The All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially unveiled the hosts for its ninth edition, naming Nigerian rapper and actor Falz the Bahd Guy and French Senegalese actress and television personality Liliane Maroune as the faces of the prestigious ceremony. The announcement has generated excitement across the continent, setting the tone for another culturally significant celebration of African music.

Falz’s selection comes as little surprise. Over the years, he has built a reputation not only as one of Nigeria’s most respected lyricists but also as a sharp, witty performer with strong stage presence. His experience spans music, film, television, and live hosting, making him a familiar and trusted figure for large-scale continental events. Known for blending humour with social commentary, Falz is expected to bring charisma, intelligence, and cultural depth to the AFRIMA stage.

Joining him is Liliane Maroune, a prominent French Senegalese actress and media personality whose work bridges African and European entertainment spaces. Her inclusion reflects AFRIMA’s continued commitment to pan-African representation and global reach. Fluent, elegant, and culturally grounded, Maroune adds an international dimension that aligns with AFRIMA’s vision of positioning African music on the world stage.

The ninth AFRIMA ceremony is expected to attract artists, executives, creatives, and cultural stakeholders from across Africa and the diaspora. Beyond the awards themselves, AFRIMA has grown into a major platform for industry networking, policy discussions, and cultural exchange, spotlighting both mainstream stars and emerging talent.

Hosting, in this context, is more than a ceremonial role. The AFRIMA stage demands presenters who can navigate multiple cultures, languages, and musical traditions while keeping the energy high and the narrative cohesive. With Falz and Maroune at the helm, organizers appear to have struck a balance between continental familiarity and international polish.

Social media reaction to the announcement has been largely positive, with fans praising the chemistry the duo is likely to bring and applauding AFRIMA’s consistent effort to spotlight African excellence beyond music alone. Many see Falz’s involvement as a nod to youth culture and progressive storytelling, while Maroune’s presence reinforces AFRIMA’s cross-border identity.

As anticipation builds toward the ninth edition, the choice of hosts signals a ceremony that aims to be vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of Africa’s evolving creative landscape. With Falz and Liliane Maroune leading the night, AFRIMA is positioning itself once again not just as an awards show, but as a cultural moment for the continent.