Calabar International Jazz Festival Set For Easter Debut

SAN FRANCISCO, March 12, (THEWILL) - Not content with hosting the world famous Calabar Festival each December, Cross River State is set to be the location for yet another musical treat, the Calabar International Jazz Festival, slated for the upcoming Easter weekend.

A statement by the organisers said the decision to make the Calabar Jazz Festival an annual event is a direct result of the success of the jazz concerts held during the Calabar Festival, and the demand from the more discerning consumer for a jazz event in a more intimate setting.

“This event is also designed to provide the ideal Easter weekend getaway and is expected to be a permanent feature in the social calendar. Connoisseurs of smooth jazz, funky R 'n' B and sweet soul music can look forward to three nights of fabulous headline performances by D'Angelo and Eric Benet (US), Jonathan Butler (SA) and local superstars Asa, Darey, Bez and Burna Boy,” the promoters said.

Speaking on behalf of broadcast partners MTV Base, Alex Okosi, Senior VP and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, said, "The Calabar International Jazz Festival has brought together an awesome lineup of stars for its inaugural outing and we look forward to partnering with the festival to spread the word about this exciting music event on MTV Base."

Other broadcast partners include EbonyLife TV, Classic FM 97.3, Beat FM 99.9, Naija FM 102.7 and Smooth FM 98.1.

Visitors to Calabar also get to have an experience that will literally take their breath away. The ancient city of Calabar with its undulating landscape, historically significant as the first capital city of Nigeria, is the cleanest, greenest and safest capital in Nigeria. In addition to the concerts, there will be fun day-time activities and tours for all the family, fabulous VIP after-parties, and, of course, an opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies which have led to Calabar being acclaimed the best kitchen in the country!

The confirmed line-up of artistes for the Calabar International Jazz Festival from 29-31st March is as follows:

29th March, 7pm (venue: Cultural Centre)
D’Angelo
Asa
Darey
Bez

30th March, 7pm (venue: Cultural Centre)
Eric Benet
Jonathan Butler
Burna Boy

31st March, 7pm (Millennium Park)
Darey
Bez
Burna Boy

Tickets and all-inclusive travel packages to Calabar (flights, hotel, concert tickets, after-parties and ground transfers) are available from www.afritickets.com. Sponsors include international construction firm Bouygues, with more brands expected to be announced later this week, the organisers said.