Akwa Ibom Crowned Overall Winner of 2024 Carnival Calabar

The 2024 Calabar Carnival, dubbed “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” concluded on December 28, 2024, and Akwa Ibom was crowned the overall winner. 

This year’s theme, “Our Shared Prosperity,” focused on harmony and cross-cultural cooperation, and the colourful exhibits and performances that defined the occasion reflected this theme.

From colourful cultural exhibits to thrilling band performances, this year’s festival perfectly captured the essence of joy, creativity, and solidarity. 

The carnival, which occurred throughout December and ended on December 28, 2024, attracted an enormous crowd, stimulated the local economy, and cemented its reputation as a must-attend event for those who enjoy the culture, leaving a lasting impression on both participants and spectators. 

 

Cultural Carnival Competition

• Winner: Akwa Ibom State won overall after enthralling spectators with their vibrant performances and elaborate costumes. 
• First Runner-Up: Osun State secured the first runner-up position, impressing with their innovative choreography and cultural representation.
• Second Runner-Up: Delta State was the second runner-up, displaying an impressive blend of artistry and heritage.

Local Government Areas (LGAs) Category

• First Place: Yakurr LGA earned the top spot because of their remarkable synchronisation and flair. 
• Second Place: Calabar South LGA took second place with their colourful decorations.
• Third Place: Odukpani LGA received great recognition for their cultural display and took third place.

Winners and Highlights from the Seven Competing Bands

Band Category

The Calas Vegas Band continued to dominate among the seven participating bands, taking home the overall Street Carnival title for the second consecutive year. They were renowned for their innovation and inventiveness and deeply impressed the judges and public.

• The Seagull Band’s elegant bird-inspired performance earned them second place.
• The Bayside Band, which placed third, dazzled with their coordinated performances and costumes with an aquatic motif.

The Calas Vegas Band also led in the Junior Carnival, followed by the Bayside Band and the Seagull Band.

Passion 4, Freedom, Bayside, Calas Vegas, Masta Blasta, Seagull, and Diamond Bands were among the seven amazing bands that performed at the 2024 edition. Each band’s distinct style captivated fans while delivering performances mirrored the carnival’s theme.

 

Notable Attendees at the 2024 Calabar Carnival

 

Dignitaries in Attendance

Notable people attended the event, raising its stature. Aisha Buhari, the former Nigerian First Lady, and her children were present, highlighting the carnival’s importance to the country. Governors and Diplomats, including the Cross River Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, also attended.

Other Governors in attendance included: The governor used the occasion to express gratitude to former Governor Donald Duke, who started Carnival Calabar, and former Governors Liyel Imoke and Prof. Ben Ayade, who continued the event and introduced more participating and non-participating bands. The carnival started in 2004 and is now in its second decade.

AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, the governor of Kwara, praised Prince Bassey Otu’s current administration for maintaining the event while enhancing its originality and flair.

The Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo praised Governor Otu’s leadership, saying it was clear from the enthusiasm and dedication shown by participants and state citizens.

Mr. Gab Onah, the chairman of the Carnival Commission, praised this year’s event sponsors, which included Afrexim Bank, MTN, Zenith Bank, Arise, International Energy Insurance Company, DSTV, and First Bank.

 

Notable Performances

Renowned Nigerian performers added even more energy to the funfair. Iyanya and Runtown wowed fans with their powerful stage presence and hit songs during their incredible performances at the UJ Esuene Stadium. 

 

Memorable Moments from the Carnival

There were several memorable moments throughout the month-long celebration:

• The festivities began with a magnificent opening procession with excellent dancers and floats.
• The festival gained vitality from live performances by both domestic and foreign musicians.
• The inventiveness of the costumes and dances moved audiences and strengthened the carnival’s standing as a premier cultural event.

READ ALSO:

• Festival Fashion: What to Wear to Calabar Carnival 2024 While Celebrating Nigerian Culture

• Calabar Festival’s Hottest Events: Pool Parties, Street Carnivals, and More!

• December Festival Fashion in Nigeria: What to Wear for Calabar’s Grand Street Carnival and More

 

Economic and Cultural Impact of the 2024 Calabar Carnival

The Calabar Carnival greatly impacts Cross River State’s economy and cultural tourism, even beyond the flash and glamour.

Boost to Local Economy

Due to the influx of participants and tourists, local vendors, hotels, and transportation services saw a boom in commerce. The abundance of opportunities for artisans, costume designers, and event planners to showcase their talents further stimulated economic activity.

 

Promotion of Culture

Nigeria’s cultural diversity is showcased throughout the carnival. The country is positioned as a global cultural centre, and national pride is reinforced through traditional dances and modern shows.

 

Growth in Tourism

The carnival has become a cultural tourism hotspot, attracting tourists from inside and outside of Nigeria and highlighting Cross River State’s history and travel possibilities.

 

Conclusion

The 2024 Calabar Carnival celebrated community, creativity, and culture rather than just an event. The carnival exhibited the finest Nigerian talent and culture, from the Calas Vegas Band’s supremacy in the band contests to Akwa Ibom State’s triumph in the state category.

Attendees departed this year’s celebrations with recollections of impressive performances, colourful costumes, and camaraderie that only the Calabar Carnival can provide.