See the moment Miss Africa 2018’s hair caught fire after being crowned

Instead of a crown on top of her head, Miss Africa 2018 Dorcas Dienda from Congo, had her afro hair literally lit on stage after she was named the new winner of the continental pageant in Calabar, Nigeria.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, went viral as thousands of people watching at the venue and on television were stunned by the sudden flare-up which was caused by the victory fireworks.

Dorcas Dienda’s celebration was brought to an abrupt halt when her wig caught fire while hugging fellow contestants. The MC, Nigerian media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, was quick to brush his hand over her wig to kill the fire while she and other contestants were in shock.

Despite her hair being lit on fire, Dorcas Dienda carried herself gracefully and was able to talk to everyone who made the once in a lifetime experience a memorable one for her.

This was the pageant’s third edition and it hosted 25 contestants from across Africa in Nigeria for a few weeks before the final.

Dorcas Dienda was crowned as Miss Africa 2018 beating Zambia’s Gladys Kayumba, Nigeria’s Chimamaka Goodness Nnaemeka, Ghana’s Dela Yawo Seade and Sierra Leone’s Harrietta Alpha who made it to the top five.

The pageant night was opened by the  Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade who stated that the pageant was a way of celebrating the true meaning of African beauty. “We must be proud to be African,” he said.

The new Miss Africa from Congo takes home $35,000 and a sports utility vehicle as her winning prize.