“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 meeting point for musical styles that transcend generations. It has earned its reputation as Africa’s Grandest Gathering for music, culture, and hospitality, showcasing a spectrum from traditional jazz to modern interpretations.
This year, the dialogue expands as Scorpion Kings integrate the vibrant essence of amapiano into an environment that has always celebrated live instrumentation and musical expression.
“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.”
This observation highlights their respect for the festival’s heritage and their confidence in the direction of South African music.
Formed by DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, Scorpion Kings came together through a mutual passion for music and dance.
Both artists had successful careers prior to their collaboration, but their partnership produced an immediate and compelling synergy.
Collaborative studio sessions evolved into a significant movement that has placed amapiano on the global music map.
Their work reflects this journey. The Scorpion Kings projects introduced a distinctive combination of deep log drums, layered melodies, prioritizing both atmosphere and rhythm.
<spanAlbums such as “Scorpion Kings” and subsequent releases marked a pivotal transition as amapiano emerged from underground scenes to mainstream prominence.
Along their journey, they have launched chart-topping singles, collaborative ventures, and live recordings that chronicle the evolution of both the genre and the duo themselves.
At the festival, attendees can anticipate more than just a performance; it promises to be an immersive 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.”
This intention focuses on the live experience, allowing tracks to evolve and take new forms.
“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, named in honor of the legendary Kippie Moeketsi, has a tradition of fostering explorative performances that cross genre boundaries. Hosting Scorpion Kings there seems deliberate.
Amapiano, much like jazz before it, thrives on improvisation, community, and adaptability. The duo recognizes this parallel. “Music is alive, it is always moving and we are all part of that journey together,” they said.
The festival’s atmosphere further enhances this unique experience. “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 those whose music has journeyed from local gatherings to international venues, this shared space with the audience offers a grounding experience.
The CTIJF encompasses more than just performances; it is an elaborate experience centered on hospitality and meticulous detail.
Attendees can enjoy luxurious environments crafted for comfort and interaction, complete with gourmet dining, premium beverages, and attentive service that allows the music to shine.
Bespoke hospitality packages provide settings for gathering, celebrating, and fully immersing in the weekend’s offerings.
As Africa’s leading festival for world-class music and culture, the event has transformed into a must-visit destination. Artists understand that they are participating in a significant legacy.
Guests come prepared to explore the novel while honoring the past. In 2026, that equilibrium resonates as Scorpion Kings connect different eras and styles.
Their presence also signifies the festival’s ongoing evolution. While jazz remains the core element, the spirit has always been defined by freedom and conversation.
Welcoming amapiano into this dialogue illustrates the dynamic 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 is scheduled for March 27 and 28 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
With Scorpion Kings set to perform on the Kippies stage on opening night, the weekend is poised to deliver lasting memories beyond the final note.
For more information, visit www.capetownjazzfest.com. Tickets are exclusively sold through Ticketmaster South Africa.
