This is not the first time.
During the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening ceremony, which took place on December 21 in Morocco, Davido was one of the artists who performed on the opening night of the tournament. His appearance added music and energy to the ceremony as it officially kicked off.
However, this was not his first AFCON appearance. Davido previously performed at the 2017 AFCON opening ceremony in Libreville, Gabon, making this his second time being part of the tournament’s opening celebrations.
The return highlights a long-standing relationship between the artist and one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.
For the 2025 ceremony, Davido shared the stage with American-Moroccan rapper French Montana. The collaboration brought together different musical backgrounds, blending Afrobeats with international hip-hop influences.
Their performance formed part of the entertainment lineup designed to set the tone for the tournament before the football action began.
After the ceremony, Davido took to social media to thank Morocco for hosting him and the AFCON event.
In the same post, he also mentioned that his 5ive Alive Tour would be heading to Sierra Leone, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect next from him as he continues touring.
Reactions to Davido’s AFCON Performance
Reactions from fans were mixed but active, especially across social media platforms. Many viewers praised Davido for his confidence on stage and for representing African music on such a large platform.
Some fans described his performance as another example of how far he has taken Afrobeats beyond Nigeria. Others used the moment to compare him with fellow artists, particularly Wizkid, debating who has had the bigger global impact.
A few comments focused on Davido’s consistency, pointing out that performing at AFCON more than once is not something many artists can claim. There were also fans who simply appreciated seeing an African artist perform at a major continental event, without turning it into a competition.
Jeremiah Robert There’s no artist past or present with this kind of aura. Pure presence. Pure impact. Davido isn’t just performing… he’s a global star while Wizkid is going around Lagos clubs and performing at end of year party
Josh Sumoski Lol this guy is the biggest Afrobeat export and the biggest fish in Africa and every other opinion is just lies from the pit of hell
Conclusion
From his first AFCON performance in 2017 to his return in 2025, the journey reflects both personal growth and the wider acceptance of Afrobeat on major stages. It may not change everything overnight, but moments like this show steady progress.
African artists are increasingly part of global and continental events, not as side attractions, but as contributors to the overall experience.
