AFRIMA Names Falz and Liliane Maroune as Hosts for 9th Edition in Lagos

AFRIMA Names Falz and Liliane Maroune as Hosts for 9th Edition in Lagos

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has announced Nigerian rapper and actor FalzTheBahdGuy and French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune as hosts of its 9th edition, scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 7 to 11, 2026.

The continental awards ceremony is being organised by AFRIMA’s International Executive Committee in collaboration with the African Union Commission, and in partnership with the Lagos State Government as the official host city.

Falz’s selection marks a notable milestone, as he becomes the second Nigerian to host the prestigious AFRIMA stage, following music icon 2Baba, who co-hosted the inaugural edition in 2014. Over the years, AFRIMA has featured a diverse lineup of hosts from across Africa and the diaspora, reflecting its pan-African identity and global reach.

A multiple award-winning artiste, Falz is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential voices in music and film. Renowned for his sharp lyricism, strong stage presence and socially conscious themes, he has also built a successful acting career with acclaimed roles in films such as New Money, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Sun City and Chief Daddy.

Joining him on stage, Liliane Maroune brings international flair and multicultural depth to the hosting duo. 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 and Coeurs Brisés. She is also the host of the talk show Wakhtane Ak Lily, where she engages leading African creatives, further cementing her influence across Africa and Europe.

Explaining the choice of hosts, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, said the duo represents the richness and diversity of African culture. According to him, Falz brings intelligence, creativity and a powerful African voice that resonates across generations, while Liliane embodies elegance, diversity and the modern African woman with global influence.

Preparations for the 9th edition are already gathering momentum, with fans across the world currently voting for their favourite artistes in 39 award categories on the official AFRIMA website.

The five-day celebration will kick off with a Welcome Soirée for guests and nominees at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos on Wednesday, January 7. 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, music enthusiasts are expected to converge at Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, for the AFRIMA Music Village. A Nominees and Industry Party will hold on Saturday, January 10, ahead of the grand finale — the Main Awards Ceremony — on Sunday, January 11, at the Eko Convention Centre.

The red carpet will commence at 3:00 p.m. (WAT), while the awards show will be broadcast live to audiences in more than 84 countries, underscoring AFRIMA’s status as Africa’s biggest music awards platform.