The social media in Cross River state has been awash with angry posts after many residents claimed that no Cross River–based artist was listed to perform at Davido’s 5ive Tour Nigeria stop in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, reigniting the long-running Akwa-Cross argument over cultural inclusion and fairness NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
In a string of Facebook threads that trended over the weekend, commentators including Berrylyt Iwatt, PatrickShadow Effiom, Realpee Ajaba, and Challex D Boss accused event organisers of “sidelining Cross River performers” despite the shared linguistic and cultural heritage often celebrated under the Akwa-Cross identity.
“All the SAs to Government in Cross River State are from Akwa Ibom. Go back to your state, you’ve used us enough,” one user wrote, reflecting a wave of frustration that quickly spread across entertainment circles in Calabar.
Others cautioned against turning entertainment grievances into ethnic hostility. MC Eminence Laftahood, a comedian, urged restraint: “Please let’s promote peace always, no hate speech. Akwa-Cross means we’re all we need and we’re better together.”
Defence for Organizers
Some respondents countered that the show was Davido’s private tour, not a state-sponsored event, and that performance slots were determined by artist management relationships and even paid collaborations.
“It’s not an Akwa Ibom State event. Davido decides what happens. Even Akwa Ibom artists are paying to perform,” wrote entertainment promoter Kandy Umoh, who said he also struggled to reach the event’s PR team.
Others clarified that Laff Nation, an Odukpani/Cross River-born music artist and comedian, had actually been invited but pulled out to support another concurrent show in Calabar — suggesting the exclusion might not be total.
Growing Creative-Economy Concerns
The uproar highlights a deeper issue: local content access when big-budget tours visit smaller states. Many Calabar entertainers say they are rarely informed early enough to pitch themselves or meet sponsorship conditions.
“When artists from other states perform here, they’re well paid. But our own get 20,000 naira,” alleged one poster, calling for a “local-artist quota” in future events.
Cultural observers warn that without transparent selection systems, recurring snubs could fuel bitterness ahead of the Carnival Calabar 2025, which traditionally touts Akwa-Cross unity.
Government, Industry Silence
As of press time, neither the Cross River State Ministry of Tourism nor the Davido Music Worldwide team had issued statements. For an event which happened less than twenty four hours ago, it would be too early for such anticipated official statements to be made.
Stakeholders are now calling for a dialogue between organizers, local unions, and state cultural boards to ensure equitable representation at regional shows.
Davido’s 5ive Tour, Uyo, Nigeria held on 26 October at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
