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.
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 (Official Host City), will 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 inaugural edition in 2014.
Over the years, AFRIMA has featured an impressive lineup of hosts from across Africa and the diaspora. These 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 winner, FalzTheBahdGuy is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential figures in music and film. He is celebrated for his sharp lyricism, commanding stage presence, and socially conscious storytelling. Beyond music, Falz has carved out a successful acting career, earning acclaim for his roles in films such as New Money, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Sun City, and Chief Daddy.
Liliane Maroune brings elegance, global appeal, and a strong African identity to the AFRIMA stage. The French-Senegalese actress, model, and TV host—who also has Lebanese and Mauritanian roots—is well known for her performances in West African television series, including Emprises (as Myriam) and Cœurs Brisés (as Aissatou). She also hosts the popular talk show Wakhtane Ak Lily, where she interviews leading African creatives. Her growing influence across Africa and Europe makes her a fitting co-host for the awards.
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Speaking on the choice of hosts, Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA Regional Director for Central Africa, said:
“FalzTheBahdGuy brings intelligence, strong ideas, and a powerful African voice that resonates with both young and old audiences. Liliane embodies elegance, diversity, and the modern African woman with international influence. Together, they reflect 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.”
Excitement continues to build ahead of the 9th AFRIMA, with music fans worldwide still voting for their favourite artistes across 39 award categories on www.afrima.org.
The five-day celebration will kick off on Wednesday, January 7, with a Welcome Soirée for guests and nominees at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos. The Africa Music Business Summit will follow 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, Lagos, for the AFRIMA Music Village.
A Nominees & Industry Party will hold on Saturday, January 10, ahead of the Main Awards Show on Sunday, January 11, also at the Eko Convention Centre. The Red Carpet will begin at 3:00 pm (WAT), with the ceremony broadcast live to audiences in over 84 countries worldwide.
