The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended in Nairobi at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The closing ceremony transformed the stadium into a concert arena, blending sport and performance in a way that felt uniquely East African.
The lineup of performers was a deliberate choice: Eddy Kenzo of Uganda, Zuchu of Tanzania, and Savara of Kenya. Together, they formed a trio that represented East Africa’s creative powerhouse and reflected the cross-border spirit of this year’s cohosting
Eddy Kenzo opened with trademark energy. Known for his dance-driven Afrobeat style, he had fans in every section on their feet. Zuchu followed, her set a study in elegance. Dressed in a shimmering gold outfit that caught every beam of light, she carried her Bongo Flava sound with poise.
Savara closed the night, as if by design. His set fused Kenyan percussion and contemporary beats, a blend that felt both celebratory and homegrown.
With his band, he worked in a special medley paying homage to Sauti Sol, a nod that the crowd recognized instantly and rewarded with thunderous applause.
The stage itself was a feat of engineering. Built directly over part of the pitch, it stretched wide enough to accommodate dancers and high-resolution LED backdrops.
By the time the performances began, Kasarani was already heaving with energy. Fans who had arrrived earlier lingered, some flags draped across their shoulders, faces painted in national colors, phones in hand,the air was charged with expectation.
Chants rolled through the stands, sometimes in Luganda, sometimes Swahili, sometimes in English, sometimes just pure noise, but always collective.
Each chorus came back multiplied, echoing across the concrete stands. The energy peaked with the final firework display, a dazzling explosion of light met with a collective cheer that matched — if not surpassed — any goal of the tournament.
Dignitaries including Kenya’s President William Ruto, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were in attendance, underscoring the international stature of this CHAN edition.
Broadcast across the continent and beyond, the closing event showcased East Africa’s vibrant creative industries on a global stage.
With music, lights, and choreography woven seamlessly together, the closing ceremony celebrated unity and artistry.
It marked a triumphant end to a historic tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, leaving fans with a night that will be remembered as much for the performances as for the passion in the stands.