Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy has announced his return to the Volta Region to perform at the 2026 Hogbetsotso Festival. The artist, popularly known as The Torcher, will take the stage at Lalana Beach in Anloga on Saturday, November 7.
In a recent social media post, Stonebwoy shared his excitement about the homecoming. “Volta Region, Nukedzor? I coming home for the Biggest festival… HOGBETSOTSO this weekend! See you at Lalana Beach, Anloga on Nov. 7th… Make sure you Pull Up with the Right energy,” he wrote, using the hashtag #TheTorcher.
The performance forms part of the grand celebrations for the 64th Hogbetsotso Za. Organizers have scheduled the show for 8 p.m. at the beach venue. This marks another appearance by the Burniton Music Group CEO at the annual event, following a successful performance at the same location in previous years.
About the Festival
Hogbetsotso, which translates to “the festival of the exodus” in the Ewe language, is one of the major traditional festivals in Ghana’s Volta Region. It is celebrated by the chiefs and people of the Anlo traditional area. The festival commemorates the historic migration of the Anlo-Ewe people from Notsie in present-day Togo.
According to oral history, the people escaped the oppressive rule of King Togbe Agorkoli by softening a mud wall surrounding the town and walking backwards to confuse their pursuers. They eventually settled in their current homeland along the southeastern coast of Ghana, with Anloga serving as the traditional capital.
The 2026 edition is being held under the theme “Anlo, our heritage and our values: Striving to build one Ghana for a better tomorrow.” Celebrations began earlier with community clean-up exercises, school engagements, quizzes, and other preparatory activities.
A children’s Hogbetsotso event is scheduled for November 4 across various circuit zones, while reconciliation rites known as Nugbidodo and other traditional ceremonies will take place in the lead-up to the climax.
The grand durbar of chiefs and people is set for November 7 in Anloga. Traditional leaders will appear in colourful regalia to receive homage from their subjects. This year’s guest of honour is the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I. His attendance is expected to strengthen cultural ties between the Gonja and Anlo people and promote national unity in line with the festival theme.
Stonebwoy has strong personal connections to Anloga. The artist has frequently referenced his roots in the area, including through the title of his 2020 album Anloga Junction. Born Livingstone Etse Satekla, he has built a global career blending dancehall, reggae, and Afro-fusion while remaining closely linked to his cultural heritage.
Public Reaction
Fans and local supporters have responded positively to the announcement, describing it as a proud moment for the “son of the soil” to perform once again in his home region.
Entertainment has become an increasingly important part of Hogbetsotso over the years. Concerts and contemporary performances help attract younger audiences and visitors while the core traditional elements- drumming, dancing, reenactments of the exodus, and chiefly processions continue to preserve the festival’s cultural significance.
The addition of high-profile artists like Stonebwoy boosts tourism and supports local businesses in Anloga and surrounding communities during the festival period.
Lalana Beach has hosted similar events in recent years and is expected to draw a large crowd for the November 7 show. Organizers and fans are urging attendees to bring positive energy to what promises to be a vibrant night of music following the day’s traditional activities.
As preparations intensify ahead of the weekend, the combination of deep cultural rituals and modern entertainment underscores Hogbetsotso’s dual role as both a remembrance of ancestral resilience and a lively contemporary celebration.
Stonebwoy’s participation highlights the growing intersection of Ghana’s traditional festivals with its thriving music industry, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience heritage alongside high-energy live performances.
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