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Feel the Rhythm Of Africa: Why Calabar Carnival Is A Must-Experience

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Feel the Rhythm Of Africa: Why Calabar Carnival Is A Must-Experience

The Calabar Carnival, also known as Africa’s Biggest Street Party, has been a highlight of Nigeria’s cultural calendar since its inception in 2004. The annual event, held in Cross River State, has grown in quality and size, attracting thousands of tourists and locals alike.

The brainchild of former governor Donald Duke, the carnival was designed to promote tourism and improve the local economy. Duke’s vision was to make Cross River State a hub of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa. He wanted to create an event that would showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and provide a platform for local artists, musicians, and performers to shine.

The carnival showcases Africa’s rich cultural heritage, with a focus on local traditions and customs. The event features music performances, boat regattas, fashion shows, beauty pageants, and traditional dances. The annual Ekpe Festival, which brings in thousands of tourists, is also part of the carnival. The festival celebrates the Ekpe masquerade, a traditional dance that is unique to the Cross River region.

The carnival features various competitions, including essay writing, football, and dancing. The five competing carnival bands – Seagull, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Bayside, and Freedom – vie for huge cash prizes and the coveted title of champion. The bands are distinguished by their colors, with Seagull being the Red band, Passion 4 being the Green band, Masta Blasta being the Orange band, Bayside being the Blue band, and Freedom being the Yellow band.

The Calabar Carnival has gained international recognition, attracting visitors from over 15 countries. The event has hosted top artists, including Lucky Dube, Akon, and Kirk Franklin. In 2013, the carnival focused on Nigerian artists, with performances by top musicians like Davido and Tiwa Savage.

Each year, the carnival has a unique theme, aimed at promoting a specific message. Recent themes have included “Africanism,” “Humanity,” and “Agro-Industrialization.” The 2024 theme, “Our Shared Prosperity,” promises to be just as impactful. The theme is aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among Nigerians, and highlighting the importance of working together to achieve prosperity.

Despite its success, the carnival has faced challenges including a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 event was marred by a tragic accident, which led to the discontinuation of the Biker’s Parade. The accident, which occurred on December 28, 2022, resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injured 24 others.

Under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, the Calabar Carnival is set to enter a new era. With a focus on “Our Shared Prosperity,” the 2024 event promises to be bigger and better than ever. The governor has announced plans to increase the number of competing bands from five to seven, and to introduce new events and activities to the carnival.

Feel the Rhythm Of Africa: Why Calabar Carnival Is A Must-Experience


Preparations for the 2024 carnival are already underway, with the state government working tirelessly to ensure a successful event. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Eric Anderson, has promised that the event will be
“reloaded and participatory,” with a focus on engaging both skilled and unskilled labor


Feel the Rhythm Of Africa: Why Calabar Carnival Is A Must-Experience

Preparations for the 2024 carnival are already underway, with the state government working tirelessly to ensure a successful event. The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Eric Anderson, has promised that the event will be “reloaded and participatory,” with a focus on engaging both skilled and unskilled labor. The Director General of Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, has assured that measures are in place to prevent the breakdown of diseases during the event.

The Calabar Carnival is a celebration of culture, tourism, and unity. It is an event that showcases the best of Nigeria
and Africa, and provides a platform for local artists, musicians, and performers to shine. With its rich cultural heritage, exciting competitions, and impactful themes, the carnival is an event that should not be missed. As the 2024 event approaches, Nigerians and tourists alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable
experience.

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The Pitt, The Studio Dominate 2025 Emmy Awards 

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The Pitt, The Studio Dominate 2025 Emmy Awards 

 

Hollywood’s biggest television stars gathered on Sunday night for the 2025 Emmy Awards, where two productions, The Pitt and The Studio, emerged as the night’s biggest winners.

 

The Pitt, a gripping medical drama set in a bustling emergency room, clinched the coveted Best Drama Series, while The Studio, a satirical comedy about Hollywood politics, not only won Best Comedy Series but also shattered Emmy records with a clean sweep across multiple categories.

 

In a defining moment of the ceremony, veteran actor Noah Wyle earned his first-ever Emmy after decades in television, winning Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in The Pitt.

 

Wyle, visibly moved, dedicated the award to healthcare workers worldwide, describing the show’s success as “a reflection of the courage and sacrifice of those who save lives every day.”

 

Seth Rogen’s The Studio proved unstoppable in the comedy category, taking home 13 trophies — the highest number of wins for a comedy series in a single year, according to the Television Academy.

 

Rogen, who co-created and starred in the show, also walked away with Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, his first Emmy.

 

He called the triumph “the proudest moment” of his career.

 

Critics have hailed The Studio for its sharp wit and insider satire, offering audiences a humorous but piercing look into Hollywood’s inner workings.

 

The series’ record-breaking feat now places it among the most celebrated comedies in Emmy history.

 

Industry watchers say the dual success of The Pitt and The Studio signals a shift in Hollywood storytelling, with both shows reflecting real-world struggles and triumphs in institutions — healthcare and entertainment — that resonate with global audiences.

 

The victories came against formidable contenders including Severance and Abbott Elementary, underscoring the appetite for fresh narratives that balance cultural depth with entertainment.

 

As the night drew to a close, the Emmy spotlight rested squarely on The Pitt and The Studio — productions that not only entertained millions but also reinforced television’s enduring power to mirror society.

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Jay-Z Emerges World’s Richest Musician with $2.5bn Net Worth — Forbes

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Jay-Z Emerges World’s Richest Musician with $2.5bn Net Worth — Forbes

 

American rap icon and business mogul, Sean Carter, better known as Jay-Z, has been declared the world’s richest musician by Forbes with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion.

 

The Roc Nation founder’s fortune cuts across multiple ventures, including his luxury champagne brand, Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades), cognac label D’Ussé, and his stakes in real estate, hospitality, technology, and startups.

 

He also reaped huge gains from the sale of music streaming platform Tidal and his former clothing line, Rocawear.

 

Jay-Z’s rise to the top further cements his reputation as not only a cultural force but also one of the most successful music entrepreneurs globally.

 

On the female side, American pop star Taylor Swift retained her crown as the richest female musician, with a net worth of $1.6 billion.

 

Forbes noted that Swift remains the first artist in history to attain billionaire status solely from music and touring earnings.

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Single Mothers Can’t Raise Boys Into ‘Proper Men’ – Jim Iyke

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Single Mothers Can’t Raise Boys Into ‘Proper Men’ – Jim Iyke

 

Nollywood star, Jim Iyke, has stirred controversy with his recent remarks on parenting, insisting that single mothers cannot raise a boy into a “proper man” without the presence of a male figure.

 

Speaking during an interview with Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, the actor argued that women are naturally built to nurture but lack the disciplinary balance needed to raise boys into men.

 

“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly. You need a male influence – go get your brother that’s doing well or your father or even any man that you trust. There has to be a male presence in it [raising a boy child],” Iyke said.

 

He further maintained that boys require strict guidance from men in order to grow into disciplined adults.

 

“Because women are naturally built to nurture, to love. And then what you’re going to raise is a very weak man? He is going to be everything like the men that left you. You need somebody that would discipline him, tell him ‘No’ as often times as possible, and put him in the grind,” he added.

 

Iyke’s remarks have since triggered heated debates across social media, with some agreeing with his perspective while others accused him of undermining the struggles of single mothers who successfully raise responsible children without male support.

 

The actor, who has often been outspoken on social issues, did not back down on his position, stressing that the absence of a male role model leaves a critical gap in raising boys.

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