AFCON 2025: Davido and French Montana headline glamorous opening ceremony

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations officially got underway with a visually rich opening ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, with Afrobeats superstar Davido performing alongside French Montana and producer RedOne.

Staged at the Complexe Sportif Moulay Abdellah, moments before the tournament’s opener between hosts Morocco and Comoros, Davido serenaded the crowd amid a downpour. 

The ceremony was designed to celebrate Moroccan and African identity and creativity, blending choreography, traditional motifs and modern music in front of a global television audience.

The headline performance was titled “Le Show,” with three artistes coming together to form a symbolic trio. French Montana was born in Morocco but raised in the US and brought a global sound. Davido is represented as one of Afrobeats' biggest stars, and RedOne is a Moroccan DJ. 

Additionally, there was an official AFCON kick-off concert held at the Olm Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat on the night before the tournament’s first match, during which Davido performed some of his biggest songs. The event was free to fans and intended to build excitement ahead of the tournament start.