Piano People has announced the first wave of artists for one of the UK’s most ambitious amapiano events to date, with Scorpion Kings set to headline High Lights Festival at Barking Park, London on Sunday 24th May 2026.
The South African duo of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small will return to London for what’s being billed as their biggest ever UK show. Widely recognised as the architects of amapiano’s global explosion, the pair will perform on what organisers promise will be “London’s most high-tech outdoor dance floor” as High Lights Festival launches its new chapter in open-air electronic culture.
Joining the Scorpion Kings on the first phase lineup are Sam Deep, Tyler ICU, Leehleza, and Thee Buhle, with two more announcement phases still to come. The event takes place over the bank holiday weekend, offering fans an extended celebration of the genre that’s been reshaping dance floors worldwide.
High Lights Festival promises groundbreaking production within the natural setting of Barking Park. The festival will showcase a genre-spanning soundtrack including amapiano, afro house, gqom and afro tech, delivered with next-level sound and stage design. The outdoor setting marks a significant step up from traditional club venues, creating an immersive environment built specifically for deep, percussive dance music.
The event represents a major milestone in amapiano’s journey from local South African movement to worldwide cultural force. Scorpion Kings’ previous London appearances include a sold-out show at Printworks in 2022 and headlining Piano People in the Park in 2024, which also expanded to Central Park, New York the same year.
Piano People, founded in 2021, has established itself as the world’s leading international amapiano events brand. The organisation has produced sold-out shows at major UK venues including Drumsheds, Ministry of Sound, and The Warehouse Project, while partnering with Afro Nation for popular stage takeovers. The brand continues its expansion in 2026 with its Afro Nation Portugal beach stage in July and the third edition of Piano People in the Park on 28th August.
Tickets for Piano People Presents: Scorpion Kings at High Lights Festival are on sale now at www.scorpionkings.london.
Image credits:
Jake Mulka
Disclosures: TheFestivals is funded through advertising and sometimes earns a commission on purchases made through links on this website, including in this article: None
Add as a preferred source