AKBAR GBAJABIAMILA

hosting cityfest — August 23 + 24, 2025

AKBAR GBAJABIAMILA is the host of NBC's four-time Emmy-nominated series AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR, Emmy-nominated host of CBS' hit show, THE TALK, Roku's newest original series, FIGHT TO SURVIVE, and joined NFL Network’s GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL during the 2024-2025 Season! 

 Akbar also recently hosted the breakout hit, “Tokyo Live!” which debuted on Peacock and covered the Tokyo Olympics as well as hosting multiple seasons of AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR JR and

TEAM NINJA.

Akbar's critically acclaimed debut book “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams”, aims to encourage readers to never give up no matter the obstacle.

Akbar is honored to leverage his formidable professional platform to inspire and motivate others as well as advocate for those in need. Currently, he serves on the board for the Asomugha Foundation, which provides pathways to college for disenfranchised youth, as well as for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  Moreover, Akbar is a strong proponent of financial literacy, lending his time and energy to educating young people and pro athletes. 

Akbar grew up in hard-scrabble South Central LA, one of seven children of Nigerian immigrants. A solid family foundation coupled with a natural athletic ability made him a stand-out high school student-athlete, excelling in both basketball and football. Akbar went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies, while attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship and then spent five years in the NFL as a linebacker and defensive end with the Oakland Raiders, Chargers (San Diego), and Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2008.