Organisers of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have officially unveiled Nigerian rapper and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, and Moroccan-Senegalese actress Liliane Maroune as hosts of the ninth edition of the continental music awards, scheduled to hold in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday and obtained by journalists.
According to the statement, the 2026 edition of AFRIMA will be organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, and in partnership with the Lagos State Government, continuing a structure that has positioned the awards as a key cultural project aligned with Africa’s broader creative and integration agenda.
The organisers said the choice of Falz and Liliane Maroune reflects AFRIMA’s commitment to showcasing diverse African voices that resonate across linguistic, cultural, and generational boundaries. Both hosts were described as figures whose careers cut across entertainment, social engagement, and global relevance within the African creative ecosystem.
AFRIMA was established in 2014 as a pan-African awards platform designed to celebrate African music, culture, and creativity while promoting unity and integration across the continent and the diaspora. Since its inception, the awards have grown steadily in scale and influence, positioning themselves as one of Africa’s most recognisable cultural institutions.
The inaugural AFRIMA ceremony was held in Nigeria in 2014, marking the beginning of what organisers described as a long-term vision to create a platform that celebrates African talent beyond national borders. From its early years, the awards sought to reflect Africa’s diversity by incorporating artists, hosts, and stakeholders from different regions of the continent.
Over the years, AFRIMA has expanded into what organisers describe as the largest music awards event in Africa, with activities spanning multiple days and incorporating music, business, policy dialogue, and cultural exchange. Its live broadcasts now reach audiences in more than 80 countries, significantly increasing global visibility for African artists.
The selection of Falz is particularly significant, as it makes him the second Nigerian to host the AFRIMA stage, following music legend 2Baba, who co-hosted the inaugural edition in 2014. Organisers noted that this milestone underscores Nigeria’s continued influence within Africa’s creative industries.
Falz, known for his work as a rapper, actor, and social commentator, has built a reputation for combining entertainment with themes of governance, justice, and social consciousness. His career spans music, film, and television, making him a familiar figure to audiences across different demographics within and outside Africa.
Liliane Maroune, a Moroccan-Senegalese actress with international experience, was also highlighted for her cross-cultural appeal. Organisers said her background and career reflect the pan-African identity AFRIMA seeks to project, particularly in representing African women on global platforms.
In announcing the hosts, AFRIMA Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, said Falz brings “intelligence, strong ideas and a powerful African voice that connects with both young and old audiences.” He added that Liliane Maroune embodies “elegance, diversity and the contemporary African woman with international influence.”
Ndifonka noted that the pairing of Falz and Maroune symbolises the depth and richness of African culture, stressing that both hosts understand Africa’s realities and speak authentically from lived experiences shaped by the continent’s diversity.
Since its launch, AFRIMA has featured a wide range of hosts drawn from across Africa and the diaspora, reinforcing its continental outlook. At the inaugural 2014 edition, the awards were hosted by 2Baba of Nigeria and Maryse Acotie of Togo.
In 2015, hosting duties were handled by DNG from Kenya and Aurélie Eliam of Côte d’Ivoire, followed in 2016 by a trio comprising Ahmed Soultan of Morocco, Bonang Matheba of South Africa, and Ika De Jong from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The 2017 edition featured Akon of Senegal and the United States alongside Sophy Aiida of Cameroon, while the 2018 ceremony was hosted by Michael Blackson (Ghana/USA), Pearl Thusi of South Africa, and Anita Erskine of Ghana.
Subsequent editions saw Pearl Thusi and Eddie Kadi (DRC/UK) hosting in 2019 and 2021, and Ahmed Sylla (France/Senegal), Sophy Aiida, and Pearl Thusi leading the eighth edition held in January 2023. Organisers said this consistent rotation of hosts reflects AFRIMA’s commitment to inclusivity.
For the 2026 edition, the awards will span five days of activities, beginning with a Welcome Soirée for guests and nominees on Wednesday, January 7, at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos. This event is expected to set the tone for the week-long celebration.
The Africa Music Business Summit will follow on Thursday, January 8, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, bringing together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and creatives to discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges in Africa’s music industry.
On Friday, January 9, the AFRIMA Music Village will take place at the Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, providing a public-facing platform for fans and artists to engage through performances and cultural showcases.
Activities will continue with the Nominees and Industry Party on Saturday, January 10, ahead of the Main Awards Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, January 11, at the Eko Convention Centre. Organisers said the red carpet will commence at 3:00 pm (WAT).
The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to audiences in more than 80 countries, ensuring global coverage of the event. AFRIMA organisers said further details regarding nominations and performances would be announced in due course, as preparations continue for what is expected to be another major cultural moment for African music.