Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is set to perform at the 2026 International Carnival Calabar and Festival on December 29 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River State.
The singer confirmed the date in a post on his verified X account on Wednesday, October 14, announcing his appearance at the stadium’s main bowl.
“Calabar Carnival and Festival. We have a date: 29th December, 2026. Main bowl U.J. Esuene Stadium. See you there,” Davido wrote.
The announcement adds one of Nigeria’s biggest music stars to the attractions expected during the annual festive-season celebration, known for its colourful costumes, street parades, cultural performances and concerts.
Davido’s appearance is expected to draw music fans to Calabar, where the festival combines traditional cultural displays with contemporary entertainment. His international profile could also help bring additional attention to the event among visitors from other parts of Nigeria and abroad.
The 2026 edition of Carnival Calabar is themed “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny”, with organisers highlighting cultural preservation, tourism development and creative enterprise as key objectives.
According to the festival’s published schedule, the grand carnival parade is set for December 28, while December 29 features the Bikers Carnival and Insomnia Night at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.
Beyond the performances, Carnival Calabar has become a major feature of Cross River State’s festive-season tourism, showcasing the state’s cultural heritage, hospitality and creative industries.
The influx of visitors during the celebrations also creates opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other local businesses. Davido’s scheduled appearance could add to that activity, although the actual economic impact will depend on attendance and visitor spending.
His participation also highlights the growing relationship between Nigeria’s music industry and cultural festivals, as organisers seek to combine local traditions with contemporary entertainment to attract wider audiences.
With December 29 confirmed, fans now have a date for Davido’s appearance at the Calabar Carnival and Festival as preparations continue for the 2026 festivities.
