Ofutop cultural band joins preparations for Carnival Calabar 2026

Category: Culture | Heritage & Festivals The Ekuum Cultural Band of Ofutop Nation has registered to participate in the 2026 Carnival Calabar Festival, bringing traditions from Nigeria’s Cross River State to the programme. According to The Culture Newspaper’s 16 October report, the ensemble will appear as a non-competing guest band. Band leader Oyama Osam Ntun said participation would provide an opportunity to share the Ofutop people’s music, traditions and stories handed down through generations. The group comes from Ikom local government area, and its planned appearance is intended to introduce its cultural heritage to audiences beyond its home community. The announcement adds a local heritage dimension to preparations for Carnival Calabar, with the band positioning performance as a means of preserving and sharing community memory. Source: The Culture Newspaper, 16 October.