Entertainers in Cross River can now rejoice over the rebirth of the monthly platform to showcase their talents and network for progress.
This is following the plan to revive the monthly Cross River Entertainment Industry Nite which holds every first Thursday of the month.
The gig for Comedians, Musicians, Dancers and Actors started six years ago, and was usually preceded by a fitness walk in the morning around the Calabar Metropolis, with the then Eric Anderson led Actors Guild of Nigeria, while the musicians take the stage at night, under the leadership of Effiom Trombone as the Chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, both of Cross River chapter.
According to the convener, Effiom Trombone, ‘the event has been a unifying factor for home based acts, as Cross River has remained home to Nigerian musicians since the conceptualisation of the famous Calabar Carnival cum Festival,more so now that the state can boast of a music and entertainment loving Governor, in the person of Prof Ben Ayade, who in his wisdom, appointed the Nollywood actor and former AGN Chairman, Eric Anderson to head the newly established Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the state,so as to oversee affairs concerning the multibillion naira tourism-entertainment industry.’
Effiom said six years down the line, this year, the Cross River Entertainment Industry Nite (CREIN) rebrands, reloads and returns with a bang, promising a bigger and better package. Starting from July and subsequently simultaneously at different locations every first Thursday of the month. The July edition holds on Thursday the 5th at Keves Lounge, every edition is designed to feature various talented artistes of Cross River origin or based in the state, while A – Lists artistes are invited a special guests.
Speaking further he said, ‘ the need to revive the Entertainers Nite was imperative, because to whom much is given, much is expected. Despite relinquishing my position as the PMAN Chairman in the state,I discovered a vacuum,but the show must go on, just like the actors always say. The nite has been a grooming stage for talents also hosting big names in the industry; Mista Xto, Sound Sultan, Nigga Raw, Rugged Man, MC Galaxy, Moses Armstrong, and a host of others as special guests on different editions to inspire the budding talents, as such, it will be a veritable platform when revived’.
The event will enjoy the support of the Cross River State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Events Management desk of the Governor’s office.
Nelson NseAbasi reporting.