Omanhene of Edina 'electrifies' crowd with dance moves at 2026 Bakatue Festival

While the 2026 Edina Bakatue Festival featured a colourful royal procession, traditional drumming and dancing, libation ceremonies, and a grand durbar of chiefs, elders, queen mothers, community leaders and residents, one moment that caught the attention was when the Omanhene of Edina, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI, rose from his palanquin to dance to Shatta Wale’s “Low Tempo”.

The display by the traditional ruler during the festival procession in Elmina in the Central Region thrilled many and added a memorable touch to this year’s celebration.

Watch as Nana Kodwo Conduah VI dances to Shatta Wale’s song at Edina Bakatue festival

Held each year on the first Tuesday of July, the festival honours Nana Benya, the protective deity associated with the lagoon, and includes prayers for peace, protection, abundance, and a successful fishing season.

The festival, which translates to “opening of the lagoon,” has been celebrated for centuries by the people of Elmina, also known as the Edina people.

Its origins are intertwined with the history of the town itself, which was established in early 14th century by the Kwaa Amankwaa and later became a major center for trade and culture in West Africa.

The festival traditionally falls on the first Tuesday of July, aligning with the town’s seasonal calendar and the tidal patterns of the Benya Lagoon.

The celebrations also reinforce the social bonds within the community, bringing together families, friends, and visitors in a shared expression of cultural pride and unity.

See the video below:

The Omanhene of Edina, Nana Kodwo Conduah VI thrilled his subjects at the Edina Bakatue Festival Procession with a show as he arose in his palanquin to dance to Shatta Wale’s Low Tempo.

[🎥: AmistyTV] pic.twitter.com/yUCUUokuqR

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) July 7, 2026

JKB/VPO

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