Nigerian music icon Davido is set to bring his electrifying Afrobeats energy to the grand opening of the continent's biggest football tournament. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, will be the headline performer for the kick-off concert of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Star-Studded Lineup for a Football Fiesta
The official announcement was made by CAF on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The concert is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Olm Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat, Morocco. The event will run from 6:00 p.m. until midnight local time, setting the perfect tone for the tournament that begins the following day.
Davido will not be alone on this prestigious stage. He will be joined by a diverse and talented international lineup that includes global hip-hop sensation French Montana, Moroccan singing star Douaa Lahyaoui, French-Moroccan hitmaker Lartiste, and the emerging artist Says'z. This selection underscores AFCON's role as a celebration of not just football, but also African culture, music, and its growing global influence.
Nigerian Fans Celebrate Online
The news has sent waves of excitement across Nigeria and the African diaspora, with fans flooding social media to celebrate the achievement. Many see it as another major milestone in a spectacular year for the 'OBO' crooner.
Reactions compiled online show overwhelming pride and joy. One fan, mozheez_official, exclaimed, "Davido again nawa oooo, the guy just dey hot dis year." Another user, samson_samooj_nelson, proudly stated, "na we dey hot," while dhamhinhi hailed him as the "Man of the year." The celebratory mood highlights Davido's massive connection with his fanbase, who are eagerly anticipating his performance on this pan-African platform.
A Cultural and Sporting Spectacle
This concert marks a significant fusion of sports and entertainment, promising an unforgettable start to AFCON 2025. The event is designed to unite fans from across Africa and the world in Rabat, celebrating the shared passions of football and music.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco, is poised to be a month-long festival showcasing the best of African football talent. By placing a Nigerian Afrobeats icon at the centre of the opening festivities, CAF is acknowledging the powerful cultural force that Nigerian music represents on the global stage. All eyes will now be on Rabat this Saturday for a night where rhythmic beats and football fever collide.