The organisers of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have officially announced Nigerian rapper and actor Falz, alongside French Senegalese actress Liliane Maroune, as hosts of the highly anticipated 9th edition of the awards ceremony.
Originally scheduled for late November, the prestigious pan-African music celebration has now been rescheduled and will take place in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026. The event is being staged through a collaboration between the AFRIMA International Executive Committee, the African Union Commission, and the Lagos State Government.
With this announcement, Falz becomes the second Nigerian to host AFRIMA, following legendary singer 2Baba, who anchored the maiden edition of the awards in 2014. Organisers described Falz as “one of Africa’s most respected figures in music and film,” praising his sharp lyricism, commanding stage presence, and fearless social commentary.
His co-host, Liliane Maroune, brings international flair to the stage. The Senegalese-Lebanese-Mauritanian actress is widely known for her roles in popular West African TV series such as Emprises and Coeurs Brisés, and is celebrated for her elegance, versatility, and strong screen presence.
Speaking on the choice of hosts, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, said Falz represents intelligence, creativity, and a strong African voice that resonates across generations. He added that Maroune embodies modern African excellence, diversity, and global appeal.
The five-day celebration will kick off on January 7 with a welcome soirée for nominees and guests at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos. The Africa Music Business Summit follows on January 8 at the Eko Convention Centre, while a special concert will light up Ikeja City Mall on January 9.
On January 10, nominees, past winners, and industry stakeholders will gather for the official AFRIMA Nominees and Industry Party. The grand finale—the awards ceremony will take place on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre, featuring live performances, red-carpet moments, and a broadcast reaching audiences in over 80 countries worldwide.
Nigeria leads this year’s nominations, with Burna Boy and Davido topping the list with five nominations each. Rising star Shallipopi follows closely with four nods, while Rema earned three nominations and Ayra Starr picked up two.
