Rhythms On Da Runway is set to return for its 16th edition on Saturday, 28 November 2026, promising a bigger, bolder and more inclusive celebration of African fashion, music and culture. The event, themed “UNBOUND,” will take place at The Palms Convention Centre in Accra, Ghana, starting at 7:00 p.m.
The announcement was made by Cookie Tee, the radio, television and event host who serves as CEO of the platform and is widely known in Ghanaian showbiz circles as Shirley Emma Tibilla. In a post shared on X, she declared that the show is coming back “bigger, bolder and more UNBOUND,” inviting fans to prepare for fashion, music, culture and unforgettable moments as the runway is taken to another level.
A promotional image accompanying the post features a striking model in a flowing red gown against a dramatic backdrop of illuminated stars, with clear branding for the 16th edition and the venue details.
Organised by Nineteen57 Events, Rhythms On Da Runway has established itself over more than a decade and a half as one of Africa’s premier fashion-music showcases. The BBC has previously described it as “Africa’s biggest cultural exposé.”
Since its inception around 2010, the event has fused African design with live performances, storytelling and awards, consistently providing a platform for designers, models, musicians and cultural figures from Ghana and across the continent.
About the Event
The 2026 theme, UNBOUND, centres on breaking traditional boundaries in fashion. Organisers explain that fashion has long been shaped by narrow ideas of who belongs on the runway, often prioritising certain body types, ages and abilities while excluding others. UNBOUND aims to open that picture.
This year’s runway will actively welcome people with different abilities, backgrounds, body types and personal stories. These considerations will influence model casting, the collections presented, the narratives told through clothing, and the overall guest experience.
Beyond the catwalk itself, the edition will create opportunities for young people to learn from established designers, gain practical experience and explore careers in fashion and the wider creative industry. Conversations around adaptive fashion, accessible event design, talent discovery, mentorship and employment are expected to feature prominently.
Organisers note that the theme also presents openings for sponsors, development organisations and donors to support disability inclusion, youth training, creative enterprise and accessible experiences, helping new talent enter the industry and building pathways into Africa’s growing Orange Economy.
The night will bring together a strong line-up of fashion designers and music stars from Ghana and the African diaspora. Guests can expect powerful collections, live performances and an all-star cast of celebrity models.
Full details of participating designers, performing artists and other elements will be revealed in the coming weeks. The Black Star Awards will also form part of the evening, recognising public figures who are shaping Africa’s future through bold leadership, transformative development and contributions to the continent’s creative economy.
Previous editions have set a high bar. The 15th edition in December 2025, themed the Black Star Edition and held at Christiansborg Castle, featured designers from Ghana, Morocco, Mali, Zimbabwe and beyond, alongside performances by artists such as King Promise, Kwabena Kwabena, Gyakie and others.
Earlier years, including the Kente Edition, celebrated Ghanaian heritage through fabric, design and music while honouring cultural icons. The move to The Palms Convention Centre for 2026 signals continued ambition in scale and presentation.
Rhythms On Da Runway has long positioned itself as more than a fashion show. It serves as a cultural platform that amplifies African creativity, fosters community and projects Ghana’s Black Star spirit outward. By emphasising inclusivity under the UNBOUND banner, the 16th edition seeks to make the runway a space where more people can see themselves represented and inspired.
As Accra’s creative calendar builds toward the end of the year, the return of this established event is expected to draw fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, music fans and cultural stakeholders. Ticket and attendance information is likely to be released closer to the date through official channels.
For now, the announcement has already generated anticipation among those who follow Ghana’s vibrant fashion and entertainment scenes.
Cookie Tee’s message captures the spirit of the forthcoming show: a commitment to elevating the experience while remaining true to the event’s roots in celebrating African excellence without limits.
With fashion, music and culture once again set to collide on the runway, the 16th edition of Rhythms On Da Runway looks poised to deliver another memorable night in Accra.
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