The organiser of Garri Fest in Port Harcourt has reacted to the backlash that followed the 2026 edition of the festival, announcing stricter rules for the 2027 event.
Garri Fest was held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Port Harcourt, but videos from the event later generated controversy online.
Some of the videos showed male attendees holding hands and dancing closely, with social media users accusing the organisers of allowing homosexual and cross-dressing behaviour at the cultural event. The controversy also led to calls from some users for the matter to be investigated.
In a video responding to the criticism, the organiser said he was “heartbroken” that some Port Harcourt residents were unhappy with the just-concluded festival.
He announced that a large “Garri Fest 2027, No Homo, No Cross-Dressing” banner would be placed at the entrance of next year’s venue.
He also said bouncers would no longer be used, proposing instead that the organisers bring in police officers and military personnel to provide security at the entrance and inside the venue.
According to him, men wearing tight trousers, corsets or what he described as “manfrocker” would not be allowed into the event. He also said anyone displaying behaviour considered feminine could be removed from the venue.
The organiser further stated that security personnel would monitor the dance floor during performances and remove male attendees whose dancing was considered inappropriate.
He also proposed physical checks for female attendees at the entrance, including checking their bodies and removing wigs to establish their gender.
The comments have generated another wave of reactions online, with some social media users supporting the proposed restrictions while others criticised the measures announced by the organiser.
The organiser ended his statement by saying he wanted Port Harcourt’s “straight people” to turn out in full for the 2027 edition.
Meanwhile, his animated gestures and mannerisms while addressing the controversy have also become part of the online conversation, with some commenters pointing out what they described as an irony and sarcasm in his presentation, with many proposing he’s gay also.
