Stonebwoy Represents Ghana on the Continental Stage With 2025 AFCON Official Theme Song

 

Ghana’s presence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be felt in a powerful and symbolic way, even as the Black Stars miss out on the tournament. As the competition kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Ghana’s colours will shine through music and officiating, led by award-winning musician Stonebwoy and renowned referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea.

Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy, has earned continental recognition after being selected to feature on the official AFCON 2025 theme song titled Rise Up Africa. His inclusion in the star-studded project highlights his growing influence across Ghana, Africa, and the global music scene.

The anthem, crafted to set the tone for Africa’s biggest football festival, brings together a diverse lineup of performers from across the continent. Behind-the-scenes footage shows Stonebwoy collaborating in the studio with Moroccan-Swiss singer Elam Jay, Togolese duo Toofan, Ghita Lahmamssi, and Ameerah Jay. The result is a vibrant, pan-African sound rooted in themes of unity, resilience, pride, and togetherness—values that resonate deeply with the spirit of AFCON.

Stonebwoy’s Afro-dancehall influence and strong African identity add a distinctive flavour to the song, reinforcing Ghana’s long-standing impact on Africa’s creative and cultural landscape. Rise Up Africa is expected to echo through stadiums, fan zones, and broadcast platforms throughout the tournament, serving as a unifying soundtrack for players and supporters alike.

For many Ghanaian fans, Stonebwoy’s appearance on the official AFCON soundtrack carries added significance. Ghana will miss the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004 following a difficult qualifying campaign. The Black Stars finished bottom of Group F behind Angola, Sudan, and Niger, failing to secure a single win in six matches. Against that backdrop, Stonebwoy’s role in the tournament feels like a meaningful boost to national pride.

Music is not the only area where Ghana will be represented in Morocco. Highly respected referee Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea has been selected as the only Ghanaian match official at AFCON 2025. He is among 28 centre referees entrusted to officiate games at the continental showpiece, ensuring Ghana maintains a visible presence despite the national team’s absence.

As AFCON 2025 unfolds, Rise Up Africa will serve as more than just an anthem. It stands as a reminder that football at this level is also about culture, expression, and shared identity. Stonebwoy’s contribution ensures that Ghana’s voice remains present—loud, proud, and influential—across the African continent.

The tournament officially begins on Sunday, December 21, 2025, when hosts Morocco face Comoros at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah at 19:00 GMT, with music, passion, and continental pride setting the mood for weeks of top-level African football.

Reacting to Ghana’s representation at AFCON 2025, CAF-accredited journalist Awal Mohammed Hudu of Kessben Media described Stonebwoy’s involvement as refreshing. While expressing disappointment over the Black Stars’ failure to qualify, he noted that having Stonebwoy and Daniel Laryea involved provides some consolation for Ghanaian fans.

Beyond AFCON, Stonebwoy continues to strengthen his link between sports and entertainment. In a related development, he recently composed a song for Ghanaian football star Mohammed Kudus, which was used as the soundtrack for Kudus’ official unveiling video—further underlining the musician’s growing influence in the sports world.

Through music and professionalism, Stonebwoy’s participation in AFCON 2025 stands as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s enduring cultural impact on the African stage.

Source: Yen.com.gh