A multicultural display at the AFCON opening ceremony in Cameroon

The opening ceremony of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup Cameroon 2021 on Sunday, 9 January 2022 at the Olembé Stadium in Yaoundé saw things on a large scale for the host country of the most prestigious tournament in Africa.

The ceremony revealed the facets and symbols of Cameroonian culture while involving renowned international talents. The AFCON 2021 anthem was performed by Africa Smile and room was made for dance performances representing major Cameroonian cultural groups: Grassfields, Sawa, Fang-Beti and Sudano-Sahelian.

Fally Ipupa headlined the musical show. The famous Congolese artist, winner of several distinctions (MTV Music Awards, Afrimma, Trace Urban) and nominated many times (BET Awards, All Africa Music Awards, Canal 2’Or, African Entertainment Awards USA) made the crowd dance in the stands.

50 years after the last Africa Cup of Nations on its own land, Cameroon was prepared for the festivities. In 1972, Africa gathered in Cameroon through its eight qualified teams. Today, 24 teams have come to be part of the most prestigious game.

The opening ceremony at Olembé Stadium was presented in five acts, with the first dedicated to “the awakening of Cameroonian nature” through the richness and diversity of its landscapes.

The second represented a mosaic of colors, while Act 3 celebrated Cameroon, the welcoming land. Acts 4 and 5 respectively evoked the celebration of the competition and the final concert.

The spectacle preceded the opening match between Cameroon and Burkina Faso. Prestigious guests attended this great event, namely the President of Cameroon, His Excellency M. Paul Biya and the First Lady Mrs. Chantal Biya, President of Comoros HE M. Azali Assoumani, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba and many others including government officials, football legends, administrators.

The brilliant start unveiled the ambitions of the Cameroonian government, FECAFOOT and CAF to grant a wonderful party in the land of the Indomitable Lions for this TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, organized from 9 January to 6 February 2022.

Story Credit: CAFonline