Joeboy, Soulja, others set to ignite Morocco as AFCON 2025 observes Christmas Day break

Music will take centre stage across Morocco on Christmas Day as the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, sponsored by 1XBET, pauses briefly following the conclusion of the opening round of group-stage matches.

With football action on hold for the tournament’s first rest day, fans across the host cities will be treated to a series of live performances at official AFCON Fan Parks, transforming the championship into a continent-wide cultural celebration.

Nigerian music star Joeboy headlines the festivities in Fes, where he is set to perform at the Jardin Botanique, adding Afro-pop flavour to the AFCON carnival.

In Casablanca, popular artist Soulja will thrill fans alongside French rapper La Fouine at Espace Météo, while Rafie and Moroccan group Oudaden take charge at Espace Toro.

In Agadir, supporters gathering at Plage Agadir (La Marina) will enjoy performances by South African sensation Musa Keys, followed by Egyptian hitmakers Sharmoofers, as the coastal city embraces the festive mood.

Rabat offers a double celebration, with Kayawoto and DJ Moh Green performing at Olm Souissi, while Malian superstar Sidiki Diabaté and legendary Moroccan band Nass El Ghiwane are set to entertain fans at Salé Bab El Mrissa.

In Marrakech, Cameroonian artist Kocee will perform at Bab Jdid before Ivorian star Didi B takes over the stage, while Tangier’s Villa Harris Park rounds off the Christmas celebrations with VJ and Congolese music icon Awilo Longomba.

The entertainment break comes after a lively start to the tournament on the pitch.

Several top teams made early statements as the first round of group matches wrapped up on Wednesday.

Star performers have also emerged early, with Riyad Mahrez and Nicolas Jackson each scoring twice for Algeria and Senegal respectively. Tunisia’s Elias Achouri has also found the net twice, leaving three players tied at the top of the scorers’ chart.

Tournament favourites Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Senegal, Algeria, and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire all secured opening-match victories, setting the tone for an intense group stage.

After 12 matches, a total of 27 goals have been scored across the six groups, underlining the attacking intent on display at AFCON 2025.

Football action resumes on Boxing Day, with the second round of group fixtures expected to further define the race for qualification to the knockout stage.