South Africa witnessed a historic musical fusion as Red Bull Symphonic debuted with Kabza De Small, the undisputed “King of Amapiano.” The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City pulsated with the energy of Amapiano reimagined for a full symphonic orchestra, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences on June 8th and 9th.
Kabza De Small’s iconic tracks like “khusela” and “Imithandazo” took on a whole new dimension with the sweeping strings, brass, and soaring vocals of a 33-piece orchestra and an eight-piece choir. This unique collaboration proved that Amapiano, with its infectious rhythms and signature log drum melodies, can transcend its roots and soar to symphonic heights.
“The magic that came from blending a spiritual sound with smooth jazz instruments was the highlight,” Kabza De Small said, reflecting on the show. “Amapiano is often seen as a genre with limitations, but here we are, breaking them!” he declared.
This event marked a significant moment in Amapiano’s global ascendancy. When asked about the genre’s future, Kabza De Small was resolute: “We’re taking this sound to unexplored territories and conquering them.”
Red Bull Symphonic, under the masterful direction of Ofentse Pitse, provided the perfect platform for Kabza De Small to breathe new life into his already cinematic music. Pitse expressed his elation: “Seeing our dream come to life was the highlight for me. This collaboration existed long before the world knew about it. The countless hours spent stitching together each song, ensuring a cohesive story of not just our experiences but of the African child’s experience as well.”
Following the Red Bull Symphonic tradition across the globe (from the USA to Australia), the Kabza De Small show was initially planned as a one-night-only spectacle. However, with tickets selling out within an hour, an additional night was added, which also saw a near-instantaneous sell-out.
“Having the audience connect with it over two nights, the way we have for months, was truly special,” Pitse said, “This will stay with me forever.”
The experience wasn’t limited to the main event. Renowned South African artists like Daliwonga, Njelic, and Mawhoo kept the energy high with their electrifying sets as supporting acts.
