The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially announced Nigerian rapper and actor FalzTheBahdGuy and French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune as hosts of the 9th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony.
The 9th AFRIMA, organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in collaboration with the African Union Commission and in partnership with the Lagos State Government as the official host city, is scheduled to take place from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
With this appointment, FalzTheBahdGuy becomes the second Nigerian to host the AFRIMA stage, following music legend 2Baba, who co-hosted the historic inaugural edition in 2014.
Over the years, AFRIMA has featured an impressive lineup of hosts drawn from across Africa and the diaspora. Past hosts include 2Baba (Nigeria) and Maryse Acotie (Togo) in 2014; DNG (Kenya) and Aurélie Eliam (Côte d’Ivoire) in 2015; Ahmed Soultan (Morocco), Bonang Matheba (South Africa), and Ika De Jong (DRC) in 2016; Akon (Senegal/USA) and Sophy Aiida (Cameroon) in 2017; Michael Blackson (Ghana/USA), Pearl Thusi (South Africa), and Anita Erskine (Ghana) in 2018; Pearl Thusi and Eddie Kadi (DRC/UK) in 2019 and 2021; and Ahmed Sylla (France/Senegal), Sophy Aiida, and Pearl Thusi at the 8th edition held in January 2023.
A multiple award-winning artist, FalzTheBahdGuy is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential figures in music and film. Known for his witty lyricism, commanding stage presence, and socially conscious messaging, Falz has also built a successful acting career, earning critical acclaim for his roles in films such as New Money, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Sun City, and Chief Daddy.
Liliane Maroune, a French-Senegalese actress, model, and television host, brings elegance, global appeal, and a strong African identity to the AFRIMA stage. Of Lebanese and Mauritanian descent, Maroune is well known for her performances in popular West African television series, including Emprises, where she played Myriam, and Cœurs Brisés, in which she starred as Aissatou. She also hosts the talk show Wakhtane Ak Lily, where she engages leading African creatives in insightful conversations. Her growing influence across Africa and Europe makes her a fitting co-host for the awards.
Speaking on the selection of the hosts, Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA Regional Director for Central Africa, said:
“FalzTheBahdGuy brings intelligence, strong ideas, and a powerful African voice that connects with both young and old audiences. Liliane embodies elegance, diversity, and the contemporary African woman with international influence. Together, they represent the strength and richness of African music and culture. They understand Africa, speak for Africa, and live the African experience in their own unique ways.”
The build-up to the 9th AFRIMA has been electrifying, with music fans across the globe actively voting for their favourite artistes in 39 award categories on www.afrima.org.
The five-day celebration will kick off with a Welcome Soirée for guests and nominees on Wednesday, January 7, at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos. This will be followed by the Africa Music Business Summit on Thursday, January 8, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites. On Friday, January 9, fans are expected to gather at Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, for the AFRIMA Music Village.
A Nominees and Industry Party will take place on Saturday, January 10, ahead of the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, January 11, also at the Eko Convention Centre. The Red Carpet will commence at 3:00 PM (WAT), with the ceremony broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide, ensuring a truly global celebration of African music.
