Five unforgettable highlights from the Scorpion Kings Live with Friends concert at Loftus Stadium

Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa pulled off a successful concert, Scorpion Kings Live with Friends, which has now been etched into the South African cultural history books.

When it comes to any conversation about amapiano, it’s hard not to mention the Scorpion Kings -Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa- after all, their impact and contribution to the genre is a marvel.

The concert was not only a celebration of the two men’s success but also the genre that has taken over the world and made careers.

The team organising the concert put all their efforts into creating a show that was worthy of fans spending their hard-earned money to witness history. The stage design will not be forgotten anytime soon.

The round design created a feel that wherever you were seated or standing at Loftus Stadium, you saw the artists performing.

Every single artist who performed on the stage wanted to be there; it was more than just another booking.

With so many tracks from the Scorpion Kings themselves and the friends hits as well, curating a show that had all the hit classic amapiano songs, artists own material that fans have loved was no easy task. However, music director JR Bogapa and his team made sure to deliver everything and more.

Amapiano music requires great sound and the correct BPM and with live instruments added, the synergy needs to be correct. Scorpion Kings, however, managed to get this right and when things weren’t going well, they were quick to be rectify them.

When artists actually go through rehearsals, as opposed to just a sound check two days before, the results are evident. Each performer told a story and came prepared from stage presence, choreography and outfit. 

Production of Scorpion Kings Live with Friends may be easily praised, but on the ground, logistics were not a walk in the park. Or as seamless as taking the Gautrain and Prasa train to get to Loftus Stadium.

Sometimes one wonders if just like rehearsals, the logistics team and security on the ground, do dry runs of the strategies they have put in place because, in practical terms, they failed. Gate closures at particular times created unnecessary chaos and made things tricky for attendees wanting to manoeuvre in and out of the stadium for toilet breaks and visits to the bar.

Alas, fans had a time and here a five highlights from Scorpion Kings Live with Friends 

Kamo Mphela performance

The star that is Kamo Mphela! Dressed in a white suit and rocking a sleek bob, the dancer and musician demonstrated her prowess in the industry. Sharp choreography that looked like something that took time to curate for the show, even if she had a few of her usual staples. 

Watching her and her crew do a moonwalk inspired dance move, had many stuck on whether to experience the moment live or press record. Her performance included her fans' favourite songs, new and old, even “Amanikiniki” that placed on the radar.

Lyrics on screen 

The display of lyrics on the screen was that little detail that we didn’t know we needed but what a game changer. Many of us tend to sing our own lyrics but Scorpion Kings said let’s help everyone sing the correct lyrics. Making some of us realise how wrong we have been singing some lyrics.

Dj Maphorisa's mother's opening prayer 

God is an anchor for many South Africans, even our own superstars. DJ Maphorisa's mother's opening prayer set the mood for the night. Nothing like a mother’s love and support; an encouraging moment, even for the younger generation, reflecting the importance of your parent or family's support.

Fashion moments 

In the words of the late Riky Rick “Sidlukotini” as umswenko, drip was the order of the night. The stylists did not come to play. Artists were dropped in designers and African designers, that is and made sure to look their Sunday best.

No expense was spared when it came to the outfits from Young Stunna, Mafikizolo. Kwesta, Sjava and the Scorpion Kings themselves.

Davido

Nigerian superstar Davido gave a performance that celebrated his success even in South Africa. Curating a set list that had his biggest hits here, with the stadium erupting and singing loudly to his 2019 banger “Fall”. 

Davido's love for South Africa is no secret, having openly called the country home, he even dressed in a jacket with the national flag.

Davido also performed his collaboration with local artists Mafikizolo “Tchelete”, which is produced by Maphorisa and Oskido, and Nigeria's Shizzi. “Tchelete” is a powerful song that really brought Africans together and collaborated on music. He also performed with Focalistic on the remix of “Ke Star” by Virgo Deep which is a global hit.

A night like Scorpion Kings with friends is one that fans should get re-live, away from the logistical hassle, so hopefully a Showmax special is in the works, or even a collectors DVD copy.

IOL