AFRIMA unveils multi-talented entertainer, FalzTheBahdGuy, French-Senegalese Actress, Liliane Maroune, as Hosts of ninth Version

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has formally unveiled Nigerian rapper and actor, FalzTheBahdGuy and French-Senegalese actress and media persona, Liliane Maroune as hosts of the ninth version of the awards.

The ninth AFRIMA, organised by the Worldwide Government Committee of AFRIMA in conjunction and the African Union Fee in partnership with the Lagos State Authorities (Official Host Metropolis), is slated to carry from January 7–11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.

With this appointment, FalzTheBahdGuy turns into the second Nigerian, after music legend 2Baba, to host the distinguished AFRIMA stage, following 2Baba’s historic position as co-host of the inaugural version in 2014.

Through the years, AFRIMA has featured a distinguished record of hosts drawn from throughout the continent and the diaspora together with 2Baba (Nigeria) and Maryse Acotie (Togo) on the inaugural 2014 version; 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 on the eighth version held in January 2023.

FalzTheBahdGuy, a a number of award winner, is considered one of Africa’s most revered figures in music and movie. He’s recognized for his clever lyrics, assured stage presence, and highly effective social commentary. Past music, FalzTheBahdGuy has constructed a powerful performing profession and acquired reward for his roles in widespread movies resembling New Cash, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Solar Metropolis, and Chief Daddy.

Liliane Maroune, a French-Senegalese actress, mannequin, and TV host, brings class, international attraction, and a powerful African identification to the AFRIMA stage. Maroune, who additionally has Lebanese and Mauritanian ancestry, is well-known for her roles in West African tv collection, together with Myriam in Emprises and Aissatou in Coeurs Brisés. She can also be widespread for internet hosting the discuss present Wakhtane Ak Lily, the place she interviews main African creatives. Her rising affect throughout Africa and Europe positions her as a becoming co-host for the awards.

Talking on the selection of hosts, Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA Regional Director for Central Africa, mentioned, “FalzTheBahdGuy brings intelligence, robust concepts, and a strong African voice that connects with each younger and previous audiences. Liliane embodies class, variety, and the modern African lady with worldwide affect. Collectively, they clearly present the energy and richness of African music and tradition. They  each perceive Africa, communicate for Africa, and stay the African expertise in their very own methods.”

The build-up to the ninth AFRIMA has been electrical, with music followers the world over nonetheless voting for his or her most well-liked artistes in 39 classes of the awards on www.afrima.org.

The five-day occasion of the largest music awards in Africa will start with the Welcome Soirée for company and nominees on the British Deputy Excessive Fee Home in Lagos on Wednesday, January 7. The Africa Music Enterprise Summit will take centre stage on Thursday, January 8, on the Eko Conference Centre, Eko Motels and Suites. Music lovers throughout the continent are anticipated to throng the Ikeja Metropolis Mall, Alausa, Lagos, on Friday, January 9, for the AFRIMA Music Village.

There will likely be a Nominees & Business Party on Saturday, January 10, earlier than the Foremost Awards Present on Sunday, January 11, additionally on the Eko Conference Centre, Eko Motels and Suites. The Pink Carpet begins at 3:00 PM (WAT), and the awards ceremony will likely be broadcast stay to greater than 84 nations, guaranteeing the joy reaches audiences around the globe.