Entertainment
Rivers People Set, As CARNIRIV Beckons
Despite the glizz, glamour and cultural rejuvenation that marked previous cultural carnivals in Rivers State, this year’s centenary edition promises to surpass all the past events in terms of organisation, sophistication and foreign participation.
It is reliably gathered that the Rivers-State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) in conjunction with the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism have put some laudable programmes and events in place to make CARNIRIV 2012 the best of its kind across the country.
These programmes include a new carnival monument which involves the redesigning and commissioning of the CARNIRIV 1988 sculpture located at Aggrey road in the old Port Harcourt Township Area which stands in remembrance of one of the most spectacular carnivals Port Harcourt had ever experienced. It is expected to serve as the official take off point for all subsequent carnivals.
There would also be a pre-carnival stage performance of King Jaja of Opopo with top government officials, an all star cast and fantastic production crew that would invariably be an honour for the men and women of the Arts who would have returned inspired and reinvigorated from a world tour, promoting the culture of Rivers people through the play.
The Black African music festival (BAMFEST) is also proposed by the Agency in its desire to sell CARNIRIV to the wide world as a tourist attraction of immense value. The music festival would span several genres which appear relevant in today’s spectrum of musical references. Selected black musicians from the Americas, the Islands of the Caribbeans, Europe and the continent of Africa are also expected to be in attendance.
In its bid to boost the overall outlook of the CARNIRIV, the RSTDA looks forward to inviting contingents from interested countries worldwide to participate in the carnival, such entries include boat Rowing and Lion dance troupe from South East Asia, and Zulu dance troupe from South Africa that would add to the excitement of the carnival just as tourism ties with the respective countries are sure to be enhanced in the process.
Freestyle bands are also expected to perfrom as a brilliant spectacle in the streets of Port Harcourt. The inclusion of more bands in the free style parade promises even greater colours and excitement.
To cap it all, there would also be a world peace concert as part of the closing ceremonies of the CARNIRIV with the aim of attracting musicians as well as different genres of music from various continents of the world preaching a message of peace and tolerance.
According to the Director General of Rivers State Tourism Development Agency Dr. Sam Dede, this year’s festival would hold in Port Harcourt from December 10 to December 15. He said the committee had commenced mobilization and sensitization of the people on the carnival and the people were beginning to see the carnival as their own.
He said, “sensitization, mobilization is on, we are talking with the communities, we have been visiting the local government areas, been having series of meetings with the band leaders, the people as well as volunteers are pouring in everyday to work for the festival, for me, this is about making the people own the carnival.”
The veteran actor of the ‘Isakaba’ Fame stated that international artists invited to perform for the cultural show had indicated interest to come and perform, adding that Shaggy and Patra would perform at the opening ceremony while morgan heritage would play at the reggae event.
He stressed that Rivers people were going to have a wonderful carnival this year as all the artists and people they had been talking with, were very keen on making it work. He also disclosed that the organizing committee had hinted the international artists about the flood situation, adding that they had pledged to use the carnival to put smiles on the faces of the victims and the people of the state.
The Tide Entertainment reports that International stars Busta Rhymes and Gunna topped the bill, while the festival showcased a powerhouse roster of African talent including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Fave, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platnumz, among others.
The festival launched December 7 with an eye-catching opening ceremony featuring aerial ballet performers, establishing an elevated artistic vision for the weeks ahead. That first night brought Nigerian heavyweights Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince, Darey, Fola, Shoday, and Jerry Shaffer to the stage.
The Federal Ministry of Art and Culture partnered with the festival, with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa acknowledging Detty December Fest as a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. She emphasized its impact on amplifying the country’s creative presence internationally and driving holiday tourism.
The 2025 edition raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos, building on Detty December’s established reputation as a catalyst for tourism, entertainment, and economic growth during the year-end season.
The milestone was confirmed on Monday by FilmOne, the movie’s distributor, who announced that the film is now the fastest title in West Africa to cross ?1 billion. The achievement further cements Akindele’s dominance in the Nigerian film industry.
Since its release, Behind the Scenes has shattered multiple records. It posted the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning an impressive ?129.5 million. It is also the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, and remarkably, it marks Akindele’s third movie to cross the ?1 billion mark, a feat no other director has achieved.
The Tide Entertainment reports that with this latest success, Akindele has strengthened her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time, becoming the first filmmaker to deliver three billion-naira blockbusters within a single calendar year.
Reacting to the achievement, the actress and filmmaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, collaborators, and distributors, while also revealing the film’s growing international reach.
“Over the years, I’ve always valued my fans, because without God and you, I am nobody,” she wrote.“Thank you all for coming out to watch this movie and for supporting my brand through the years.Thank you to the distributors, my colleagues—especially those not in the movie who still came out to meet and greet my fans.Big love to the cast and crew. This is only the beginning; let’s take Behind the Scenes even further.”
She also disclosed that the film is currently screening in cinemas across two European countries and the United States, signaling its expanding global appeal.
Akindele’s box office dominance has been nothing short of historic. In 2023, Battle on Buka Street became Nollywood’s highest-grossing film with ?640 million. She raised the bar again in January 2024 when A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian movie to hit ?1 billion. Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa broke another record, grossing ?1.6 billion to become the highest-earning film in West African history.
Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has revealed his former bandmate Faze’s position in the long-running rift between him and their other ex-bandmate, Blackface.
The Tide Entertainment recalls that Blackface and 2Face have been involved in an on-and-off feud over the years, with the former repeatedly accusing the latter of intellectual property theft, allegations 2Face has consistently denied.
Addressing fans midway through his performance at the Made in Benue Festival in Makurdi recently, 2Face said Faze has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute between him and Blackface.
He stressed that the rift does not involve Faze in any way.
“You all know that Plantashun Boiz consisted of Blackface, 2Face and Faze. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, Blackface is not with us right now.
“However, no matter the beef wey me and Blackface get, nothing concern Faze inside. So, Faze is right here with me and we will represent Plantashun Boiz,” he said.
The rift between Blackface and 2Face began after Plantashun Boiz disbanded in the 2000s.
Following their split, Blackface blamed 2Face for the breakup and accused him of song theft.
The relationship between the duo has remained strained over the years despite several attempts at reconciliation, with peace efforts often short-lived.
