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Afrobeats star Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, is scheduled to perform at the 18th International Carnival Calabar and Festival on December 29, 2026.
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The singer is billed to headline the celebration at the Main Bowl of the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River State.
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His appearance has been announced on his official X account and confirmed by the Cross River State Carnival Commission.
November 10, (THEWILL) – Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is set to perform at the 18th International Carnival Calabar and Festival on December 29, adding another major entertainment attraction to Cross River State’s festive-season tourism calendar.
The award-winning Nigerian singer confirmed his appearance in a post on his verified X account, announcing December 29 as the date for his performance at the Main Bowl of U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
“Calabar Carnival and Festival. We have a date: 29th December, 2026. Main bowl U.J. Esuene Stadium. See you there”, he wrote.
The Cross River State Government also confirmed the announcement, describing Davido as one of the major attractions expected at the 2026 edition of the festival
His performance is scheduled as part of the festival’s December 29 entertainment programme, which features Insomnia Night at the stadium from 7 p.m., following the Bikers Carnival earlier in the day.
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Davido’s inclusion adds to the growing connection between Nigeria’s contemporary music industry and cultural festivals, with internationally recognised performers offering opportunities to attract wider audiences and visitors.
For Calabar’s hospitality and tourism businesses, the announcement presents an opportunity to benefit from increased festive-season activities. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, food vendors and event businesses could experience additional patronage as music lovers make plans to visit the city.
Beyond the concert, Carnival Calabar remains an important platform for showcasing Cross River State’s cultural heritage, creative talent and hospitality to audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
With Davido now confirmed for December 29, expectations are building around the festival’s entertainment programme as Calabar prepares for another major festive-season celebration.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
