Fez — Reports circulating in Morocco’s entertainment press say Abdelhafid Douzi has stepped away from the official song planned for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, a project overseen by producer Nadir Khayat, known professionally as RedOne.
According to those reports, Douzi’s withdrawal was linked to what was described as a breach of earlier commitments agreed with his management, prompting him to apologize and exit the project while still expressing support for the national team’s campaign.
A song rollout tied to AFCON’s opening moment
Multiple reports suggest the official track is being positioned as part of AFCON’s opening celebrations in Rabat, while the tournament itself is scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18, 2026.
At the same time, coverage around the project has been inconsistent on timing and on who, exactly, is on the final record — feeding a wider online argument about representation and “who gets to speak” for a tournament hosted on Moroccan soil.
Two tracks, two visions — and a fight over “who belongs”
As reported, RedOne is said to be producing two separate works for the occasion: one that centers internationally known names and another that focuses on Moroccan artists. The same reporting claims tensions rose after some Moroccan performers were allegedly included in the international-led track, with critics arguing the choices were driven by personal proximity rather than clear professional criteria such as track record, popularity, or recent success.
These claims have not been confirmed through an official lineup announcement, so they remain allegations. Still, the broader controversy is visible: some outlets report that Egyptian star Mohamed Ramadan is involved in the official song, and that he traveled to Morocco to film for the project.
In parallel, other reporting has linked the opening song to a different set of global artists, including GIMS, Burna Boy, and Moroccan-Belgian singer Dystinct—adding to the confusion over whether people are discussing the same track, different tracks, or separate event songs tied to AFCON programming.
Why the official song matters
AFCON’s official music is not just extra entertainment. It is a branding tool for the host country and a cultural snapshot that travels with highlights, broadcasts, and social media clips long after the final match.
That is why the argument has become bigger than one singer’s withdrawal. For many fans and artists, the real question is whether Morocco’s biggest football moment will also feel like a Moroccan cultural moment — both in sound and in who gets the spotlight.
