Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival

The Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival is a large gathering of carol singers in Nigeria. A concert featuring 25,272 carol singers at the Akwa Ibom Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, with Guinness World Records representatives in attendance, was officially certified as the largest such gathering in the world by Guinness World Records[1] on December 13, 2014, against a former record of 15,674 carol singers which was achieved the previous year (December 15, 2013) by a group called CENTI in Bogotá, Colombia.

## History

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### 2012–2013 edition

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The 2012 festival featured artistes like Alvin Slaughter and Donnie McClurkin from the US and the Chorale Devine de Merveilles of the Republic of Congo. The 2013 edition was attended by Bishop Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners' Chapel) and human rights activist, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and featured the National Choir of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, international singers like Lionel Peterson and Israel Houghton, and Nigerian singers like Bongos Ikwue, Frank Edwards, Nathaniel Bassey, Aity Dennis Inyang, el Mafrex, Freke Umoh, and Fadabasi.[2]

### 2014 edition

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The 2014 event broke a Guinness World Record to become the "Largest Assembly of Carol Singers on the Face of the Earth". In attendance were Don Moen, international gospel music composer, and Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja Catholic Diocese. The event featured special performances by Quartets from the five international choirs that performed in past editions. Also performing were gospel saxophonist Angela Christie, Lionel Peterson, Sinach, Harmonious Chorale[3][circular reference][4] and many more.[5]

### 2016 edition

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In 2016, the Akwa Ibom State Government organized the concert again on December 17, 2016. With guest artists from around the world such as Award Winning gospel singer, Don Moen, PRM band, The Kayamba Africa Choral Ensemble and Kenya Boys Choir. Some locals artists from Nigeria such as Sammie Okposo, Buchi, Steve Crown, Elijah Oyelade, Rev. Fr. Patrick Edet, Esther Edoho, Julius Nglass and Perfecta Ekpo were also in attendance.[6][7][8]

### 2018 edition

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In 2018, at the Akwa Ibom State Carols Festival, Aity Dennis was among the ministers who graced that event. She Performed after the gospel music minister sensation, Mercy Chinwo, and before American import, Nicole Mullen, Aity performed her prophetic song at the Uyo Township Stadium, she sang, danced and prophesied a glorious future for Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria.

Aity spoke after the event, saying: "It's always a big pleasure every time I have a performance in my home state. I am also glad I had the opportunity to perform the theme song. Let the People Say Amen!. She congratulate the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and the coordinator of the carol for a successful event."[9]

### 2019 edition

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In 2019, the theme of the carol was "Only God". During his speech at the carol, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel said that the state has every reason to be thankful to God for making them enjoy significant peace irrespective of all their challenges.[10] Some significant appearances at the 2019 carol includes, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the redeemed Christian Church of God, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Panam Percy Paul, Nathaniel Bassey and Prospa Ochimana.[11][12]

### 2020 edition

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In 2020, the Carol was cancelled due to the outbreak of coronaviurs in the country.[13] The cancellation is in line with the WHO directive to ensure compliance of social distancing and avoidance of large crowds due to the outbreak of the virus. The cancellation was announced by the commissioner of culture and tourism, Mr. Orman Esin in Uyo.[14]

### 2021 edition

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In 2021, the carol returned with the theme "The Return".[15] The event held at the Ibom hall field and It was a time of celebration after the long break due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Significant appearances in the 2021 edition includes Bishop T.D. Jakes, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Ada Ehi, Dunsin Oyekan and Tim Godfrey.[16][17]

## Gallery

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## References

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1. ^ "Largest group of carol singers". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 2016-12-16.
2. ^ Pulse. "9'999 Christmas Carol Singers In Akwa Ibom (All The Photos) - Galleries - Pulse". pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2016-12-16.
3. ^ Harmonious Chorale
4. ^ "Bongos Ikwue, Angela Christie for Ibom Carol Night". 16 December 2014.
5. ^ NTA Live (2014-12-20), Annual Festival of Carol of 9999 Singers - Uyo Stadium, retrieved 2016-12-16
6. ^ "DStv, GOtv Subscribers To Enjoy Festivals Pop-up Channel". The NEWS. 2016-11-22. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
7. ^ "Uyo returns with Akwa Ibom Xmas Carol - The Nation Nigeria". The Nation Nigeria. 2016-12-15. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
8. ^ "9th Edition: Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival 2016". www.premiumherald.com. Retrieved 2016-12-15.
9. ^ "Aity Dennis lights up Akwa Ibom State carols festival". Vanguard News. 2018-12-27. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
10. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2019-12-23). "Akwa Ibom has every reason to celebrate prevailing peace, Emmanuel insists". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
11. ^ BP-Pub-2 (2019-12-03). "Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols 2019 - All Guest Artistes". Believers Portal. Retrieved 2023-06-27.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
12. ^ Odey, Christopher (2019-12-29). "Akwa-ibom Night of Carol 2019". Readerslogue. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
13. ^ Report, Agency (2020-12-03). "COVID-19: Akwa Ibom cancels Christmas carol". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
14. ^ www.premiumtimesng.com https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/429187-covid-19-akwa-ibom-govt-cancels-christmas-carol.html?tztc=1. Retrieved 2023-06-27. `{{cite web}}`: Missing or empty `|title=` (help)
15. ^ "COVID-19: A'Ibom Assures 55,000 Guests Expected at Christmas Carols of Safety - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
16. ^ Effiong, Abasifreke (2021-12-15). "Bishop Jakes, Pastor Adeboye expected at Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival 2021 - The Dune Newspaper". Retrieved 2023-06-27.
17. ^ "The Return of A'Ibom Christmas Carols Festival". TheCable. 2021-12-08. Retrieved 2023-06-27.

## External links

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* Glo Lifts 2015 Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol Festival
* The Inaugural Edition of Akwa Ibom State 9,999 Christmas Carol