Fez — Moroccan-born producer RedOne has followed up his initial Africa Cup of Nations music rollout with two more songs released yesterday evening, reinforcing music’s central role in the cultural buildup to the ongoing AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
The new releases come just one day after RedOne unveiled earlier AFCON-linked tracks, marking a fast-paced continuation rather than a standalone drop. Together, the songs extend the producer’s vision of pairing football with sound, celebration, and national identity as the tournament unfolds.
The first new track, “We Gonna Dance,” brings together American R&B star Ne-Yo and Moroccan singer Asma Lmnawar in a cross-border collaboration produced by RedOne. Shared on his official YouTube channel, the song leans toward a global pop sound, blending English and Arabic vocals over an upbeat, dance-driven rhythm.
According to the official credits, “We Gonna Dance” was written by RedOne, Pat Devine, and Mohamad Lmerdi, and recorded at 2101 Studios in Dubai. The track was mixed and mastered by Steph Elouardi. Its tone aligns with the celebratory atmosphere RedOne has been building around AFCON, positioning the tournament as a festive, international moment rather than only a sporting competition.
A shift toward Moroccan voices and identity
Released alongside it, “Marroquinos” moves in a different direction, placing Moroccan identity at the center of the message. The song features Zouhair Bahaoui, Nouamane Belaiachi, and Manal, and was produced by RedOne with co-production by KAMI.
The writing credits include RedOne, Adil Khayat, Mehdi Bouamer, Nouamane Belaiachi, Manal, Zouhair Bahaoui, and Mbarek Nouali. Recording took place at HIBA Studio and RedOne Studio, reflecting a production process rooted more directly in Morocco’s music ecosystem.
Visually, the video draws on Moroccan architectural elements and cultural references, reinforcing the song’s title and its focus on collective pride. In contrast to the international framing of “We Gonna Dance,” “Marroquinos” speaks directly to local supporters and the sense of belonging surrounding AFCON on home soil.
Building momentum through music
These two releases position themselves as a clear follow-up to RedOne’s earlier AFCON songs, suggesting a staggered strategy rather than a single launch. By alternating between global collaborations and Moroccan-led anthems, RedOne appears to be shaping a soundtrack that mirrors Morocco’s dual role as host nation and international stage.
With AFCON 2025 finally sparking excitement across Morocco, the producer’s growing football-themed catalog points to music becoming a constant presence around the tournament, accompanying fan zones, ceremonies, and digital spaces. The latest releases do not therefore replace the earlier tracks. They build on them instead, widening the soundscape of AFCON and strengthening its cultural resonance well beyond the pitch.
