By Jonathan Ugbal
The Vai Vai Samba Band of Brazil Sunday, arrived Calabar, the Cross River Capital to participate in this year’s edition of the Carnival Calabar which over the years has earned the tag of Africa’s biggest street festival.
Numbering about 30 and dressed in yellow tee shirts with the inscription “Terra Da Garoa Sao Paulo Brazil”, the team on arrival at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, disclosed that to newsmen that “we have come to stay”.
Expressing optimism about this year’s edition of the carnival, the team leader Tobias Da Silva as well as one of the queens, Leticia, while speaking with gentlemen of the press averred that they were proud to be part of it.
“Brazil is back for 2015 biggest street party in the whole of Africa and we look forward to a wonderful Carnival like never before” said the duo, adding that “it is going to take a new dimension completely”.
Furthermore, they added that Vai Vai Samba Band remains special and declared “this time around, Brazil has come to stay” and lauded Cross River’s governor Benedict Ayade for what they termed “his vision and effort to achieve all these” praying he continues to sustain the feat over time.
The Samba Queens gave a hint of what they will offer as they spent time dancing joyfully to the rhythm of a Brass band positioned to entertain and welcome them into the state.
The carnival which is in its 11th year has seen its content evolve with the addition of new events with over ten countries confirming participation in what is now an international carnival.
It will be recalled that “climate change” was chosen as the theme for this year’s carnival in a bid to educate and inform people on the need to be green agents and support the cause.