E4PR Public Relations Blog For Showbiz and the Entertainment Industry

January 04, 2014

Calabar Carnival! Nollywood Steals The Show!

Every Christmas, millions of tourists and fun seekers across the world  throng the ancient city of Calabar,  Cross River State,to catch  a glimpse of the annual Calabar carnival. And last  year’s Christmas was no exception.
usenaThe carnival, which kicked off  from Saturday, November 30, with the lighting of Christmas Tree ran through  January 1. It was nothing less than the popular carnival da Rua in terms of colour, artistry and  love-filled atmosphere.
Many attendees described  it as “a memorable blend of culture, fun, adventure and creativity ability of the people as represented by the five bands of the carnival.
“But besides, the streets parade with makeshift costumes, crowded stadium, happy jamboree and soul rowing jollity that took the centre stage, graceful participation of Nollywood stars in last year’s carnival indisputably helped to add glamour  and sophistication to the annual event.
Prior to the establishment of Nollywood band as an addition to the already existing carnival bands including, Bayside, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Seagull and Freedom band, movie stars have been part of the carnival in the recent past.But  this year, they featured prominently than ever in most of the carnival activities as they stole the show.
At  UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar  venue of the carnival grand finale,  the likes of  Tonto Dikeh, Funke Akindele, Uti Nwachukwu, Fred  Amata, Imeh Bishop Umoh, Mr. John Okafor a.k.a Mr Ibu,  Nkem Owoh(Osofia), KC Ejelonu, Linda Ejiofor, Gideon Okeke, Enyinna Nwigwe, OC Ukeje and several others were the cynosure of attraction.
Accompanying Senator, Florence Ita-Giwa’s  led Seagull band and Cross River State First Lady’s Master Blasta band, the movie stars caused a stir as they displayed alongside the bands  in  different forms ranging from their colours, costumes, choreography, music and  dance drama to the amusement of the cheering spectators who   thronged the  venue to catch a glimpse of the event.
Upon sighting Mr. Ibu, the crowd ran after him, just as shout of  “Osofia in Calabar’ filled the air.  Also, the sight of Tonto Dikeh was pleasing to the over one million participants who were eager to  meet the controversial actress.
The  stars also participated in the street party. While the street party  which was declared opened by the state governor, Liyel Imoke  lasted, the stars  were not found missing in action.
Just as the people  who flooded the 14 kilometres carnival route stretching into the U. J Esuene Stadium, the terminating point and theatre of communal celebration for the day, till the early hours of Saturday, december 28, felt the sensation and vibration as well as experienced the convivial social atmosphere of the yearly feast, which has been described as the biggest street party ever in the annals of the African continent.
The carnival climaxed last Wednesday, January 1, with a thanksgiving service.


written by
By Benjamin Njoku
source- Vanguard Nigeria

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