Meet the 12 contestants for Miss Guiné-Bissau UK 2026

Young women of Bissau-Guinean heritage prepare to represent community at Manchester final

A group of 12 women who trace their roots to Guinea Bissau will compete for the Miss Guiné-Bissau UK 2026 crown later this year, showcasing traditional styling and varied personal stories ahead of the final in Manchester. The contestants, described in a feature by BellaNaija, bring professions, creative skills and lived experience that organisers say aim to celebrate Bissau-Guinean heritage and connect the diaspora community.

According to BellaNaija, the grand finale is scheduled for 24 October 2026 at AUGB Manchester, where the women will take part in the contest for the title and platform.

Personal backgrounds and passions

BellaNaija profiles each contestant, noting a range of ethnic roots including Balanta, Fula, Mandjaco, Mandinga, Pepel and Mankanhi, and ages that span late teens to mid twenties.

• Jessica Cubala, 24, representing the Balanta group, works with a plantain rum company. BellaNaija quoted her saying, “I work with a plantain rum company, which has taught me a lot about branding and connecting with people, which fits my personality perfectly.”
• Eldinha Lopes, 20, of Pepel and Mandjaco heritage, described herself as creative and determined, and told BellaNaija, “I love being alone, but I also love going out and making memories. People often think I like them, but the quieter I am around you, the more comfortable I feel.”
• Luiza Santos, 25, with Mankanhi roots, framed her approach as confident and resilient, and said, “I’m known for bringing positive momentum whenever I go.”
• Ilce Dans, representing Mandjaku and Mandinga heritage, shared a memorable birth story in which her older sister phoned emergencies and was not believed until Ilce was born, quoting, “they thought it was a joke until my mom gave birth and they heard me cry in the background.”
• Gisela Sal, 23, of the Fula group, has musical training and told BellaNaija, “I went to music school for 2 years back in Portugal and learnt how to play the guitar.”
• Vanessa Cassama, 26, with Fula and Jakanka heritage, described herself as extroverted and noted, “A fun fact about me is that I love watching Anime.”
• Maísa Spencer, 18, a Fula contestant, said she is the seventh of ten siblings, adding, “I’m child number 7 out of 10 siblings, so it’s pretty hectic at home.”
• Mireia Detna, 25, of Balanta heritage, said she intends to use the platform for business and community impact, stating, “I dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur and using my platform to inspire young women to believe in themselves and pursue their goals.”
• Waldira Da Silva, representing Mandjaco heritage, mentioned baking and laughter as important to her, saying, “I love baking cake. I love to laugh, because I believe life is better with a little happiness and fun.”
• Aisha Emablo, of Fula roots, described herself as comfortable before cameras, saying, “I love being in front of the camera, photoshoots never feel like work to me.”
• Melissa Djalo and Ilce Dans were also listed among the contestants, with Melissa described as having a background in competitive athletics during her school years, according to BellaNaija.

The BellaNaija feature presents the contest as a space for cultural celebration and community connection, and as a platform where contestants can further personal and professional goals.

Readers can find the full profiles and photographs of the contestants in the original BellaNaija piece here, which provided the details summarised above.