By Frank Ulom
Against all odds, Calas Vegas Band has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Carnival Calabar, after edging six other bands.
This was disclosed by the organisers of the carnival on Friday morning at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Seasons favourite, Passion 4 Band came second while Seagull Band came third.
The other competitive bands who participated were Bayside, Masta Blasta, Diamond, and Freedom Bands.
CONVERSEER reports that Calas Vegas and Diamond Bands were registered in 2022 under former Governor Ben Ayade’s administration, taking the total number of competitive bands to seven.
Calas Vegas Band is headed by High Chief Edem Duke, former Minister of Culture and Tourism.
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While flagging off the 2023 Carnival Calabar on Thursday, Governor Bassey Otu said, “This is one of our campaign promises that we are definitely going to bring carnival back and on a bigger platform. What you’ve seen today is the tip of the iceberg because we are going to move it to the next level.”
Adding, “Calabar carnival remains the biggest street party in the world. If you look at the energy around this stuff, if you look at the current, you will know that everybody is ready to vibrate. I want to be very sure that all is ready. It is going to be a whole day, all-night event but this is going to be the beginning. I think we are ready.”