PIANO PEOPLE announce first names for High Lights Festival in London

Piano People has revealed the first phase of a three phase line-up for one of the most significant Amapiano events ever staged in the UK: ‘Piano People Presents Scorpion Kings’ at High Lights Festival, landing in Barking Park, London on the Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday 24th May 2026.

At the centre of the announcement are the undisputed kings of the genre, Scorpion Kings (DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small), returning to London for their biggest ever UK show. Widely recognised as the architects of Amapiano’s global explosion, the duo will bring a world-class experience to London’s most high-tech outdoor dance floor, as High Lights Festival launches a bold new chapter in open-air electronic culture.

The first wave of artists also includes some of the most exciting names shaping the sound right now, Sam Deep, Tyler ICU, Leehleza, Thee Buhle, with many more still to be revealed.

Nestled within the trees of Barking Park, High Lights Festival Series promises ground-breaking production and an immersive environment built for deep, percussive dance music. Expect unlimited groove across a genre-spanning soundtrack of Amapiano, Afro House, Gqom and Afro Tech, delivered with next-level sound and stage design.

More than just a major London date, this event represents a powerful milestone in the global rise of Amapiano. What began as a local South African movement has grown into a worldwide cultural force, shaping dance floors from Cape Town to London and far beyond.

Scorpion Kings next big headline show as part of the High Lights festival series signifies the genre’s expanding influence, its ability to unite diverse audiences, and the recognition of Amapiano’s pioneers on an international platform. 

Following on from the history-making sold out Printworks in 2022, into headlining Piano People in the Park in 2024 in London & Central Park, New York, the show follows a run of landmark events all over the globe.

Piano People continues to lead the charge in presenting Amapiano at scale, with more major moments ahead including the unstoppable stage on the beach at Afro Nation Portugal in July, as well as year three for Piano People In The Park in London just announced for 28th August, all curating a dedicated space for the sound’s next evolution on an international stage.

Piano People Presents: Scorpion Kings at High Lights Festival takes place at Barking Park, London, Sunday 24th May 2026. Tickets on sale now: www.scorpionkings.london