Pick n Pay and Boxer stores nationwide from 05 May 2026.

Secure your ticket. Be part of history.