Nigerian superstar Rema (Divine Ikubor) arrived in Morocco on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, ahead of the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The “Calm Down” singer is confirmed as a headline performer for the opening ceremony, which kicks off this Sunday, December 21, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
A Fusion of Football and Culture
The 2025 AFCON is making history as the first edition played over the Christmas and New Year period. To match this festive energy, CAF has designed an opening ceremony that blends Moroccan heritage with the modern pulse of African music.
Rema’s presence is seen as a strategic move to ensure global appeal. Following his record-breaking year—which included over a billion streams and sold-out arenas across Europe and Asia—Rema is now tasked with setting the tone for Africa’s biggest football festival.
What to Expect from the Ceremony
- The Venue: The nearly 70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will host the spectacle just before the opening match between the host nation, Morocco, and Comoros.
- Star-Studded Lineup: Rema will be joined by a cast of international and local icons. Rumors suggest Moroccan-Swedish super-producer RedOne is directing the musical segment, with appearances expected from Congolese star Gims and Moroccan favorite Hatim Ammor.
- The Performance: Fans are eagerly anticipating a medley of Rema’s hits, with many hoping for a high-energy rendition of “Ozeba” and his global anthem “Calm Down” to electrify the stadium.
Why It Matters
Rema’s headlining slot further cements the dominance of the Afrobeats genre in global sports culture, following in the footsteps of Davido (World Cup 2022) and Burna Boy (Champions League Final 2023). For the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who are also in Morocco preparing for their first match against Tanzania on December 23, having their countryman open the tournament is a major morale booster.
As Morocco prepares to welcome 24 nations and millions of viewers worldwide, Rema is ready to prove once again that African music is the heartbeat of the continent.
