The city of Calabar is already buzzing with excitement as preparations ramp up for the highly anticipated Calabar Festival and Carnival 2024.
With the Calabar Festival Auditions taking place from November 7th to 8th, this year’s event promises to exceed expectations, as organizers anticipating the highest attendance in the history of the festival.
Artists from both within Nigeria and across its borders have gathered in the historic city to participate in the auditions, following a month-long registration process. The auditions are organized by the Office of the Special Adviser on Events Management, Governor’s Office, which is responsible for managing and overseeing state events, festivals, and all official event approvals in Cross River State.
Speaking on the opening day of the auditions, the Special Adviser, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, expressed his enthusiasm for the revitalization of the auditions, now in its second edition. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the policy direction of His Excellency, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who is committed to harnessing the economic and self-development opportunities within the Creative Industry a fast-growing global economic sector.
“This effort is part of our broader vision to create an enabling environment for local artists and expand the economic potential of the entertainment industry. The creative sector is not only a source of culture and innovation, but also a viable economic alternative,” Mr. Ekpenyong said.
He also expressed satisfaction with the increasing popularity of local artists, noting their ongoing desire to improve and thrive in an industry worth billions of naira. The Special Adviser encouraged participants to remain focused and avoid social vices or misconduct that could hinder their careers.
The auditions have already proven to be a reunion of sorts for many artists, bringing with them new experiences and thrilling performances that filled the air with energy. Audiences were treated to a variety of competitive acts some that cheered the crowd and others that led to tears from disappointed performers, highlighting the emotional stakes of the auditions.
One of the artists, who participated in the auditions, thanked Governor Otu for encouraging a fairer process when it comes to selecting local talent. For years, many local artists had raised concerns over biased selection methods. This year’s transparent approach has been welcomed by the community.
The two-day auditions are set to continue on November 8th, 2024, promising even more exciting performances and experiences. Entertainment enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and witness the growth of the Cross River State entertainment industry.
In closing, Mr. Ekpenyong re-emphasized the state’s devotion to supporting local artists, not only through fair remuneration but also by positioning them for mentorship and partnership opportunities with both national and international artists. This approach, he noted, will enhance their visibility and improve the value of their content.
Additionally, the Special Adviser urged brands to take full advantage of the visibility generated by pre-Calabar Festival events, such as the auditions, concerts, and the Carnival Dry Run, which offer unique marketing opportunities in the lead-up to the festival’s main events.
