The biggest event on the calendar has finally arrived, and one of South Africa’s biggest franchises is right in the middle of this monumental moment in the country’s music history: RocoMamas.
For this special occasion, we caught up with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, the Scorpion Kings, to find out where their heads are at, how they’re feeling and just how ready they are for the massive show ahead.
First up to take the questions is DJ Maphorisa, as we get inside the mind of one half of the Scorpion Kings before they take the stage.
Amapiano has taken the world by storm, influencing music scenes everywhere. From your perspective as a pioneer, how do you see the genre’s global impact shaping cultural perceptions of South Africa today?
DJ Maphorisa: Amapiano has given the world a different view of South Africa. It’s not just our music that people are connecting with, but our culture, language and creativity. Seeing that influence grow globally makes me very proud of where we come from.
Heritage Month is a special time for South Africa to celebrate her roots. What does the international success of Amapiano mean to you personally during this heritage season?
DJ Maphorisa: It means a lot because Amapiano comes from home. Seeing our music succeed globally reminds me of how powerful and special our culture is.
This Heritage Month, celebrating South African creativity through a fusion of music and food feels especially powerful. How does combining local music culture with local cuisine enhance the way South Africans connect with their heritage?
DJ Maphorisa: Music and food both bring people together. Combining the two gives people another way to experience and celebrate what makes South African culture unique.
What was your reaction when RocoMamas approached you with an idea to create a burger inspired by your personalities and cultural heritage? How important is it for local brands and musicians to collaborate?
DJ Maphorisa: I thought it was a really cool idea. We’re used to expressing ourselves through music, so putting our personalities into food was something fresh and exciting.
After DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small was also ready for the sit-down. As you know, Kabza hardly does interviews, but for this one? RocoMamas is culture, so the conversation had to happen.
We wanted to get inside the mind of the other half of the Scorpion Kings, from the energy around the big show to where his head is at ahead of another major moment in their journey.
Here’s how the conversation went.
Amapiano has become a cultural movement beyond just music. How do you see food, especially local staples like atchar, playing a role in celebrating South African culture alongside music?
Kabza De Small: Food is a big part of our culture. Flavours like atchar bring back memories and bring people together, just like music does.
The Papta Sting has a bold, spicy flavour profile. Do you feel this heat mirrors elements of your own personality or musical style? Why?
Kabza De Small: Definitely. The Papta Sting has that bold heat, and I think our music has the same energy it’s meant to make you feel something.
How important is it for you to use your platform to help bring awareness and pride in local South African flavours and heritage through collaborations like this?
Kabza De Small: It’s very important. We have so much to be proud of, and collaborations like this help us celebrate and share our culture with more people.
As leaders of a global cultural movement, what advice would you give emerging artists and creators about staying true to their roots while reaching international audiences?
Kabza De Small: Stay true to yourself and your roots. That authenticity is what makes you different, and people around the world connect with that.
With the upcoming FNB Stadium concert, how do you see this partnership with RocoMamas amplifying the cultural celebration and connection among your fans?
Kabza De Small: It makes the whole experience bigger. Fans can celebrate the Scorpion Kings through both the music and the food, leading up to the FNB Stadium concert.
Finally, what do you hope fans will take away from this culinary homage to the Scorpion Kings as they enjoy the King’s Feast menu ahead of the landmark concert?
Kabza De Small: I hope they enjoy the food and feel proud of what it represents. It’s a celebration of our culture, our music and how far we’ve come.