Nigerian Afrobeats megastar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, will headline the opening concert of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has confirmed.
In a statement released on Thursday, CAF announced that Davido will lead a star-studded international lineup for the pre-tournament concert, underscoring the growing fusion of football, music and culture that now defines Africa’s flagship sporting event.
Global Music Meets African Identity
Also billed to perform are global hip-hop heavyweight French Montana, Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui, French-Moroccan hitmaker Lartiste, and fast-rising act Says’z.
French Montana’s inclusion carries added symbolism, as the US-based rapper was born in Morocco, making his performance a cultural homecoming on one of Africa’s biggest stages.
CAF noted that the diverse lineup reflects AFCON’s broader vision of celebrating African creativity, cultural pride and global influence, while connecting audiences across borders.
Rabat Set for a Night of Music and Celebration
The opening concert is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, and will take place at the OLM Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat, one day before the tournament officially kicks off. The event is expected to set the tone for a month-long festival of football and entertainment in Morocco.
In its statement, CAF said:
“Global hip-hop star French Montana and Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido will lead an exciting international line-up, joined by Moroccan sensation Douaa Lahyaoui, French-Moroccan hitmaker Lartiste, and rising artist Says’z. The diverse selection reflects AFCON’s celebration of African culture, music, and global influence.”
More Than Football
AFCON 2025, which runs from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, will feature 24 of Africa’s best national teams, but organisers have made it clear that the tournament extends beyond football.
With a high-profile opening concert, fan zones and cultural showcases planned throughout the competition, AFCON 2025 is being positioned as a continental celebration — one where music, identity and sport unite on a global stage.
As anticipation builds, fans across Africa and beyond are counting down to an opening night that promises energy, spectacle and a powerful statement of African excellence.