…The Backstage Mechanics of Local Lineups
When the spotlight hit the stage in Uyo on Sunday, fans screamed for Davido — and then screamed online about who wasn’t there. But behind every concert lineup lies a complex mix of logistics, money, and networks, not necessarily favoritism NEGROIDHAVEN can assert.
Residency & Proximity
Major tours like the Davido’s 5ive Tour Nigeria rely on resident performers who can fill warm-up slots quickly, handle rehearsals, and appear at press events without extra travel costs. Uyo’s organizers naturally picked artists based there — not necessarily because they were Akwa Ibom indigenes, but because they were on-ground and available.
Management Connections
Most national tours outsource local curation to promoters within their network. Those promoters typically book acts they already manage or have worked with. Unless Cross River artists’ managers maintain active ties with Uyo-based promoters, they risk being left out like majority were.
Pay-to-Play Reality
Industry insiders confirm that many support acts pay a slot fee or secure sponsorship backing to appear. Some posts from Calabar hinted at this: “People are paying to perform.” If a local artist can’t raise the fee, inclusion becomes difficult, regardless of talent and even residency proximity.
Branding and Visibility
Promoters choose openers who can draw their own crowd or boost the sponsor’s image. Acts with active streaming numbers, verified social media pages, or recent hits stand a better chance. Some Calabar-based performers may need more consistent visibility on regional (south-south or Niger Delta) platforms to be considered.
Not a State Event
As several commentators pointed out, the show was Davido’s tour stop, not an Akwa Ibom government event. Organizers therefore had no legal or moral obligation to ensure state balance — though sensitivity to local expectations would have helped public perception.
Lessons for Cross River’s Creative Sector
* Form stronger promoter networks with counterparts across the South-South and/or Niger Delta.
* Push for early notice and transparent call-outs for local slots during big festivals.
* Establish a “Local Performance Registry” under the Cross River State Department of Events or related public institution to streamline artist recommendations when tours approach.
This is where I think Cross River State Artistes Forum, CRAF or the State Tourism Bureau comes in.
The Bigger Picture
The Akwa-Cross alliance was conceived as a cultural bridge between two historically related peoples. Turning it into rivalry risks erasing decades of shared music and language. Future tours — including the upcoming Carnival Calabar in Cross River and the Christmas Carol night in Akwa Ibom— could reaffirm that unity by ensuring joint programming and rotational exposure.
As one commenter wisely wrote, “Calabar Carnival is for all. Let’s promote peace always. No hate speech.”
