About
Amiaz Habtu, born Ermias Habtu on 13 August 1977 in Asmara (then Ethiopia, today Eritrea), has evolved into one of Germany’s most recognizable television personalities. Viewers first noticed his warm energy on the VOX street quiz Wer weiß es, wer weiß es nicht?, but it is his long‑running role as host of the entrepreneur show Die Höhle der Löwen that cemented his popularity. A qualified business graduate and a onetime rapper, Habtu bridges studio polish with a down‑to‑earth vibe, guiding startup founders through nerve‑racking pitches and keeping audiences engaged with quick humor and genuine curiosity. His career now spans quiz formats, science magazines, gala events, and live sports announcing, making him a true all‑rounder in German entertainment.
Before Fame
Habtu’s life began with upheaval. When he was a toddler, political unrest forced his father—active in an underground movement—to leave Eritrea with the family. They settled in Cologne, where Amiaz grew up bilingual, soaking in both Eritrean heritage and Cologne’s vibrant culture. Drawn to numbers as much as microphones, he studied business administration and graduated as a Diplom‑Kaufmann. Yet the pull of performance proved stronger than spreadsheets. While still at university he rapped at local clubs, released an independent single in 2000, and grabbed a microphone as hall announcer for the Köln 99ers basketball team—an experience that trained his voice and stage presence. TV followed in 2004 at NBC Europe, then stints at iM1 and ZDFneo, where he explored travel and science on Abgefahren with Jan Köppen. Each small gig sharpened the skills that would later power a prime‑time career.
Trivia
- Hip‑hop roots: Under the stage name “Amiaz,” he sampled the Crash Test Dummies hit “Mmm Mmm Mmm” for his own debut track—proof that rap and TV can mix.
- Voice of the court: Since 2001 he has fired up basketball crowds, first in Cologne and later for the Düsseldorf Baskets—an unusual side hustle for a TV anchor.
- Marathon motivator: Every autumn he jumps into the lead vehicle of the Cologne Marathon, cracking jokes and hyping thousands of runners along the course.
- Star‑struck night: In 2019 he recalled sharing beers—and a few hazy memories—with NBA legend Michael Jordan after hosting a European event, missing his flight home the next morning but gaining a lifetime story.
- Sneaker enthusiast & tech fan: Event organizers often book him for innovation summits where he shows off limited‑edition kicks and an easy understanding of startup lingo.
Family Life
Habtu beams with pride when he talks of his parents’ acts of courage in embarking anew. His father’s jump from war to safety informed Amiaz’s respect for opportunity, and his mother’s push for education prodded him through university before show business. He was brought up with two siblings in a tight‑knit family that combined Eritrean cuisine with Cologne carnival beats. He repays the favor today in a new way by advocating refugee causes and diversity efforts on- and off-air. Romance is another story, though: he remains tight-lipped—no one has graced red carpets with him, and his social media is about work, music sessions, and the odd sneaker selfie. In interviews, he just asserts that privacy keeps the public figure grounded.
Associated With
Habtu is the steady hand at the front of Die Höhle der Löwen, guiding founders toward investors such as Judith Williams, Carsten Maschmeyer, Ralf Dümmel, Dagmar Wöhrl, and Nico Rosberg. Off that set he has shared screens with Jan Köppen (Abgefahren), swapped headline duties with Laura Dahm on the magazine show Prominent!, and interviewed sports icons from Michael Jordan to German football greats during charity matches. Fans also hear his commentary during the Beko BBL All‑Star Day, where he works alongside league stars and coaches. Across every collaboration, colleagues praise his mix of spontaneity and careful preparation—a balance that keeps guests comfortable and viewers entertained.
