Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa's Before-and-After Photos Leave Mzansi Inspired
- An X user shared throwback and recent photos of the Scorpion Kings duo, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, showing their remarkable rise
- The pictures emerged days after the pair headlined a historic show at FNB Stadium on 19 September 2026 with over 50 top SA artists
- Mzansi flooded the comments with reactions, with some inspired and others questioning what it really takes to make it
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Source: UGC
A side-by-side post showing where Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa started versus where they stand today has taken over timelines, drawing an emotional response from fans who have watched the amapiano pioneers grow in real time.
X user @Ephraim_Snr shared the images on 22 September 2026, captioning them with a simple but pointed message:
"Never give up on your dreams 🙏."
One of the photos shows the duo in their early days, while the other captures them on stage in cream suits beneath purple lights at a Scorpion Kings Live show.
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See the photos below:
From humble beginnings to FNB Stadium
The timing of the post hit differently. Just days earlier, on Saturday, 19 September 2026, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa headlined a landmark concert at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg under their collaborative project, the Scorpion Kings. The show featured a star-studded bill of more than 50 South African artists, including Nasty C, Young Stunna, Focalistic, Kamo Mphela, Msaki, Ami Faku and Blxckie, cementing the duo's place at the very top of the local music industry.
For many who follow amapiano closely, the before-and-after contrast in the photos was striking proof of what persistence can produce.
Mzansi reacts to DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small's pictures
The post drew a wide range of responses from across the internet. See the post that sparked the conversation below.
@TwiiitBack was quick to add a caveat:
"This doesn't apply to 30-year-old upcoming rappers."
@_simplyenny kept it short and warm:
"They've come a long way."
@_Joy_Dee offered a cheeky observation:
"Kabza was actually De Small."
@Max_Bodese pushed back on the inspirational framing:
"That's not enough; someone needs to open the door for you. Plenty of DJs still waiting for their big shot."
@ladyhuneybee offered quiet hope:
"One day we shall be alright."
@vampyyslut brought a more pointed take:
"Maphorisa would've done just fine without the fame, but kabzaa NEEDED it😭😭😭😭😭👍🏽"
@tweetsbytony_ bookmarked the post for dark days:
"Let me bookmark this in case I think about giving up🙏🏾"
@29Bagzz reflected on the digital age:
"One of the most fascinating things to come out of the modern media age is that you can witness people's rise/fall in real time. All captured and recorded."
@gherbzzz could not help but joke about the older image:
"This image of Maphorisa certifies him as a Nigerian; I can tell by the guy behind him😭😭"
Source: Instagram
DJ Maphorisa shares dream venue for Scorpion Kings
Meanwhile, Briefly News previously reported that DJ Maphorisa shared a heartfelt video on Monday, 21 September 2026, addressing fans after the Scorpion Kings Live at FNB Stadium concert.
The amapiano star hinted at future Scorpion Kings shows and revealed his dream next destination beyond South Africa's borders.
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Source: Briefly News
