The 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicked off on Sunday night in Morocco with a spectacular opening ceremony in Rabat, blending elite football with global music and African cultural storytelling before a worldwide television audience.
The high-profile ceremony took place moments before hosts Morocco faced Comoros in the tournament’s opening match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, setting the tone for Africa’s flagship football competition and underscoring the scale and ambition of the 2025 edition.
Headlining the ceremony were global music stars , and acclaimed producer , who led the centrepiece performance titled “Le Show.” The production combined music, choreography, light and digital visuals in a striking display designed specifically for a global broadcast audience.
“Le Show” unfolded as a dynamic visual narrative celebrating unity, diversity and movement—core themes of AFCON 2025. Traditional African rhythms were fused with contemporary sounds, while coordinated drumming, pulsating lights and immersive digital displays transformed the stadium into a theatrical stage reflecting Africa’s cultural depth and global reach.
French Montana opened the headline performances, bringing global hip-hop influence and powerful symbolism to the opening night. Born in Morocco and raised in the United States, his presence resonated strongly with the host nation’s identity and its role as a cultural bridge between Africa, Europe and the wider diaspora. His performance reflected the journey of African stories across borders, reinforcing Morocco’s place at the centre of the continent’s cultural and sporting moment.
Davido followed with a performance that drew some of the loudest reactions from the packed stadium. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary music figures, the Nigerian Afrobeats star has been credited with helping propel African music onto global stages. His appearance echoed themes of celebration, confidence and continental pride that have long defined the Africa Cup of Nations.
Completing the trio was RedOne, the Moroccan-born producer whose work has shaped international pop music behind the scenes. His inclusion highlighted Africa’s creative influence beyond the spotlight, showcasing the continent’s contribution to global sound and production. RedOne’s presence underscored Africa’s role not only as a source of on-stage talent, but also as a driving force in global entertainment.
As the performance reached its climax, the three artists converged at centre stage amid synchronised movement, rhythmic drumming and sweeping light effects. The sequence symbolised unity across cultures and generations, reinforcing AFCON’s enduring message of togetherness through sport and creativity.
The opening ceremony served as both a cultural and sporting statement, projecting African confidence and creativity to millions of viewers around the world. It reinforced the Africa Cup of Nations’ position not only as the continent’s premier football tournament, but also as a major global cultural event.
Following the ceremony, attention shifted to the football action as Morocco faced Comoros in the tournament’s opening match, officially launching weeks of continental competition. AFCON 2025 runs until 18 January, featuring 24 national teams competing across six host cities—Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Fez and Agadir. A total of nine stadiums will host matches throughout the tournament.
Morocco is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time since 1988, with the 2025 edition positioned as one of the most ambitious in the competition’s history. Organisers have emphasised a blend of elite football, modern infrastructure and cultural storytelling, aiming to elevate AFCON’s global profile while remaining rooted in African identity.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has described AFCON 2025 as a celebration of Africa’s progress, resilience and creativity. From the grandeur of its opening ceremony to the intensity of competition on the pitch, the tournament is designed to reflect a continent confident in its voice and global relevance.
With world-class performances, cutting-edge production and top-level football now underway, Morocco’s AFCON 2025 has begun with a powerful message: African football and culture continue to command global attention, respect and pride.
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