The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will officially get underway off the pitch with a high-profile kick-off concert headlined by Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido and American-Moroccan rapper French Montana.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the OLM Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat, from 18:00 to 00:00 local time, according to the event flyer released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
CAF’s decision to open the tournament with a music-driven celebration reflects the growing link between African football and global popular culture, as the continent’s biggest sporting event prepares for its first match.
Davido leads the lineup as one of Africa’s most recognisable music exports, bringing Afrobeats to the AFCON stage. The Nigerian artist has enjoyed sustained international success with tracks such as Fall, If and Unavailable, and his inclusion signals CAF’s intent to position AFCON as a global spectacle beyond football.
French Montana’s appearance carries strong symbolic value. Born in Casablanca, the rapper returns home for a tournament Morocco is hosting for the first time since 1988. His participation blends global hip-hop appeal with local relevance.
Moroccan artists Lartiste and Douaa Lahyaoui also feature on the bill, reinforcing the host nation’s cultural presence. Lartiste has built a cross-border career between France and North Africa, while Douaa Lahyaoui represents a new generation of Moroccan pop artists.
Says’z, who represents France and the Comoros, completes the lineup, adding an Afro-urban sound to a concert designed to reflect the diversity of the continent.
CAF confirmed that entry to the concert is free for fans holding a Fan ID or a valid match ticket, a move aimed at boosting fan engagement ahead of the opening fixtures.
The kick-off concert forms part of a broader fan experience strategy around AFCON 2025, with Morocco set to host matches across multiple cities and venues.
While teams finalize preparations on the training ground, Saturday’s concert in Rabat will serve as the tournament’s opening signal, setting the atmosphere before football takes centre stage on Sunday with hosts to take on Comoros
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