AFRIMA unveils Falz, Liliane Maroune as hosts for 9th edition in Lagos

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 its highly anticipated 9th edition, scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 7 to 11, 2026.

The 9th AFRIMA is being organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in collaboration with the African Union Commission, and in partnership with the Lagos State Government, which serves as the official host city for the event.

With his appointment, FalzTheBahdGuy becomes the second Nigerian to host the prestigious AFRIMA stage, following music legend Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, who co-hosted the inaugural edition of the awards in 2014. The development further underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s creative and entertainment space.

Over the years, AFRIMA has featured a distinguished 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.

FalzTheBahdGuy, a multiple award-winning artiste, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most respected voices in music and film.

Renowned for his witty lyricism, strong stage presence, and socially conscious messages, Falz has also carved a successful acting career, earning critical acclaim for roles in films such as New Money, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Sun City, and Chief Daddy.

His co-host, Liliane Maroune, brings elegance, diversity, and global appeal to the AFRIMA stage. The French-Senegalese actress, model, and television host—who also has Lebanese and Mauritanian heritage—is well known for her roles in popular West African television series, including Emprises, where she played Myriam, and Coeurs Brisés, in which she starred as Aissatou.

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She is also widely followed for hosting the talk show Wakhtane Ak Lily, where she engages leading African creatives in in-depth conversations. Her growing influence across Africa and Europe positions her as a fitting co-host for the continent’s biggest music awards.

Commenting on the choice of hosts, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, said Falz and Maroune perfectly reflect the values and diversity of the awards. “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,” he said.

As anticipation builds for the awards, music fans across the world are still actively voting for their favourite artists in 39 award categories on the official AFRIMA website.

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. 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 in large numbers at the Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Lagos, for the AFRIMA Music Village, a fan-focused event showcasing African music and culture. A Nominees and Industry Party will take place on Saturday, January 10, ahead of the grand finale—the Main Awards Show—scheduled for Sunday, January 11, at the Eko Convention Centre.

The Red-Carpet event will begin at 3:00 pm (WAT), while the awards ceremony will be broadcast live to audiences in more than 84 countries, ensuring that the celebration of African music reaches a global audience.