This year, CARNIRIV prepares to dance on to an even bigger stage, as the host city, Port Harcourt, celebrates its centenary. Modifications to the existing program are therefore in order- to ensure a smooth synchronization of performance with expectation.
A few important additions to the existing schedule, with an angle to raising the grandeur of the carnival and enhancing its local and international appeal as a consequence, are being proposed.
These additions include:
* A new CARNIRIV monument:
The CARNIRIV ’88 sculpture on Aggrey Road (in the Old Port Harcourt Township area) stands in remembrance to one of the most spectacular carnivals Port Harcourt had ever experienced. In theory, an event of such standing deserves a most eminent and respectable monument- none more so than when it stands as bearing the most visible embers of the CARNIRIV ancestry. Tersely put, it ought to stand as a shrine- momentous and revered.
The RSTDA therefore proposes to have this monument, and its immediate milieu, redesigned and re-commissioned into a picturesque and imposing edifice. This edifice would thus serve as the official take-off point for all ensuing carnivals.
* Pre-carnival command performance of King JAJA
As an icebreaker event to CARNIRIV 2012, the agency proposes the production of “King Jaja” as a stage production in the form of a pre-carnival command performance- with top government officials and a distinguished audience in attendance.
This production bears a poignant significance in that it renders momentous accounts, in a seemingly rarified voice, of our earliest migrations onto the precipice of western reckoning. It would, most importantly, be an honor for the men and women of the arts, who would have just returned, inspired and reinvigorated, from a world tour (promoting the culture of the Rivers people through this play) in time for the carnival.
With an all-star cast and a fantastic production crew, a command performance of this caliber would, without a scintilla of doubt, set the tone for a memorable carnival.
* The International Aquatic Festival:
Year after year, the boat regatta event captures the excitement and awe of teeming onlookers. To spice it up even further, the agency looks to compliment the rapturous display of canoes, paddles and choruses- in near perfect synchrony- with performances by musicians and cultural troupes presented on a floating performance-platform. All of which come alive in the International Aquatic Festival.
This platform, well decorated, securely manned and busy with performances as it were, would engage a gentle sail back-and-forth the stretch of water; occasionally interjecting the boat regatta and other spectacular aquatic displays as it does so. This element is intended to create a mix-and-match effect which ensures spectators remain fixated on the entire event- with of course a generous dose of anticipation, for good measure.
* Black African Music Festival (BAMFest):
The Black African Music Festival (BAMFest) is proposed by the RSTDA at the behest of the desire to sell CARNIRIV to the world as a tourist attraction of immense value. Black African Music spans several genres which appear relevant in today’s spectrum of musical references.
Having a fine array of musical exponents congregate in a festival celebrating their collective heritage, in itself enriches the reputation of CARNIRIV and serves the image of Rivers State in the best possible way. Select black musicians from the Americas, the islands of the Caribbean, Europe and the continent of Africa, armed with a prayer for global oneness, would thus be scheduled to participate in an unprecedented showpiece ; one expected to morph into an annual event, with a peculiar image and global following, hosted by one city- Port Harcourt.
BAMFest, upon approval, will be staged on a single night during the CARNIRIV 2012, on a schedule most auspicious to the participation of hoards of spectators.
* Participation of International Troupes:
In a bid to boost the overall outlook of the CARNIRIV 2012, the agency looks forward to inviting contingents from interested countries worldwide to participate in the carnival. Such entries as: boat rowing and Lion Dance troupes from South-East Asia and a Zulu Dance troupe from South Africa, would add to the excitement of the carnival, just as tourism ties with the respective countries are sure to be enhanced in the process.
* More Freestyle Bands:
Freestyle bands have improved in performance and artistry over the past two editions of the CARNIRIV. Increasingly, their participation poses a brilliant spectacle on the streets of Port Harcourt- earning them more desirability in the ranks of the viewing public. It is the view of the RSTDA that the inclusion of more bands in the freestyle parade promises even greater colour and excitement leading to the climax of the carnival in the World Peace Concert.
* World Peace Concert:
The World Peace Concert looks to attract musicians from different genres of music, as well as different continents of the world to a single stage- all collectively preaching a message of peace and tolerance. This event is proposed as part of the closing ceremonies of the CARNIRIV 2012. With the strictest regard for budgetary considerations, the agency proposes two top foreign musicians, in league with a fine mix of local artistes. This, it is hoped, would draw the curtains on what would have been an exhausting, yet entirely refreshing, and successful carnival.
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