How Scorpion Kings Kicked Off Our Recess Right

As a student, the last day of school before recess always brings a mix of relief, excitement, and the question: “What’s next?” For me and thousands of fellow students across Gauteng, the answer was crystal clear—Scorpion Kings Live with Friends at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday, 29 August 2025. With school out for a bit, this concert was perfectly timed to kick off the break with a massive celebration of Amapiano—the genre that’s on every student’s playlist these days. Tickets weren’t just affordable—they were downright accessible, starting from as little as R300, making it possible even on a student budget to grab a spot at one of the biggest musical events of the year. And the best part? The government declared the day a public holiday, so you didn’t have to stress about exams or waking up early the next morning.

Getting There: Gautrain and PRASA Had Our Backs

Transport was a big part of this event’s success for students like me who rely on public transit. Both the Gautrain and PRASA rail services stepped up massively, offering frequent trains to Pretoria on the day. The shuttle connections from stations to Loftus made the experience smooth and budget-friendly, taking away the worry of parking or expensive rideshares. Of course, with 50,000 plus attendees, there were a few busy moments, but overall, transport accessibility was impressive for such a huge crowd.

The Vibe: Security, Seats, and Some Hiccups

The energy at Loftus was electric from the moment the gates opened. Security was tight, which in a crowd this size made a huge difference. The scanners and bag searches ensured everyone stayed safe, though some of us did experience slow entry and scanner glitches causing delays and a bit of crowding. Inside, the atmosphere was buzzing, but some designated seats were occupied by others, and the exclusive pit area saw non-ticket holders slipping in, which was a little disappointing for those who had paid extra for premium access. Food and drink stalls were a mixed bag—there were limited options, and plenty of us ended up in long queues for snacks and refreshments. Plus, some stalls were awkwardly placed next to the venue toilets, which sadly were not as clean as we’d have hoped for such a big event. These little things were frustrating but didn’t dampen the overall party spirit.

The Performances: Amapiano Royalty and a Surprise International Star

The musical lineup was a student’s dream. DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small truly ruled the stage with a setlist packed with their biggest hits and fresh beats that kept everyone dancing for hours. The crowd was already hyped from the all-day preshow featuring local stars like DBN Gogo and Blxckie, but the night’s icing on the cake was the surprise guest Davido from Nigeria. His energetic performance brought an international flair that had everyone singing along and confirmed why this was way more than just a South African concert—it was a pan-African celebration. The production was on point, with vibrant lighting, pyro effects, and the kind of crowd interaction that made everyone feel connected, whether you were in the stands or front and centre.

Sponsored by the Best

Big shout-out to Betway, the main sponsor, whose backing brought a polished edge to the event and showed how brands are catching onto the power of youth culture and Amapiano’s global reach. Their involvement meant the event lived up to its hype with proper staging, fan zones, and exclusive content that only amplified the excitement.

Final Thoughts for the Student Crowd

The concert was THEE perfect way to kick off the school break. Affordable tickets, easy transport, an unbeatable lineup, and a vibe full of joy made it an unforgettable experience. Sure, there were some organisational teething issues but these felt like small price points compared to the sheer magic of sharing that space with thousands of fellow fans.