Carnival Calabar, Africa’s biggest street party, has gained a new entrant as the Ekuum Cultural Band of Ofutop Nation officially registered for the 2026 edition.

The registration of the band was confirmed on Thursday by its Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Oyama Osam Ntun, in a telephone interview with The Guardian in Calabar.

Ntun said the band met all required criteria and has received approval from relevant authorities to participate.

According to him, the ensemble will feature as a non-competing guest band at the 2026 festival.

He said the band will bring to the carnival route the rich cultural tapestry, rhythmic music and vibrant traditions of Ofutop Nation, thrilling revellers with authentic performances passed down from generation to generation.

“Participating in the carnival will avail us the opportunity to exhibit our numerous talents and allow members to tell the different stories passed on to them by their grandparents,” Ntun said.

The CEO, who is the newly crowned recipient of the Calabar Heritage “Young Achiever of the Year” Award, said his quest is to elevate local heritage onto the international stage.

“True career excellence goes hand in hand with cultural preservation,” he noted.

Ntun added that the debut of Ekuum Cultural Band will bridge corporate professionalism with traditional heritage while flying the flag of Ofutop Nation at the 2026 Carnival Calabar.