The stage is set for one of the biggest music events South Africa has ever seen. On August 29, Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium will host Betway Presents Scorpion Kings Live With Friends, a festival that promises to cement itself as a milestone in African music history.
The latest twist in the lead-up to the spectacle is the announcement that Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido will join the already dazzling line-up. The reveal came during the fifth episode of the Scorpion Kings’ Meet Our Friends series, which has been teasing fans for weeks with performer announcements.
For hosts Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, the addition of Davido represents more than just a headline act. “Davido is family,” said Maphorisa, noting the significance of the cross-continental collaboration. Kabza echoed the excitement, calling Davido the “perfect final piece” to a line-up designed to be remembered for years.
Honouring a Living Legend
Beyond the star-studded performances, the festival will also shine a spotlight on a true icon of South African music: Caiphus Semenya. Known for his contributions as a composer and cultural pioneer, Semenya’s work has shaped generations of music both locally and abroad.
Earlier this week, Kabza and Maphorisa visited Semenya at his home to personally share the news of his recognition. The tribute will feature more than just speeches, the Scorpion Kings plan to debut a specially crafted remix of one of Semenya’s classics, fusing his rich musical heritage with the global amapiano sound.
“Honouring Caiphus Semenya is about acknowledging our roots and celebrating the legends who paved the way for African music globally,” said Maphorisa.
A Festival of Scale and Sound
The full-day event has been curated to deliver non-stop entertainment, beginning with a pre-show stage featuring fresh and established names. Performers such as Blxckie, DBN Gogo, Dlala Thukzin, Venom, Vinny Da Vinci, and others will kick off festivities early, ensuring the energy builds throughout the day.
By evening, the main stage will erupt with some of the continent’s most celebrated artists. Fans can expect to see Ami Faku, Cassper Nyovest, Focalistic, Mafikizolo, Kwesta, Sjava, Nkosazana Daughter, Msaki, Mlindo The Vocalist, Oskido, Young Stunna, and many more sharing the spotlight with Kabza and Maphorisa. The sheer scale of the line-up makes this not just a concert, but a marathon celebration of African talent.
Amapiano at the Forefront
At its core, the festival is a celebration of Amapiano, the genre that has grown from South African townships to global recognition in less than a decade. By fusing traditional influences with modern rhythms, Amapiano has become a defining sound of the continent, shaping dance floors from Johannesburg to London, Lagos to New York.
The inclusion of Davido highlights how Amapiano continues to intersect with Afrobeats, further bridging cultures and audiences. This collaboration between Nigerian and South African giants reflects the growing unity of Africa’s music industry as it continues to capture worldwide attention.
A Historic Gathering
With a line-up that spans generations and genres, the upcoming festival has already been hailed as the largest Amapiano and African music gathering in South African history. The mix of chart-topping performers, international stars, and a heartfelt tribute to a national legend positions the event as more than just entertainment, it is a cultural landmark.
For fans, August 29 is shaping up to be a day that combines nostalgia, celebration, and cutting-edge sound. For the artists, it’s a chance to demonstrate Africa’s creative power on one of the biggest stages yet. And for Caiphus Semenya, it will be a moment of recognition that bridges the past with the future of African music.
As the countdown continues, anticipation is building not just in Pretoria but across the continent. When the lights go up at Loftus Versfeld, the message will be clear: African music is not only thriving, it is making history.