The rich cultural heritage of Ghana came alive on Sunday, September 6, as the 14 contestants of Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2026 took audiences on a musical and choreographic journey through the country’s diverse traditions.
Under the theme “Rhythms of Our Land — Music & Dance,” Week 7 of GMB 26: The Legacy Year saw contestants transform Studio B into a celebration of rhythm, movement, storytelling and cultural identity.
The night’s performances went beyond entertainment, with each contestant exploring the musical traditions and dances associated with her region and highlighting the stories, values and histories embedded within them.
Representing the Greater Accra Region, Lamiley explored the origins and evolution of Kpatsa, connecting traditional Ga rites with contemporary expressions. Arhinmaa of the Western Region journeyed through Asafo traditions, Adenkum and traditional birth and naming ceremonies before blending them with contemporary music.
Besiwaa of the Central Region explored the ancient Ɔmmpɛ dance, while Nana Konadu of Bono brought the social and courtship traditions of Sikyi to life through dance, song and drumming.
The Upper West, Volta, Northern and Oti Regions were represented by An-Suaf Daabu, Sessinam, Basi and Boatemaa, respectively. Their performances highlighted the gyil, Agbadza, Borborbor, Bla, Legongo and Adzogbo, among other traditions.
The cultural journey continued with Anile of Bono East, Tiwaa of Western North, Kiba of Savannah, Ayinboma of Upper East, Ampomaa of Ashanti and Ohenewaa of Eastern Region, each presenting distinctive musical traditions ranging from Ɛbɔfoɔ and Apoɔ to Kete, Kologo traditions, Asante music and Klama.
SESSINAM TAKES STAR PERFORMER
Following the night’s performances and judges’ assessments, Sessinam of the Volta Region emerged as the Star Performer, earning one of the evening’s most coveted recognitions.
Anile of the Bono East Region was named Kivo Woman of the Week, while Ohenewaa of the Eastern Region received the Most Eloquent award.
The Best Costume award went to Tiwaa of the Western North Region, adding another achievement to a night that celebrated both performance and presentation.
The judging panel for the evening featured Nana Adwoa Awindor, Dr. Sarah Dorgbardzi and Dr. Terry Bright.
ANILE AND BASI EXIT THE COMPETITION
The night’s celebration was tempered by the tension of eviction as two contestants brought their GMB 26 journeys to an end.
Anile of the Bono East Region and Basi of the Northern Region were evicted from the competition, reducing the number of contestants as the race for the crown enters an increasingly critical stage.
For Anile, the evening ended on a particularly significant note. After being recognised earlier in the night as Kivo Woman of the Week, she ultimately exited the competition.
A CELEBRATION OF GHANA’S LEGACY
Week 7 demonstrated one of the enduring strengths of Ghana’s Most Beautiful: its ability to use entertainment to preserve and celebrate Ghana’s cultural heritage.
From ancestral dances and traditional instruments to Highlife, Hiplife and evolving contemporary sounds, the contestants showed how music continues to carry Ghana’s stories from one generation to another.
With Anile and Basi now out of the competition, the remaining contestants face an even tougher road ahead as GMB 26: The Legacy Year continues its search for Ghana’s next Most Beautiful.
Ghana’s Most Beautiful airs every Sunday at 8:00 p.m. on TV3.
By Kwaku Duah Prempeh