Calabar Carnival 2024 lived up to expectations with music, dance, parade and all the razzmatazz.
The carnival, which featured three dry runs in October before the main carnival, attracted revellers from states across Nigeria as well as international tourists.
Former First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari made a stunning appearance at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Street Party with an impeccable style and elegance. Her presence added a touch of sophistication to the carnival, renowned for its colourful costumes, mesmerising performances, and infectious energy.
Mrs Buhari’s fashion sense was on point, as she donned a pink outfit that showcased her taste and style, sitting at the VIP area with other dignitaries to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds as seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands thrilled revellers with series of performances.
The event was also attended by Gov. AbdulRahman AbddulRasaq of Kwara and Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, some National Assembly members and foreign countries’ ambassadors.
The 2024 edition of Calabar Carnival witnessed a celebration of inclusion on Saturday as some physically challenged individuals participated in the event’s street party and competitive challenge.
The carnival, known for its vibrant costumes, energetic performances, and infectious music, showcased the talents of no fewer than 25 physically challenged individuals, promoting a message of inclusion and empowerment.
The individuals took turns to showcase their talents, defying expectations and inspiring the crowd.
Sax Gambo, leader of the group known as Paradise City Para Soccer Players, told the News Agency of Nigeria that participating in the carnival was a form of empowerment for the group.
“Revellers get to know that they can also feature in cultural events.
“I thank the Calabar Carnival Commission for making the physically challenged have some sense of belonging. Honestly, we feel valued and respected participating in the carnival. This is a way of creating a fair, equitable, and just society.
“This is our fourth year participating in the carnival, we are looking forward to another edition in 2025. In spite of covering 12km parade route, we are not tired.”
Aliu Umar, a member of the group, expressed excitement at his participation at the street party. “Assuming we were left out of this colourful event, I will feel really bad,” he said.
Electrifying Performances
The UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River, was abuzz with excitement on Friday night as Nigerian music sensations, Runtown and Iyanya, displayed electrifying performances at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Live Concert.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the duo’s energetic performances were a perfect blend of their hit songs, infectious beats, and captivating stage presence.
Runtown, known for his unique sound and style, performed some of his biggest hits, like “Mad Over You” and “For Life”.
Iyanya, on the other hand, brought the stage down with his signature blend of R&B and Afrobeats, performing crowd-pleasers like “Kukere”, “Ur Waist” and more.
The crowd was thoroughly entertained, singing along to every song and dancing.
The energy was palpable, with fans waving their hands and screaming for more.
A reveller, Kennedy Amadi, from Imo, in an interview with NAN said he deliberately travelled from Abuja, his base, to experience performances by Runtown and Iyanya.
Amadi said he was not disappointed as he got value for his money after being entertained.
Also, Jidenna Akpan who was attending a live concert for the first time, said she enjoyed every bit of the artistes’ energetic performances.
“This is so interesting and I will be looking forward to the next edition of the carnival concert. Then, I believe other artistes will be allowed to perform as well,” she said.
For Frank Udo, meeting Runtown at the concert was the highlight of the carnival for him.
NAN reports that other up-and-coming artistes also performed to the excitement of the revellers.
The Calas Vegas carnival band, winners in 2023, beat six other bands to emerge overall winner again in 2024.
The bands were adjudged by teams of adjudicators who rated their beautiful costumes and well-presented electrifying performances.
Seagull band clinched the second position, while Bayside band secured the third position.
The seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands were made to cover a 12km carnival parade from the Millennium Park through the Mary Slessor Avenue to the UJ Esuene Stadium.
The competitive bands were: Passion 4, Freedom, Bayside, Calas Vegas, Masta Blasta, Seegull, and Diamond bands.
Each band displayed performances in accordance with the theme of the carnival: “Our Shared Prosperity.”
Passion 4 Carnival Band, 11-time winner of the Calabar Carnival, which donned green and pink dominated attire, presented an electrifying performance, harping on the need for happiness in the land.
In dramatic and engaging displays, Seagull Carnival Band harped on the need for peaceful coexistence to achieve prosperity and progress.
The two-time winner of Calabar Carnival competitive challenge harped on the essence of good legislation, food security, seamless transport system, welfare scheme, and education.
Diamond Carnival Band focused on the significance of peaceful coexistence, stressing that this would go a long way in attracting investors to the country and the state.
In melodramatic form, the team displayed the message of welcoming visitors and investors.
Freedom Carnival Band in satirical performance, advocated for economic diversification and equitable resource distribution.
Bayside Carnival Band on the other hand explored a sub-theme: “Our culture, our strength,” as they projected the rich culture of the Oyono community of Cross River.
For the cultural carnival among states, Akwa-Ibom state emerged winner, Osun became the first runner up while Delta emerged the second runner up.
In the Local Government Areas category, Yakurr won, Calabar South bagged second position while Odukpani came third.
For the Junior Carnival, Calas Vegas band also emerged winner, while Seagull band clinched the second position, and Bayside secured the third position.
Crediblenewsng.com
