Calabar is alive with anticipation as auditions for the highly awaited Calabar Festival and Carnival 2024 kick off, with the festival’s energy already building across the city.
The Calabar Festival Auditions 2024, scheduled for November 7th and 8th, bring together talented artists from Cross River State across all Local Government, each vying for a spot in one of Africa’s largest and most renowned cultural celebrations.
Organizers expect this year’s festival to set new attendance records, thanks to an inclusive and diverse lineup of performers.
The auditions, managed by the Office of the Special Adviser on Events Management under the Cross River State Government, have followed a comprehensive month-long registration process, with hundreds of artists now gathered in Calabar for their chance to perform.
Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, Special Adviser to the Governor on Events, inaugurated the auditions with a message of hope and pride in Cross River State’s vibrant cultural sector.
“This audition process aligns closely with the vision of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who champions the creative industry as a driver of economic growth and self-development,” Ekpenyong shared. “The Calabar Festival is more than a celebration; it’s an engine for local innovation, creativity, and a showcase of culture on a global scale.
Our mission is to empower artists and enrich the community through art, providing a strong economic platform for the industry to thrive.”
Ekpenyong noted that this year’s auditions represent the second annual revitalization of a tradition that has become an integral part of Cross River’s cultural identity.
He emphasized that the state’s commitment to fair, transparent selection processes allows local artists to compete on a level playing field, a notable shift in the way talents are selected for the festival.
The auditions have been both a competitive and collaborative experience, with artists reuniting, exchanging new ideas, and presenting powerful performances that reveal the diversity and richness of Nigerian and African culture.
The mix of cheers for successful acts and emotional moments for those falling short has underscored the high stakes and passion surrounding this year’s festival.
One performer praised the state for enhancing transparency and accessibility, expressing gratitude to Governor Otu for reforming the selection process to emphasize fairness.
As the auditions continue through November 8th, entertainment enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and witness firsthand the emerging talent fueling Cross River State’s growing entertainment industry.
With performances ranging from music and dance to spoken word and theater, these preliminary events offer a glimpse into the talent and vibrancy set to unfold at the festival itself.
Beyond showcasing talent, the Calabar Festival Auditions 2024 are a valuable opportunity for artists to gain visibility, network with established professionals, and access mentorship from industry leaders.
Ekpenyong also emphasized the broader economic implications, urging brands and businesses to capitalize on the high visibility created by pre-festival events like the auditions, concerts, and the Carnival Dry Run. These activities offer unique marketing opportunities for brands to engage with diverse audiences and strengthen their presence ahead of December’s main festivities.
In closing, Mr. Ekpenyong reaffirmed the state’s commitment to uplifting local talent, providing fair compensation, and offering platforms that connect emerging artists with both national and international partners.
This approach, he noted, not only elevates individual artists but enhances Cross River State’s standing as a hub of African culture and creativity.
With the festival season in full swing, the Calabar Festival Auditions 2024 mark an exciting beginning to what promises to be a landmark year for the Calabar Festival and Carnival, amplifying the voices of artists across Africa and celebrating a culture that brings people together from all walks of life.
