AFRIMA unveils Falz and Liliane Maroune as hosts for its ninth edition, scheduled for January 7 to 11 in Lagos, Nigeria, with live global broadcast

The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, has officially unveiled Nigerian rapper and actor Folarin Falana, professionally known as FalzTheBahdGuy, and French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune as hosts of the ninth edition of the continental awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Lagos in January.

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The ninth AFRIMA is organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in conjunction with the African Union Commission and in partnership with the Lagos State Government as the official host city.

The five-day event will run from January 7 to 11, 2026, across multiple venues in Lagos.

With the appointment, FalzTheBahdGuy becomes the second Nigerian to host the prestigious AFRIMA stage, following Innocent Idibia, known professionally as 2Baba, who co-hosted the inaugural edition in 2014.

AFRIMA has, over the years, featured a distinguished roster of hosts drawn from across Africa and the diaspora, including performers and broadcasters from Nigeria, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

FalzTheBahdGuy, a multiple award-winning artist, is widely respected for intelligent lyricism, confident stagecraft, and powerful social commentary.

Beyond music, Folarin Falana has built a strong acting career with acclaimed roles in films such as New Money, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Sun City, and Chief Daddy.

Liliane Maroune brings elegance, global appeal, and a contemporary African identity to the AFRIMA stage.

The French-Senegalese actress, model, and television host is well known for performances in West African series including Emprises and Coeurs Brisés, and for hosting the talk show Wakhtane Ak Lily, which features interviews with leading African creatives.

AFRIMA Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, described the pairing as a powerful reflection of modern African culture.

Nde Ndifonka said FalzTheBahdGuy brings intelligence, strong ideas, and a voice that connects across generations, while Liliane Maroune represents diversity, elegance, and international influence rooted in African identity.

The build-up to the awards has been electric, with music fans around the world still voting for nominees across 39 categories on the official AFRIMA platform.

The programme will open with a Welcome Soirée for guests and nominees at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos on Wednesday, January 7.

The Africa Music Business Summit will follow on Thursday, January 8, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites.

The AFRIMA Music Village is scheduled for Friday, January 9, at Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Lagos, offering fans live performances and cultural showcases.

A Nominees and Industry Party will take place on Saturday, January 10, ahead of the Main Awards Show on Sunday, January 11, at the Eko Convention Centre.

The Red Carpet will begin at 3 p.m. West Africa Time, and the ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries.

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The ninth edition is expected to draw thousands of artists, industry leaders, and fans, reinforcing AFRIMA’s role as a central platform for celebrating African music, creativity, and cultural excellence.