The renowned Susuma Pan-African Dance has been named Best Traditional Dance Ensemble of the Year at the 2026 Ghana Dance Industry (GHADI) Awards, further cementing its place as a leading force in the promotion of Ghanaian cultural heritage.
The group is led by respected traditional musician and performer Nana Kwame Dadzie, a prominent figure in Ghana’s traditional music landscape with decades of experience. Dadzie’s career has seen him perform on major platforms, including Carnival Calabar, widely regarded as Africa’s biggest street party, and earn recognition as Traditional Musician of the Year at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The awards ceremony attracted several notable figures from across the creative and academic sectors. Among those in attendance were lecturers from the University of Ghana School of Performing Arts, including Terry Bright Ofosu, Head of the Dance Department, and Dr. Artistedes Hargoe. Also present were renowned personalities such as Adjetey Sowah, AfroLatin dance grand master Lumo Bortei Doku, Mr. Parker of Apex Ballroom, as well as traditional and industry leaders including Nana Gazur and Nana Dadzie.
Speaking at the event, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, praised the organisers for delivering a successful ceremony but expressed concern over the absence of some stakeholders within the creative industry. She emphasized the interconnectedness of the arts, noting that dance, music, and fashion must work collaboratively to strengthen the sector.
Guests were treated to a vibrant showcase of performances from a wide range of dance groups and artists, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of Ghana’s dance industry. Performers included NOYAM, UADT, Arenees, Black Illusion, Militantz, Flawless, 4Bent, Ballet Ghana, Let’s Dance Africa, DWP, Flames, Gh Safari, One Ghana, Omowise and Teniola, Luumva and Mavis, Milord and Elsie, Krump Ghana, House Dance Ghana, Deaf Dancers GH, Team Hubes, Kobi Rana, and the DiAsa Queens.
Susuma’s victory has been widely regarded as a significant boost for traditional dance in Ghana, highlighting the enduring relevance of indigenous performance art in the country’s cultural and creative economy.
