Nigerian rapper/actor, FalzTheBahdGuy and French-Senegalese actress, model cum media personality, Liliane Maroune have been announced as hosts of the 9th edition of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
Organised in conjunction with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State Government (official host city), this year’s AFRIMA will take place from January 7-11, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.
With his appointment, Falz becomes the second Nigerian, after music legend 2Baba, to host the prestigious AFRIMA awards. This is coming after 2Baba’s historic role as co-host of the inaugural edition in 2014.
Over the years, AFRIMA has featured a distinguished list of hosts drawn from across the continent and the Diaspora, including 2Baba (Nigeria) and Togolese Maryse Acotie (2014); DNG (Kenya) and Aurélie Eliam (Cote 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.
Multiple award-winning Falz is one of Africa’s most respected figures in music and film. He is known for his intelligent lyrics, confident stage presence, and powerful social commentary.
Beyond music, Falz has built a strong acting career and received praises for his roles in popular films such as New Money, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Sun City, and Chief Daddy.
Liliane Maroune brings elegance, global appeal and strong African identity to the AFRIMA stage. The media personality, who also has Lebanese and Mauritanian ancestry, is well known for her roles in West African TV series, including as Myriam in Emprises and Aissatou in Coeurs Brisés.
She is equally popular for hosting the talk show, Wakhtane Ak Lily, where she interviews leading African creatives. Her growing influence across Africa and Europe positions her as a fitting co-host for the awards.
Speaking, 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 clearly show the strength and richness of African music and culture. They both understand Africa, speak for Africa, and live the African experience in their own ways.”
The five-day event of Africa’s biggest music awards will begin with Welcome Soirée for guests and nominees at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos on Wednesday, January 7. Africa Music Business Summit follows on Thursday, January 8 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, while music lovers are expected to throng Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Lagos on Friday, January 9 for the AFRIMA Music Village.
Nominees & Industry Party takes place on Saturday, January 10, leading to the main awards show the following day, Sunday, January 11 at Eko Hotels and Suites. The prestigious ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries, ensuring the excitement reaches the global audience.
Meanwhile, the organisers have urged music fans across the world to continue voting for their preferred artistes in 39 categories of the awards on www.afrima.org.