Lovers of jazz music had a good feel of it, when the first MTN Calabar International Jazz Festival was staged in the city otherwise called Canaanland.
Held at the Cultural Centre and Millennium Park, from Friday 29 to Sunday 31, March, 2013, the jazz feast featured hit-makers of old, who teamed up with those of the present to give an admixture of fun and nostalgia. On stage were Darey, Asa, Jonathan Butler, Eric Benet, Jimmy Lulu, Bez, Salvador Sango, Tari, Jazzy Leo, Dakore Egbuson-Akande and others.
According to a statement from the organisers, after her electrifying performance, Asa was quoted as saying, “I think MTN has always been involved in music from the beginning. They have been there for the love of music, not just for business. You can see it in everything they do - Project Fame, sponsorship of festivals and big music events every time. The Calabar International Jazz Festival is an innovation that should be encouraged.”
Also at the event were dignitaries including the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke; Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts,; the General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN, Oyeronke Oyetunde and Senator Ita-Giwa.