Grammy award-winning reggae star and rapper, Shaggy; compatriot and fellow reggae singer, Patra popularly called the Queen of the Pack; and gospel music sensation, Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa are in the line-up of international music acts and groups that will light up Rivers State at this year's edition of the internationally acclaimed cultural fiesta, CARNIRIV.
The renowned artistes are some of the notable acts that will perform and enable visitors to Rivers State this December savour the full bouquet of A-list events already packaged to make CARNIRIV 2012 an unforgettable experience for local and international tourists that will attend the carnival.
This year's carnival is a commemorative edition, and it has been titled CARNIRIV 2012 Port Harcourt 100 Edition in celebration of the centenary anniversary of the existence of Port Harcourt. The carnival holds from Saturday 8 to Saturday 15, 2012 in Port Harcourt, the capital city.
The unique blends of culture, music and entertainment as well as the participation of international stars have been described as underlining the distinctiveness and multifaceted character of CARNIRIV as a global carnival brand compared to any similar carnival held elsewhere.
Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA), Dr. Sam Dede, explained that arrangements have been concluded with a number of local and international stars and entertainers that will thrill guests on various days and across various segments of the carnival including the opening and closing ceremonies on December 10 and 15 respectively.
According to him, one of the high profile events for this year is the Christian interdenominational CARNIRIV Praise Jam slated for Sunday, December 9 at 7pm, at the Civic Centre, Port Harcourt during which, Grammy Award winner, the Soweto Gospel Choir will be in their best element with soul-lifting songs. "This is an ice-breaker event for CARNIRIV 2012.
The best gospel artistes within and outside the country are expected to grace this stage in an evening fused with soulful and uplifting music requisite for inspiring the added spiritual ambience which the Port Harcourt Carnival ordinarily thrives in", Dede said.
