On December 21, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025) officially opened with a powerful and immersive Opening Ceremony, celebrating unity, identity, and the unstoppable resilience of African football. The show was created and delivered through a partnership between Balich Wonder Studio and Avant Scène, bringing together a global creative force with deep local expertise.
The collaboration united Balich Wonder Studio, global leader in live entertainment and creative force behind the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, with Avant Scène, a leading Moroccan event production agency.
A tribute to Africa’s cultural richness and collective spirit, the Opening Ceremony celebrated Morocco’s role as host nation while embracing the continent’s creative energy. Shaped by Creative Director Carlos Navarrete Patiño around the concept of light as a unifying force, the show unfolded as a large-scale, immersive journey connecting cultures, generations, and shared dreams.
The Ceremony featured an outstanding lineup of international and African artists, including RedOne, French Montana, Davido, Ayra Starr, Jaylann, Lartiste and Angélique Kidjo.
Simone Merico, Co-Founder of Balich Wonder Studio, commented:
“The Africa Cup of Nations is more than a football tournament — it is a celebration of identity, pride, and unity. Designing an Opening Ceremony for AFCON 2025 meant creating a moment where cultures, stories, and emotions came together, and where light became a powerful symbol of connection across the continent.”
Rooted in Morocco’s cultural heritage, the Opening Ceremony transformed the stadium into a dynamic and immersive environment. Inspired by Moroccan zellij tile-work and the official tournament logo, the Field of Play became a bold visual canvas, where graphic patterns, light, and dynamic LED elements interacted with choreography.
