South African Hip Hop artist, Mafikizolo, is among the 30 artistes expected to headline this year’s “Calabar Carnival and festivals.”Others on the bill include Davido, Flavor, Patoranking, Runtown, Timaya, Venessa Mdee of Tanzania, Neza of Rwanda, Inyanya, Style Plus, MC Galaxy, Naeto C, DJ Humility, Tekno and DJ Jimmy Jait, among others. Special Adviser to the Cross River State governor on Events Management, Mr. Ken Aklah, disclosed this to newsmen, Wednesday, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, while unveiling the timetable for the event.
“Despite the difficult times, the Prof Ben Ayade’s administration in the state will continue to ensure that this noble venture that has brought Cross River to global prominence is not truncated,” says Aklah, adding that “it was to this end that December salaries were paid in November, pot holes are currently being filled in the three senatorial districts of the state with improved electricity supply.”
He also intimated that about 25 countries were being expected, even as government has introduced new offerings into the event as a deliberate measure to boost the excitement for visitors and others who will be in Calabar for the globally recognised event.
He disclosed that the last dry run before the Carnival proper will hold on December 17. This he pointed out “will be flagged off by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to ensure that Cross River remains relevant as the flagship of tourism.”
Other additions into the Carnival, Aklah disclosed, is the introduction of Power Week which starts from December 26 with cultural carnival where 22 states and the 18 local government areas in the state will be participating.
