The 2024 African Nations Championship got off to a flying start in Dar es Salaam on Saturday night, with Tanzania’s biggest music star Rayvanny delivering a show-stopping performance that had the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium rocking before a ball was even kicked.
What unfolded was far more than just a tournament opener – it was a celebration of African culture that perfectly captured the spirit of unity the competition aims to promote. The Grammy-nominated artist brought his unique Bongo Flava sound to a captivated audience, blending modern beats with traditional Tanzanian rhythms in a performance that will live long in the memory.
The evening began with cultural displays from across East Africa, as traditional dancers from the three host nations – Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda – took centre stage. Their colourful routines told the story of a region coming together through shared heritage and love of football, embodying the tournament’s “PAMOJA” theme of togetherness.
When Rayvanny appeared, the atmosphere reached fever pitch. The multi-award winning musician had supporters singing and dancing in the aisles as he performed hits that have made him one of Africa’s most recognisable voices. His energetic set, accompanied by the rapid-fire beats of Singeli music, transformed the stadium into an enormous street party.
A spectacular fireworks display lit up the night sky as representatives from all 19 competing nations paraded around the pitch, their flags creating a vibrant tapestry of African football. The crowd’s roar grew louder with each team’s entrance, building to a crescendo when hosts Tanzania appeared.
This marked more than just another tournament beginning. With increased prize money and expanded coverage, CHAN 2024 represents a new chapter for African domestic football. The competition, which showcases players from local leagues rather than European-based stars, has never felt more important or more celebrated.
As Tanzania and Burkina Faso prepared for the opening match that followed, the message was clear – this tournament belongs to Africa, and Africa was ready to put on a show.
