Scorpion Kings bring the vibrant sound of amapiano to CTIJF's jazz stage

“CTIJF is bigger than just a festival, it is a cultural movement,” said Scorpion Kings, and with that one line, the tone is set for a weekend where sound, history and the future meet on one stage.

The duo will bring their unmistakable energy to the Kippies stage on March 27 as the 23rd annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival opens its doors.

The CTIJF has long been a place where rhythms converse across generations. From classic jazz traditions to contemporary sounds that stretch and bend form, the festival has built a reputation as Africa's Grandest Gathering of music, culture and hospitality.

This year, that conversation widens as Scorpion Kings step into the mix, carrying the pulse of amapiano into a space that has always celebrated live instruments and musical freedom.

“For us as Scorpion Kings, it is exciting to bring amapiano into a space that has always celebrated jazz,” the duo said

“You can really feel how sounds connect, and how new generations keep building on what came before.”

It is a statement that reflects both respect for the festival's roots and confidence in where South African music is heading.

Scorpion Kings is made up of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, two artists whose paths crossed through a shared obsession with sound and the dance floor.

Both had established careers before the partnership, but when they joined forces, the chemistry was immediate.

What began as collaborative studio sessions grew into a full scale movement that helped define amapiano on a global stage.

Their discography tells that story. The Scorpion Kings projects introduced a signature blend of deep log drums, layered melodies and a focus on mood as much as movement.

Albums such as “Scorpion Kings" and the later releases that followed captured a moment when amapiano shifted from underground energy to mainstream force.

Along the way, they have released chart-shaping singles, collaborative projects and live recordings that document the growth of the genre and the duo themselves.

At the festival, the promise is not just a set, but an experience.

“Fans can expect a proper Scorpion Kings experience,” they said. “We are coming with energy, emotion and moments that speak to where the music is right now.”

That approach leans into the live setting, where tracks can stretch, breathe and take on new shapes.

“There will be space for groove, for movement and for those jazz-inspired elements that live performances bring,” they added. “It is about creating a moment, not just playing tracks.”

The Kippies stage has always been a place for exploration, named after the legendary Kippie Moeketsi and known for performances that blur genre lines. Placing Scorpion Kings there feels intentional.

Amapiano, like jazz before it, is built on improvisation, community and an openness to change. The duo see that connection clearly. “Music is alive, it is always moving and we are all part of that journey together,” they said.

Beyond the music, the festival environment itself plays a role in the magic. “What we love most is how festivals like this bring people together around culture,” Scorpion Kings explained. “You see how music has travelled through time. From jazz to where we are now and how it keeps evolving.”

For artists who have watched their sound travel from township parties to international stages, that shared space with audiences feels grounding.

The CTIJF offers more than performances. It is a full experience built around hospitality and attention to detail.

Guests can indulge in luxury settings designed for comfort and connection, with gourmet dining, premium beverages and service that allows the music to take centre stage. Bespoke hospitality packages create spaces to gather, celebrate and immerse fully in the weekend.

As Africa's premier celebration of world-class music, culture and hospitality, the festival has become a destination. Artists arrive knowing that they are stepping into a lineage.

Audiences arrive ready to discover something new while honouring what came before. In 2026, that balance feels especially present as Scorpion Kings bridge eras and genres.

Their appearance also signals how the festival continues to evolve. Jazz remains the foundation, but the spirit has always been about freedom and dialogue.

By welcoming amapiano into that conversation, the festival reflects the living nature of South African music.

“It represents how music in South Africa has grown, evolved and continues to shift with time,” the duo said.

The 23rd edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival takes place on March 27 and 28 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

With Scorpion Kings bringing their sound to the Kippies stage on the opening night, the weekend promises moments that linger long after the last note fades.

For more information, visit www.capetownjazzfest.com. Tickets are exclusively sold through Ticketmaster South Africa.