Majek Fashek, Ras Kimonu to perform at Carniriv 2014

The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, RSTDA, organisers of Carnirv: The Port Harcourt Carnival, has confirmed that famous reggae stars, Majek Fashek and Ras Kimono, are the lead performers in the veteran category of musicians billed to perform at the carnival which is scheduled to run from Friday 12th – Saturday 20th December, 2014.

Sam Dede, director general, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, says the Reggae section of the carnival is tagged ‘Reggae 360’ will see the Reggae duo perform on the same stage that earlier hosted well known international music icons like Shaggy, Luciano, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Steel Pulse, Morgan Heritage.

According to Dede as a result of the Carnival Port Harcourt has earned itself the title ‘headquarter of Reggae on the continent.

In addition Dede days participants at this year’s festival should come expecting to enjoy the very best of entertainment, music and costume display.

“We are ready and everyone should come expecting. Carniriv thrives on surprises. We like to get everybody to come so that they can see what Rivers State has to offer the world. Our aim is to make the carnival international.”

According to Dede in a bid to broaden the scope of the carnival, a contingent from Carniriv participated at the Nottinghill Carnival, London and the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.

“Our theme this year is ‘One Love, One People’. The theme is informed by the entire situation in the world. We think we can use the carnival to begin to value human lives. Hence we preach the message of love and unity in our diversity.”

Dede explains that this year’s carnival kicks off on Friday with the debut Miss Carniriv pageant which is designed to crown the official face of the carnival in a contest that attracted close to a hundred entries from within and outside the state. A sneak peak of the profile of some of the finalist indicates that the ladies are beautiful indeed.

“We have pulled out all the stops to ensure that our guests enjoy every minute spent in Port Harcourt for Carniriv 2014. We are working assiduously with security bodies, health officials and the entire hospitality sector to guaranty safety of lives and utmost satisfaction during the duration of our carnival,” he adds.

However, Dede says out of the  the thirteen events designed for the carnival only one, the Kids Carnival, will not hold as planned. He explained that the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease earlier in the year led to an extension in the school calendar, hence the carnival committee decided against hosting the event.

While explaining further on the highlights for the festival, Dede says the carnival will witness an opening ceremony like no other on Monday the 15th while the closing ceremony holds on Saturday 20th at the Carnival Village, will be a most befitting climax to the carnival.

He provides more insights into the state’s level of preparedness for the carnival: ‘Every promise we made as far as the carnival is concerned will be met and we owe this to the support and exemplary leadership of our Governor Rotimi Amaechi who, for instance, has made it possible for us to launch our 140 feet state-of-the-art performance stage which is the biggest of its kind in Africa. As this is his valedictory carnival outing we are going big so come expecting.”

A total of at least twelve major events are held every year as part of carnival activities to cater to various interests and preferences in arts, culture and music, sport and more

Major events lined up for the 2014 edition include the Miss Carniriv, Praise Jam, Dance of Fireflies, EKere – rhythm of the tribes, Egelege – champion of the sand arena and Hosh Jam. Others are, the International Aquatic Fiesta, Black African Musical Festival (BAMFEST), Reggae 360, International Heritage Parade, Garden City Free Style Parade and the World Peace Concert.

An estimated number of over five hundred thousand revellers including 23 local government floats and scores of international tour groups, among others are expected at the 2014.

FUNKE OSAE-BROWN