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AFCON 2025: A Grand Musical Prelude to Africa’s Premier Football Festival
As anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, the continent is gearing up to celebrate not just football but also its vibrant cultural tapestry. Leading this pre-tournament festivity is none other than Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido, who has been officially announced as a headline performer for the opening concert. Scheduled for Saturday, 20 December, the event will take place at the OLM Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat, Morocco, setting the stage for an unforgettable kickoff to the continent’s most prestigious football competition.
Star-Studded Lineup Amplifies the Celebration
Davido will share the spotlight with a diverse array of international and African artists, including American-Moroccan rapper French Montana, Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui, emerging star Says’z, and the Franco-Moroccan musical sensation Lartiste. This eclectic mix of performers promises a dynamic fusion of sounds, blending Afrobeats, pop, urban rhythms, and traditional African melodies to create a truly immersive cultural experience.
Transforming the AFCON Build-Up into a Cultural Extravaganza
The concert is more than just a musical event; it’s a vibrant celebration of African unity, creativity, and passion for football. Organized by CAF, TotalEnergies, and the Kingdom of Morocco, this entertainment spectacle is touted as one of the most ambitious ever aligned with AFCON. Attendees holding Fan IDs or match tickets can enjoy complimentary access from 6 PM to midnight local time, immersing themselves in an atmosphere charged with energy and continental pride.
Davido: A Global Ambassador of Afrobeats and African Pride
Davido’s involvement highlights his stature as a global ambassador for Afrobeats and African culture. With critically acclaimed albums such as A Good Time, A Better Time, and Timeless, he has consistently delivered electrifying performances at major international sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar and the 2017 AFCON opening ceremony. His high-energy shows, infused with a deep sense of African identity, perfectly embody the spirit of AFCON.
Bridging Continents and Cultures Through Music
French Montana’s participation adds a meaningful connection to his Moroccan roots, enriching the concert’s cultural narrative. Meanwhile, Morocco’s own Douaa Lahyaoui, along with rising talents Says’z and Lartiste, bring fresh local perspectives and vibrant artistry to the lineup. Together, these artists encapsulate the essence of AFCON 2025: a celebration that transcends sport to embrace the continent’s rich cultural diversity and creative innovation.
“The rhythm starts well before the first whistle blows! 🎶🌍”
The official #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 Kick-Off Concert features French Montana, Davido, Douaa Lahyaoui, Says’z, and Lartiste. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/bsZPe23MHY
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online)
