Davido, French Montana to headline AFCON 2025 Opening Concert in Morocco
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to begin with more than just football, as the Confederation of African Football has unveiled a star-studded opening concert lineup led by Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido and global hip-hop heavyweight French Montana.
CAF confirmed the development on Thursday, announcing that the two international stars will headline the official AFCON 2025 opening concert in Rabat, Morocco, a day before the tournament kicks off.
The concert is expected to draw thousands of fans and serve as a cultural curtain-raiser for Africa’s premier football competition, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Davido leads Afrobeats Representation
Davido, one of Africa’s most influential music exports, will top the bill as AFCON leans into the global appeal of Afrobeats. The Nigerian superstar has become synonymous with African pop culture on the world stage, and his inclusion reflects CAF’s ambition to connect football with modern African identity.
Fresh off global tours and international chart success, Davido’s performance is expected to energise fans ahead of the tournament and further cement Afrobeats’ place at major global sporting events.
French Montana brings Global Star Power
Joining Davido is French Montana, the Moroccan-born, US-based rapper whose appearance adds international weight to the event. Known for his global collaborations and strong ties to both Africa and Europe, French Montana’s presence bridges continents while highlighting Morocco’s role as host nation.
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CAF described the pairing as a celebration of African culture, diversity, and global influence.
Local and Regional Acts Complete the Line-Up
The opening concert will also feature a strong North African presence, with Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui set to perform alongside French-Moroccan hitmaker Lartiste. Rising act Says’z completes the lineup, adding a youthful edge to an already diverse musical showcase.
According to CAF, the selection of artists reflects the tournament’s broader cultural vision. “The diverse selection reflects AFCON’s celebration of African culture, music, and global influence,” the statement read.
Setting the tone for AFCON 2025
Scheduled for Saturday in Rabat, the concert will take place just 24 hours before the first ball is kicked, offering fans a blend of entertainment and anticipation ahead of the competition.
CAF expects the event to set the mood for what it has promised will be one of the most memorable AFCON tournaments in history, combining elite football with music, art, and cultural expression.
With 24 national teams set to compete across Morocco, AFCON 2025 aims to showcase not just football excellence, but the continent’s creative energy and global relevance. As countdown continues, fans across Africa and beyond are already looking forward to a night where music and football meet on one of the continent’s biggest stages.
SportsLigue