There is only one original carnival — Imoke

Carnival Calabar

“There is a saying that imitation is the best form of flattery. So, we must be doing something extremely good for everybody to want to copy it and that’s why I keep saying that there is only one carnival.

“There is only one original carnival, and that is the Calabar Carnival. Everything else, you would agree with me, is either China or... It is good that the carnivals provide entertainment to the people in Port Harcourt. It provides entertainment to the people in Lagos and it speaks volumes for us here. But the products that they are producing — with all due respect — are almost copies of the Calabar Carnival product. That’s what I mean in terms of originality.

“One of the great things of our carnival is that it showcases Nigeria beautifully. It showcases our culture. It showcases our history and that is why I am particular about the theme for every carnival. And the detail in which the band goes to interpret this theme speaks volumes for us.

“So, the carnival itself is fun on the street. We call it the biggest street party. But beyond that, it’s just a product that I think markets our country like no other product.

“So, it is difficult for us to imagine that it can be replicated in its entirety. But even if you reproduce that product, it’s not in Calabar. So, it just can’t be the same.

It’s also good for the competition. Somebody said to me: ‘Why is it in Nigeria that you now have many carnivals;’ that in England, there is Notting Hill carnival and that is the one carnival. In Brazil, there is one carnival. In Trinidad and Tobago, there is one carnival. In Nigeria, why is there not one? But you can see the difference of the product.

“It will take some time for anyone to really want to catch up. But if you are producing a product for the people to enjoy themselves, I have no objection. That is why I went to Rivers State to encourage them and the people of Port Harcourt were happy to see that thing that they had been hearing about.

“We have started to realise the benefits of the carnival. One of the things that is extremely beneficial is the fact that because we have a product that has value, we are now getting sponsors. People are paying big money.

“So, you have the First Bank and several other sponsors that are paying big money to have their brands on our product and that’s very good.

“Right now, we are even negotiating for title sponsors. There are people who want to rename the carnival as title sponsors. And that’s very positive from own side.”

Source:Punch