South Africa’s dance music culture has never been about short sets and quick exits. From township street bashes to stadium-scale festivals, DJs across the country have embraced the art of the marathon — extended performances that blur the line between party and pilgrimage.
With DBN Gogo preparing for her historic endurance moment, following her announcement as the first female DJ in South Africa to attempt a 24-hour set, the spotlight once again turns to the power of long-form DJ storytelling.
Here are five iconic marathon-style DJ moments that shaped the country’s dance music culture.
1. DBN Gogo’s 24-Hour Set Attempt (2026)
DBN Gogo’s upcoming 24-hour DJ set represents more than endurance — it’s a cultural milestone.
As previously explored in our feature on DBN Gogo’s rise from Amapiano star to global stage presence, she has consistently pushed boundaries for female DJs in South Africa.
Her marathon attempt places her within a global lineage of extended DJ performances, comparable to some of the world’s longest recorded sets documented in international dance music history.
If successful, it will cement her place not just in Amapiano history, but in endurance DJ culture worldwide.
2. The Scorpion Kings and the 8-Hour Amapiano Era
Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa — the Scorpion Kings — turned the all-night DJ set into a cultural movement.
At the height of Amapiano’s explosion, their midnight-to-sunrise performances became legendary. These weren’t just long sets; they were carefully crafted journeys, built on rolling log drums, layered percussion, and slow-burning drops that kept dance floors locked in for hours.
That endurance culture reached its peak with Scorpion Kings Live 2025 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria — a near 10-hour marathon that cemented Amapiano’s stadium-era arrival. The show featured a stacked lineup including global superstar Davido and South African heavyweights like Cassper Nyovest, Ami Faku, Young Stunna, and Focalistic.
Their dominance also mirrors Amapiano’s industry breakthrough. Recognition at major milestones like the SA Amapiano Awards confirmed the genre’s move from underground sound to national powerhouse, showing how marathon DJ sets had become full-scale cultural takeovers.
3. Black Coffee: Festival marathons and global domination
Black Coffee, Grammy-winning South African DJ, has redefined marathon DJing with his immersive Afro-house sets. At festivals like LIV Golf South Africa, he delivers extended, hypnotic performances, often featuring fellow Mzansi DJs and highlighting South African talent on global stages.
His Hï Ibiza residency is legendary, where emotive, deep, and cinematic Afro-house sets — including tracks like “Drive” and “The Rapture Pt.III” — draw thousands each Saturday night. Highlights include globally streamed sunset sets and the 2024 opening show, where Shimza and Merlon brought the vibrant spirit of Mzansi to the decks.
Through festivals, Ibiza residencies, and global collaborations, Black Coffee continues to set the standard for endurance DJing and Afro-house worldwide.
4. Ultra South Africa’s B3B Marathon Culture
Ultra South Africa has quietly become a testing ground for endurance energy. The Groove Room stage, dedicated to African electronic sounds, regularly features back-to-back (B2B) and even triple back-to-back (B3B) sets where artists feed off each other’s momentum for hours.
Line-ups featuring Caiiro, Da Capo, and Enoo Napa have delivered extended Afro-tech journeys that feel more like communal rituals than festival slots. These collaborative marathons reflect a shift in dance culture — from individual headline dominance to shared sonic storytelling.
DIARISE: The upcoming 2026 edition of Ultra South Africa hits Johannesburg on 25 April and Cape Town on 26 April, with John Summit, DJ Snake, Axwell, Afrojack b2b R3hab, and a stacked supporting lineup, promising another marathon of world-class electronic music.
5. Lock-in culture and Major League DJz
Johannesburg’s underground “lock-in” parties are the proving ground for DJ stamina, and Major League DJz, twin Amapiano stars Bandile and Banele Mbere, lead the charge.
In September 2022, they broke the world record for the longest DJ set by a duo, performing 75 consecutive hours at Katy’s Palace in Kramerville, Johannesburg. Their “72 Hours Xperience B2B” sets featured rising stars like Kelvin Momo, highlighting South African talent while pushing endurance limits.
Their signature Balcony Mix Africa series is taking this energy worldwide, landing on November 15 at Camden’s Roundhouse in London. From marathon records to intimate lock-ins, Major League DJz show that endurance DJing is about culture, community, and high-energy performances as much as hours behind the decks.
Globally, the culture of extended DJing has seen attempts that push beyond 24 hours. While many South African lock-ins aren’t formally adjudicated, their cultural impact is undeniable.
Why marathon sets matter in 2026
South Africa’s dominance in digital streaming further strengthens the significance of these long-form performances. As explored in our report on the reigning king of South Africa’s digital music charts, streaming success and live performance stamina now go hand in hand.
Marathon DJ sets do three critical things:
- Deepen audience connection
- Showcase musical range
- Cement cultural leadership
With DBN Gogo’s 24-hour attempt on the horizon, South Africa’s dance music scene once again proves that endurance isn’t just about hours played — it’s about legacy built.
