The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 kicked off in spectacular fashion tonight, with a vibrant fusion of Tanzanian music and continental football.
Homegrown superstar Rayvanny took center stage at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, delivering a stunning live performance that electrified the thousands of fans in attendance.
The high-energy show, which preceded the Group B opener between hosts Tanzania and Burkina Faso, created a carnival-like atmosphere.
It was a celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage and the burgeoning talent within its domestic football leagues.
Rayvanny, one of Tanzania’s most prominent musical exports, brought his signature Bongo Flava style to life, accompanied by the fast-paced, traditional Singeli rhythms. The award-winning singer had the crowd on its feet, dancing and singing along to an unforgettable opening ceremony.
Earlier in the evening, dancers from the three co-host nations — Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda — performed traditional routines, celebrating a shared cultural identity.
This was followed by a powerful flag parade, showcasing the 19 participating countries in a moment of continental unity.
The night culminated in a burst of color as fireworks lit up the Dar es Salaam sky, drawing cheers from the crowd as spectators waved flags and embraced the spirit of “PAMOJA,” a Swahili word meaning “together,” which serves as the tournament’s official slogan.
The vibrant ceremony reflected the core values of the championship: unity through football and culture. Billed as a turning point for the competition, the CHAN PAMOJA 2024 features a record number of co-hosts and an expanded prize pool, aiming to highlight the depth of local talent across the continent.
The opening match, which followed the ceremony, marked the official start of what promises to be a thrilling edition of CHAN, a tournament dedicated exclusively to players competing in their national domestic leagues.
With the tournament now underway, all eyes will be on who can follow in the footsteps of defending champions Senegal and past winners like Morocco and DR Congo, as teams battle for continental glory against a backdrop of roaring crowds and pulsating rhythms.
