AFCON 2025 in Morocco: A Glorious Celebration of Football, Music & Culture
The 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicked off on December 21, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, marking the beginning of one of the most anticipated sporting events on the African continent. As host nation, Morocco delivered a grand opening ceremony that blended football, music, and cultural storytelling, setting the tone for a tournament celebrated far beyond the pitch.
A Grand Opening in Rabat
The opening ceremony took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, in front of tens of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers worldwide. High-ranking dignitaries, including CAF President Patrice Motsepe, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and members of the Moroccan royal family, were present for the occasion.
The ceremony showcased Morocco’s rich history and artistic heritage through choreographed performances, visual projections, and traditional dance sequences. The production highlighted Africa’s unity, diversity, and passion for football, reinforcing AFCON’s status as both a sporting and cultural event.
Artists Who Performed at the Opening Ceremony
A major highlight of the night was the music lineup, which brought together African and international artists, reflecting the global reach of African culture.
Davido (Nigeria)
Afrobeats superstar Davido delivered one of the most energetic performances of the night. His appearance symbolized the global influence of contemporary African music and was met with strong reactions from fans inside the stadium.
French Montana (Morocco / United States)
Moroccan-born, U.S.-based rapper French Montana added an international dimension to the ceremony. His performance resonated strongly with the local audience, bridging Moroccan roots with global hip-hop culture.
Jaylann (Morocco)
Moroccan artist Jaylann performed the official AFCON 2025 anthem, bringing a strong local presence to the ceremony and representing the host nation’s musical identity.
L’Artiste (France / Morocco)
French-Moroccan singer L’Artiste joined the anthem performance, blending modern pop sounds with North African influences.
Angélique Kidjo (Benin)
Legendary African singer and multiple Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo added depth and continental unity to the ceremony. Her participation reinforced AFCON’s role in celebrating Africa’s shared cultural heritage.
Official AFCON 2025 Anthem
The official song of AFCON 2025 was performed live during the opening ceremony by Jaylann, L’Artiste, and Angélique Kidjo. The anthem emphasized themes of unity, pride, and African excellence, aligning with the spirit of the tournament.
Cultural Performances and Storytelling
Beyond the musical performances, the ceremony featured traditional Moroccan dances, artistic tableaux, and symbolic storytelling representing Africa’s past, present, and future. These elements reinforced Morocco’s role as a cultural crossroads between Africa, the Arab world, and Europe.
Football Takes Center Stage
Following the ceremony, the tournament officially began with the opening match between Morocco and Comoros, in which the host nation secured a 2–0 victory, igniting excitement among fans and setting high expectations for the rest of the competition.
A Tournament of Continental Significance
AFCON 2025 is being staged across multiple cities in Morocco and runs until January 18, 2026. With world-class stadiums, strong organization, and a vibrant cultural program, this edition of AFCON continues to reinforce the tournament’s importance as Africa’s premier football event.
-AMG Records
