Christmas Carol Night: A'Ibom govt plans big bash

Akwa Ibom State 9999 Carol Mass Choir.

The props are ready. The stage is set. The organisers are working round the clock. Major participants are engrossed to the rituals of rehearsal.

Not long from now, the main event debuting the sixth edition of this year's Akwa Ibom Government 9,999 Christmas Carol Night will unfold in a more grand scale that many may perceive to be better than the previous editions.

The carol night which forms a common platform in bringing different choir groups, gospel artistes, preachers and tourists both locally and internationally is a signature tune to commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ during the yuletide season and thanking God Almighty for His love and mercy to Akwa Ibom people and government over the year.

A pet child of Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the event offers a blend of unique vocal and digital rendition of medley and lyrics as well as a repository of colourful visual decorations, dances, costumes and lighting effects. It creates ambience and solemnity among the audience.

Unlike the previous editions of the glamorous event, this year's edition will be a showpiece of talented and exceptionally gifted gospel singers spiced with other side attractions. The Director of Protocol to the Governor, Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang gave an insight to the vivacious event.

"We have raised a 200-man band Ibom Choral and Orchestra comprising a 100-man classical mass choir, a 50-man orchestra choir, 35 singers, 10 instrumentalists and 10 lead singers. We have also raised Akwa Ibom Voices to sing as ensemble comprising Aity Dennis Inyang, Pastor Goody Goody, Folake Umosen, Linda Etukudoh, Fadabasi, Freke Umoh and Nathaniel Bassey. They would have back-ups," he hinted.

Music stars of national and international reckoning are also billed to perform during the carol night. For instance, Israel Houghton, a US internationally recognised worship leader, recording artiste, song writer, producer and a five-time Grammy Award winner and Lionel Peterson, a world renowned South African Gospel legend, famous for mega gospel hit -'Jabulani Africa' will sing at the event.

Others are Sinach, an international worship leader of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's Believers Love-World Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy International, notable for over 200 songs such as "Awesome God", "More of You" and "From Glory to Glory", among others; Frank Edwards, a Nigerian exceptional, versatile and multiple award-winning gospel rock artiste and one of the music ambassadors of Christ Embassy International Church, known for such hit singles as "You too dey bless me" and "Omemma", among others as well as St. Kitts and Nevis National Mass Choir.

Nigeria