As anticipation builds for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, organizers have unveiled an impressive lineup for the tournament’s official kick-off concert, with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido taking center stage at what promises to be a spectacular celebration of African football and culture.
The Grammy-nominated artist, whose global influence has helped propel Afrobeats onto the world stage, will headline Saturday’s concert at the Olm Souissi Fan Zone in Morocco’s capital. Joining him will be an eclectic mix of international and regional talent, including American-Moroccan rapper French Montana and Moroccan performers Douaa Lahyaoui, Says’z, and Lartiste, creating a fusion of sounds that reflects the continent’s diverse musical landscape.
Access to the highly anticipated event will be restricted to fans holding both valid Fan IDs and match tickets, ensuring that those who have secured their place for the tournament’s opening fixtures can participate in the pre-match festivities.
This marks a familiar stage for the 32-year-old “Fall” hitmaker, who has become something of a fixture at major sporting events across the continent and beyond. Davido previously graced the AFCON 2017 opening ceremony, demonstrating his enduring connection to African football’s showcase tournament. His resume of high-profile sporting performances also includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony in Doha, Qatar, and the 2023 Professional Footballers’ Association awards in the United Kingdom, cementing his status as a go-to performer for football’s biggest occasions.
The concert will serve as the curtain-raiser for what many are calling one of the most competitive editions of AFCON in recent memory. The tournament proper kicks off immediately following the festivities, with hosts Morocco facing Comoros in the opening match at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, also in Rabat, on Saturday evening.
Morocco enters the tournament with considerable expectations on home soil, while organizers hope the blend of world-class football and entertainment will create an unforgettable atmosphere as Africa’s finest national teams compete for continental glory over the coming weeks.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Afrobeats star Davido will headline the AFCON 2025 opening concert in Rabat on Saturday, marking his return to Africa’s biggest football stage after performing at AFCON 2017.
The event precedes Morocco’s tournament opener against Comoros and is exclusive to fans with match tickets and Fan IDs, combining world-class entertainment with continental football as Morocco hosts Africa’s premier tournament.
