Davido Set to Ignite AFCON 2025 Opening Spectacle

The vibrant city of Rabat is preparing for a sonic explosion as Afrobeats megastar Davido is confirmed to headline the official kick-off concert for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Scheduled to take place at the iconic OLM Souissi Fan Zone this Saturday, the event serves as the high-energy prelude to the continent’s most prestigious football tournament. The announcement by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sent waves of excitement through both the music and sporting worlds, positioning the concert as a landmark cultural celebration that transcends the boundaries of the pitch.

Davido will lead a powerhouse international lineup that perfectly reflects the diverse and evolving sounds of modern Africa. Joining him on stage is the global hip-hop icon French Montana, a Moroccan-born artist whose participation represents a symbolic homecoming. The star-studded roster also includes the captivating Moroccan vocalist Douaa Lahyaoui, the versatile French-Moroccan hitmaker Lartiste, and the rapidly ascending urban talent Says’z. Together, these artists are expected to deliver a fusion of Afrobeats, rap, and North African pop, setting a triumphant tone for the tournament.

For fans in the Moroccan capital, the OLM Souissi Fan Zone will be the center of the universe. Organizers have specified that entry to this exclusive musical feast is reserved for supporters who possess both a valid Fan ID and match tickets. This measure ensures that the event remains a celebration for the core community of football enthusiasts who have traveled from across the globe to witness the spectacle. The concert is part of a broader “TotalEnergies AFCON” vision to turn the build-up into a month-long festival of African unity, youth, and creative excellence.

This performance adds another glittering chapter to Davido’s storied relationship with global sporting events. The singer, whose recent albums have dominated international charts, has become a fixture on the world stage, previously delivering memorable performances at the 2017 AFCON opening ceremony and the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw in Doha. His presence in Rabat is seen as a major coup for CAF, ensuring that the eyes of the world are firmly fixed on Morocco even before the first whistle is blown.

The musical celebration serves as the perfect curtain-raiser for the actual footballing action, which kicks off shortly after the concert. The tournament officially commences with a high-stakes opening match featuring the hosts, Morocco, as they take on the Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium. As one of the favorites to lift the trophy on home soil, the Atlas Lions will be looking to channel the energy from the Rabat fan zone into a dominant start for their campaign.

By blending the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats with the home-grown talent of Morocco, CAF and the host nation are making a bold statement about the “New Africa.” The concert is designed to do more than just entertain; it is a strategic move to promote the continent’s soft power and its thriving entertainment industry. With billions of eyes expected to tune in for the tournament, starting with such a high-profile musical showcase provides the perfect platform for African artists to reach a global audience.

As the equipment is staged and the rehearsals reach their peak in Rabat, the anticipation among the traveling fans is palpable. The OLM Souissi venue is renowned for hosting some of Morocco’s largest cultural events, and the AFCON 2025 kick-off is expected to be no different. For those in attendance, it will be a night where the boundaries between the terrace and the dancefloor disappear, united by the shared languages of melody and sport.

With the stage set and the stars aligned, all roads now lead to Saturday night. Whether you are there for Davido’s chart-topping hits, French Montana’s homecoming, or the local brilliance of Douaa Lahyaoui, the message remains the same: Africa is ready to play. As the sunset hits the Rabat skyline this weekend, the sound of Afrobeats will signal the start of a journey that will captivate the continent for the next month.