Davido and French Montana Ignite AFCON 2025 Opening Ceremony in Rabat
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion in Rabat, Morocco, with a star-studded musical opening ceremony that blended high-energy performances, cultural pride, and continental unity. Headliners Davido and French Montana delivered memorable sets at the OLM Souissi Fan Zone, captivating a diverse audience of football fans and music lovers gathering for Africa’s premier sporting festival.
Organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco and long-standing sponsors, the opening concert was billed as one of the most ambitious entertainment programmes ever staged alongside the tournament. Positioned as more than a pre-match show, it set the tone for a month of football celebration ahead of the official first game between Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on December 21, 2025.
The atmosphere in the Rabat fan zone was electric. Fans with valid FAN IDs and match tickets filled the space, eager to enjoy live music, cultural displays, and a festive ambience. Although there were informal mentions online of weather variations around Rabat on the day of the opening match, none of the verified reports confirmed that the headline performances happened in the rain. The event was largely covered as a successful outdoor show reflecting Africa’s musical diversity and cultural energy.
Davido, the Nigerian Afrobeats powerhouse, was one of the biggest draws of the night. Known globally for his chart-topping hits and celebratory sound, Davido delivered a set that blended classic favourites with newer anthems, driving the crowd wild. His presence underscored the global reach of Afrobeat music and highlighted how African artists have come to dominate not only the continent’s cultural space but also international stages.
Sharing the stage was French Montana, the Moroccan-born American rapper whose global hip-hop influence has made him one of the most recognisable figures in contemporary music. His participation was symbolic: returning to his birthplace to perform at one of Africa’s biggest sporting events exemplified the diasporic ties connecting African culture with the world.
In addition to the headliners, the lineup featured rising Moroccan sensations like Douaa Lahyaoui, French-Moroccan hitmaker Lartiste, and emerging urban star Says’z, ensuring a blend of local energy and international flair. The selection reflected CAF’s intent to celebrate African creativity in all its forms, linking music, youth culture, and football in a unifying spectacle.
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