Some budding music
artists performing in the ongoing Calabar Carnival, have commended organisers of the carnival, saying the annual event serves as potential avenue for discovering new talent.
The artists made the remark in separate interviews with newsmen at the Millennium Park, Calabar.
One of the artists, Mr Jerome Abasi, said the carnival served as opportunity for budding artist to discover themselves and make their mark in the entertainment industry.
Abasi, whose stage name is ‘Spy Je’, said he achieved limelight after performing at the 2012 edition of the carnival.
“I never knew I could sing this well until I discovered my talent in the 2012 carnival night.
“Several youths with potential have been discovered through this carnival and many of them are doing well in the entertainment industry,’’ he said.
He lauded the Cross River government for sustaining the carnival since its inception in 2003.
Another music artist, Ms Florence Manyo, said she overcame stage fright when she made her debut at the carnival night in 2013.
She said the carnival had helped in grooming several budding artists.
“I have been invited to sing in more than five states during festivities and other events, she said, adding that the carnival had helped in projecting her talent.
Mr Philemon Eban, a pianist and organist, said that he had been invited by several churches and bands to perform for them.
He said that he came to limelight after performing on stage during the 2011 carnival night.
Mrs Precious Bassey, leader of a gospel team known as “Voices for Christ’ said that members of the team had been invited to sing during marriages and other events.
She lauded the organisers of the carnival and urged them to sustain the festival.