AFCON 2023: Five teams with the best local music and dance as they entered the stadium
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Teams with the best local music and dance steps || X

AFCON 2023: Five teams with the best local music and dance as they entered the stadium

Stephen Oladehinde 17:51 - 15.01.2024

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) showcased a diverse array of local music and dance as teams from different countries entered the stadium, each bringing a unique cultural flair to the event.

This year's tournament, hosted by Ivory Coast, featured impressive entrances from several teams, showcasing rich culture and music. 

These entrances were marked by a celebration of their rich cultural heritage, which was reflected in the music and dance that accompanied their arrival.

Here are the top five countries with the best local music and dance as they entered the stadium.

Nigeria

Nigeria, a powerhouse in African football, is renowned for its vibrant and diverse music scene, which was on full display during their entrance. 

The country's rich musical traditions, which include Afrobeat, Juju, and Highlife, provided a lively soundtrack to their arrival. 

Super Eagles entrance against Equatorial Guinea || X
Super Eagles entrance against Equatorial Guinea || X

The Nigerian team's entrance was a celebration of their cultural identity, with energetic dance moves that reflect the spirit of their nation.

Ghana

Ghana's entrance was equally captivating, with the team accompanied by traditional Ghanaian music that is deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. 

Ghana's entrance for their first game || X
Ghana's entrance for their first game || X

Highlife and Hiplife, two popular music genres in Ghana, formed the backdrop of their entrance. These genres are known for their infectious rhythms and have a significant influence on the modern music scene in West Africa.

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea brought a distinct flavour to the tournament with its unique cultural blend of African and Spanish influences. 

Equatorial Guinea entrance to their first game || X
Equatorial Guinea entrance to their first game || X

Their music, characterized by a mix of traditional African rhythms and Spanish elements, created a unique sound that would have stood out during their entrance. 

The country's dance traditions, which are an integral part of their cultural identity, were likely showcased as they took to the stadium.

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau's entrance likely featured the vibrant rhythms of Gumbe, a popular music genre in the country. Gumbe, known for its fast-paced beats and energetic dance styles, reflects the cultural diversity of Guinea-Bissau. 

Guinea-Bissau entrance || X
Guinea-Bissau entrance || X

The team's entrance was a lively display of their cultural heritage, with music and dance that celebrate their identity.

Ivory Coast

As the host nation, Ivory Coast had to showcase the best of their culture and music to the world. Known for their rich musical heritage, which includes popular genres like Coupé-Décalé and Zouglou, the Ivorian team's entrance was a blend of their vibrant music. 

Ivory Coast entrance for the opening game || Imago
Ivory Coast entrance for the opening game || Imago

These music styles are known for their lively rhythms and are deeply connected to the country's contemporary cultural identity. The Ivorian dance styles, often energetic and expressive, added to the spectacle of their entrance.

Overall, the AFCON 2023 was not just a showcase of football talent but also a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Africa, as exemplified by the music and dance of the participating teams.