An AI-generated audio version accompanies the report on the Scorpion Kings Live concert, where thousands of fans filled Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium in Nasrec for a genre-spanning celebration of South African music.
Key takeaways
- Ringo Madlingozi performed classics including Sondela and Ndiyagodola after his studio appearance with the Scorpion Kings went viral.
- Ami Faku led tributes to late artists, while a later all-female collaboration brought Msaki, Busiswa, Nkosazana Daughter, Lady Du, Thatohatsi and Kamo Mphela together.
- Coachella Randy received a major stage moment with SbuNoah during the performance of the viral Wenzile remix dance.
- Maphorisa stunned the audience by bringing his red BMW E30 325is, or Gusheshe, onto the stage.
- SABC will air the concert on October 3 for viewers who were not there in person.
A night of musical generations
The Saturday concert at FNB Stadium, Africa’s biggest stadium, brought together a huge audience in Nasrec, Johannesburg. Its lineup moved across hip-hop, Maskandi, Afro-soul and amapiano, creating a star-filled program that connected different generations through familiar songs and new collaborations.
Among the evening’s most anticipated appearances was Ringo Madlingozi. The veteran singer had recently become a trending topic after footage of him recording with the Scorpion Kings spread online. On stage, he delivered favourites such as Sondela and Ndiyagodola.
Ringo said the response from younger fans had moved him. He noted that children were singing along to music their mothers and grandmothers had played, adding that Maphorisa had told him the audience wanted to hear those songs. Ringo said he was pleased to be part of the event and hoped to connect young listeners with older music while also introducing fresh material to older fans.
He also said the studio clip had only given the public a preview. Although he understood that Maphorisa was busy, Ringo said they needed to return to the studio and complete the collaboration properly, promising that it was on the way. He described the atmosphere and the audience’s energy as beautiful.
Tributes, hosts and viral moments
Ami Faku created one of the concert’s most emotional scenes with her performance of Abalele, presented in memory of Riky Rick, Costa Titch, Killer Kau and Mpura. AI-generated images of the late musicians appeared on the stadium screen; however, the crowd reacted most loudly when images of AKA and DJ Sumbody were shown.
Faku later returned for Asibe Happy, transforming the segment into a celebration of women in music. She was joined by Msaki, Busiswa, Nkosazana Daughter, Lady Du, Thatohatsi and Kamo Mphela.
Kamo said she pays close attention to the audience and allows the mood to develop rather than forcing the performance’s intensity. In her view, high energy is not about giving everything to the crowd immediately. It involves choosing the right moments to build momentum, pause and deliver a memorable peak. Her goal, she explained, is for people to feel that they took part in an experience rather than simply watched a show.
Television personalities and dancers Robot Boii and Bontle Modiselle maintained the momentum while performers changed sets. Robot also highlighted his musical range by playing drums beside Nasty C during the rapper’s performance of Leftie.
Coachella Randy also enjoyed a long-awaited breakthrough. The social media personality helped popularise a dance challenge linked to gospel singer Sibusiso “SbuNoah” Mthembu’s remix of Joyous Celebration’s Wenzile. He had previously spoken about feeling overlooked by members of the Christian community, many of whom failed to acknowledge his role in creating the dance.
SbuNoah’s initial appearance did not immediately ignite the stadium because he spent more time dancing than singing. The set changed when he performed Wenzile and brought Coachella Randy out to recreate the viral routine, turning the moment into one of the night’s biggest crowd-pleasers.
Afterward, Coachella Randy reflected that the controversy and pressure surrounding the challenge had taken him to a very dark and frightening place. He said the experience had shown him that God restores people and thanked supporters for their affection and encouragement.
Kabza De Small opened his appearance by playing piano alongside Toss, who removed his white jacket to reveal his trademark shirtless look. Kabza later moved to the decks, where he was joined by Maphorisa.
Maphorisa then delivered an especially dramatic surprise by driving his red BMW E30 325is, popularly known as a Gusheshe, onto the stage. The entrance triggered a huge reaction and paid tribute to kasi car culture.
Watching from the floor allowed fans to feel the sound vibrations and see the excitement and pride on fellow attendees’ faces. The event’s main sponsor, Philip Morris, offered another vantage point through its Super Suite, which provided hospitality and a clear view of the performance. Guests there included Aymos, Ringo Madlingozi, Phila Madlingozi, Buhlebendalo and Cornet Mamabolo, among others.
On the stadium grounds, a Veev activation promoted a smoke-free lifestyle, with DJs Amo Africa, Zane Gulston and Kyotic providing the music.
Although the production experienced some minor technical problems, including microphones that appeared not to function during several performances and during Sykes’ set, the concert still ended on a strong note. Attendees and social media users widely praised the event as a success.
Fans who missed the stadium show will have another chance to watch it when SABC broadcasts the concert on October 3.
