Rick Ross, Others to Feature in this Year’s Edition of Calabar Carnival

Nigeria’s biggest street carnival is coming back and this time, it’s set to be bigger and better.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Ikobi Ikobia, a Commissioner in the Cross River Carnival Commission in charge of media, disclosed on Wednesday that plans are in place to bring international acts to the carnival, adding that US based singer, Rick Ross has been contacted.

He stated that the carnival, themed “Migration’’, had been designed to thrill fun seekers who would visit Calabar with life musical entertainment.

Here’s what he said…

“For now, we have sealed a deal with Rick Ross; He is expected to be in Calabar on Dec. 26 to perform in the carnival.

“We are still talking with other international artistes that will also perform.

“We have contacted some artistes in Nigeria; the likes of Innocent Idibia popularly known as Tuface, with stage name Tekno, Inyanya and others.

“As we all know, the first dry run of the carnival was held on Oct. 22 and it was a success. I want to assure tourists coming into the city of Calabar that the 2017 carnival will be fantastic.’’ 

Speaking in another interview, Mrs Rosemary Archibong the state Commissioner for Information, told NAN that the choice of the theme of the carnival was informed by the struggles of Nigerians trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

“Most times, we see our people trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea and in the process, many lives are lost and this informed the choice of the theme.

It is hoped that this carnival will bring back the thought of our leaders to good leadership in Africa. 

We will have different interpretations of the theme from five competing bands and it is going to be extremely entertaining, thought-provoking and mentally engaging.

We are also going to have the cultural carnival, and I can assure tourists that the smart city of Calabar is set for the carnival,’’ she said