The rich culture of Cote d’Ivoire was showcased during the colourful opening ceremony in Abidjan on Saturday, which marked the official start of the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
A high-octane celebration of Ivorian heritage was presented by dancers, acrobats, and musicians at the legendary Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, which was pulsating with colour.
The hosts took delight in creating “a people and a destiny” over time and showcased their variety to the globe through meticulously orchestrated acts.
Aside from celebrating African unity, the lively performances showcased Cote d’Ivoire’s renowned hospitality in hosting all 54 nations on the continent.
Meanwhile, images of the nation’s remarkable network of highways, bridges, and facilities demonstrated its expanding infrastructure.
Cote d’Ivoire’s multiform advances are a source of pride for the country as its economy continues to rise quickly.
Then, a host of A-list African music celebrities hit the stage to intensify the funfair vibes inside the sold-out 60,000-seat arena.
Prior to Congolese musician Daju getting thousands of people up and dancing with his catchy tunes, Ivorian singer Jose got the celebration began.
When the Ivorian band collaborated with Egyptian vocalist Ramadan and Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, the stadium was shaking to the legendary sounds of Magic System.
The tournament was formally launched with spectacular pyrotechnics lighting up the Abidjan sky as their TotalEnegies CAF AFCON 2023 anthem played.
It sent excited spectators into a frenzy just before Cote d’Ivoire’s first game against Guinea-Bissau.
At the beginning of a historic AFCON, Cote d’Ivoire gave a symbolic celebration of tradition and aspiration with all eyes on Abidjan.
However, this spectacular opening offered a sneak peek at what makes the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations so unique.