Afrobeats global superstar Davido has been announced as one of the headline performers for the official kick-off concert of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), adding major musical excitement to Africa’s biggest football festival.
According to reports by DAILY POST, the highly anticipated opening concert will take place on Saturday at the Olm Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat, setting the tone for weeks of football, culture, and continental unity as Africa gathers once again to celebrate its premier sporting competition.
The concert is expected to draw thousands of football fans, music lovers, and international visitors, blending Africa’s rich football heritage with its fast-rising global music influence. Entry to the event will be open to fans who possess valid Fan IDs and match tickets, ensuring a secured and organised celebration ahead of the tournament’s opening match.
Davido, born David Adeleke, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary musicians. His inclusion as a headline act reflects AFCON’s continued effort to merge sports with popular culture, creating a vibrant and globally appealing opening ceremony. Over the years, Davido has played a significant role in exporting Afrobeats to international audiences, earning multiple awards and headlining sold-out shows across Europe, North America, and Africa.
Joining Davido on stage will be a diverse lineup of international and regional stars, including French Montana, Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui, as well as Says’z and Lartiste. The blend of African, North African, and global acts underscores AFCON’s multicultural appeal and Morocco’s role as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The Olm Souissi Fan Zone, chosen as the concert venue, is expected to transform into a hub of colour, rhythm, and celebration. Fans will be treated to live performances, cultural displays, and an electric atmosphere that captures the spirit of African unity through music and sport. Organisers say the concert is designed to reflect Africa’s diversity while projecting a modern image of the continent to the world.
Davido is no stranger to performing on prestigious global sporting stages. DAILY POST recalls that the Nigerian superstar previously performed at the AFCON 2017 opening ceremony, further cementing his relationship with Africa’s flagship football tournament. His international profile also saw him perform at the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw held in Doha, Qatar, a globally televised event watched by millions.
In addition, Davido performed at the 2023 Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards, showcasing Afrobeats to elite footballers and sports stakeholders in Europe. These performances have positioned him as a go-to African artist for major global sporting events, where music and football intersect.
AFCON 2025 itself promises to be one of the most memorable editions of the tournament. The finals will officially kick off on Saturday with an opening match between hosts Morocco and Comoros at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat. As hosts, Morocco carries high expectations, both on and off the pitch, with organisers keen to deliver a tournament that meets global standards in infrastructure, security, and entertainment.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has in recent years placed greater emphasis on enhancing the fan experience, using music, technology, and cultural showcases to elevate the tournament’s profile. The inclusion of globally recognised artists like Davido and French Montana reflects CAF’s broader strategy to attract younger audiences and expand AFCON’s reach beyond traditional football fans.
For African artists, AFCON has increasingly become a powerful platform for continental and global exposure. Performances at opening ceremonies and fan events offer musicians an opportunity to connect with millions of viewers worldwide, reinforcing Africa’s creative influence alongside its sporting excellence.
Davido’s presence at the AFCON 2025 opening concert is also symbolic of the strong relationship between football and music in Africa. Across the continent, football anthems, club songs, and celebratory tracks play a central role in uniting fans, transcending language and national boundaries. Afrobeats, in particular, has become a soundtrack for African pride, resilience, and youthful energy.
As anticipation builds ahead of the opening ceremony, fans across Africa and the diaspora are already expressing excitement on social media, with many praising the organisers for selecting a lineup that reflects Africa’s global cultural standing. The concert is expected to generate significant online engagement, further amplifying AFCON 2025’s global visibility.
With world-class football, vibrant fan zones, and electrifying performances from some of Africa’s biggest music stars, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be more than just a football tournament. It is a celebration of African identity, creativity, and unity on the world stage.
Follow Africa Live News for more updates on AFCON 2025, sports, entertainment, and African excellence.
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