Twenty-two-year-old Gerry Partington, an undergraduate of the University of Ghana was, in the wee hours of Sunday, crowned winner of this year’s Miss Malaika beauty pageant held at the Accra International Conference Centre. Gerry ‘controversially’ beat nine others, Adwoa Ofori Afriyie, Mikafui Doe, Alexandra Ayirebi-Acquah, Magdalene Ankrah, Deborah ‘Smallie’ Melissa Lomotey, Emmanuella Esinam Awunyo, Nana Konadu Agyeman Gyimah, Priscilla Opoku Agyeman and Daisy Nana Adwoa Aryiwah-Fofie, to win the coveted crown after a night of fierce competition. It was Nigerian’s Dr Sid who got the show on the road. Together with the ten finalists, he dished out his smash hit, Something About You, which the girls in turns, using their body gyrations, especially their waist, did justice to. That introduction set the tone for what the night had to offer. Ama Nettey, Miss Malaika 2010 gave an account of what looked like a fruitful reign as Miss Malaika. She was followed by Emmanuel, winner of the 2011 Stars of the Future reality show who gave off a splendid performance. That performance received thunderous applauds from the almost full-to-capacity Conference Centre. After that thrilling performance, the real quest to crown a Miss Malaika - the ninth edition - begun. Their intelligence was put to the test. They were each asked to deliver a message on any issue of their choice. They took turns to touch the nerves and pulse of several societal issues including Women Empowerment, Mental Health and Autism. That segment was followed by talent performances by the delegates. Then Dr. Sid took the stage again, this time performing another of his hits, Pop Champagne. Of course he could not come to Ghana and not try his hands on the popular azonto dance. The dance is like a flu and he was definitely infected by it!