Nigerian music sensation Yemi Alade has been confirmed as the headline performer for the opening ceremony of the highly anticipated 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2024.
The Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan is set to come alive on Saturday, January 13, as Alade takes center stage, marking the realization of a long-cherished dream for the acclaimed artist.
Alade, celebrated for her dynamic stage presence and multilingual musical prowess in French, Yoruba, and English, expressed her elation through a social media post. The artist, best known for her 2014 hit single “Johnny,” conveyed her gratitude for the incredible opportunity and underscored the significance of prayer in manifesting her aspirations.
The announcement comes seven years after Alade first envisioned herself performing at a stadium surrounded by dancers and spectators during football ceremonies. Her upcoming performance at AFCON signifies a monumental milestone in her career, and she eagerly anticipates gracing the stage for the tournament’s opening ceremony.
Recognized with prestigious accolades, including the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) for Best Female in 2015 and 2016, Yemi Alade stands as one of Nigeria’s leading female musicians and a prominent figure across the African music landscape.
The AFCON 2024 opening ceremony promises to be a spectacle, with Alade and other invited artists set to captivate the audience before the commencement of the tournament’s inaugural match between Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau. Football enthusiasts and music aficionados alike can expect a fusion of rhythm and celebration as Yemi Alade sets the stage ablaze in what she describes as “just the beginning” of her extraordinary journey into the world of football ceremonies.
