# Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival

The Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival is a large gathering of carol singers in Nigeria. A concert featuring 25,272 carol singers at the Akwa Ibom Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, with Guinness World Records representatives in attendance, was officially certified as the largest such gathering in the world by Guinness World Records on December 13, 2014, against a former record of 15,674 carol singers which was achieved the previous year (December 15, 2013) by a group called CENTI in Bogotá, Colombia.

## History
### 2012–2013 edition

The 2012 festival featured artistes like Alvin Slaughter and Donnie McClurkin from the US and the Chorale Devine de Merveilles of the Republic of Congo. The 2013 edition was attended by Bishop Oyedepo of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners' Chapel) and human rights activist, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and featured the National Choir of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, international singers like Lionel Peterson and Israel Houghton, and Nigerian singers like Bongos Ikwue, Frank Edwards, Nathaniel Bassey, Aity Dennis Inyang, el Mafrex, Freke Umoh, and Fadabasi.

### 2014 edition

The 2014 event broke a Guinness World Record to become the "Largest Assembly of Carol Singers on the Face of the Earth". In attendance were Don Moen, international gospel music composer, and Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja Catholic Diocese. The event featured special performances by Quartets from the five international choirs that performed in past editions. Also performing were gospel saxophonist Angela Christie, Lionel Peterson, Sinach, Harmonious Chorale and many more.

### 2016 edition

In 2016, the Akwa Ibom State Government organized the concert again on December 17, 2016. With guest artists from around the world such as Award Winning gospel singer, Don Moen, PRM band, The Kayamba Africa Choral Ensemble and Kenya Boys Choir. Some locals artists from Nigeria such as Sammie Okposo, Buchi, Steve Crown, Elijah Oyelade, Rev. Fr. Patrick Edet, Esther Edoho, Julius Nglass and Perfecta Ekpo were also in attendance.

### 2018 edition

In 2018, at the Akwa Ibom State Carols Festival, Aity Dennis was among the ministers who graced that event. She Performed after the gospel music minister sensation, Mercy Chinwo, and before American import, Nicole Mullen, Aity performed her prophetic song at the Uyo Township Stadium, she sang, danced and prophesied a glorious future for Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria.
Aity spoke after the event, saying: "It's always a big pleasure every time I have a performance in my home state. I am also glad I had the opportunity to perform the theme song. Let the People Say Amen!. She congratulate the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and the coordinator of the carol for a successful event."

### 2019 edition

In 2019, the theme of the carol was "Only God". During his speech at the carol, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel said that the state has every reason to be thankful to God for making them enjoy significant peace irrespective of all their challenges. Some significant appearances at the 2019 carol includes, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the redeemed Christian Church of God, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Panam Percy Paul, Nathaniel Bassey and Prospa Ochimana.

### 2020 edition

In 2020, the Carol was cancelled due to the outbreak of coronaviurs in the country. The cancellation is in line with the WHO directive to ensure compliance of social distancing and avoidance of large crowds due to the outbreak of the virus. The cancellation was announced by the commissioner of culture and tourism, Mr. Orman Esin in Uyo.

### 2021 edition

In 2021, the carol returned with the theme "The Return". The event held at the Ibom hall field and It was a time of celebration after the long break due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Significant appearances in the 2021 edition includes Bishop T.D. Jakes, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Ada Ehi, Dunsin Oyekan and Tim Godfrey.