Abuja, the nation's capital city will temporarily suspend politics for culture and entertainment this weekend. This is because of the Abuja Carnival that enters its second day today. In fact, by the last count Theatre Troupes from the 36 states of Nigeria, spectators from all nooks and crannies of the country, international observers and delegates have converged in the city for the fiesta, often described as the biggest African carnival. Remarkably, the Abuja Carnival is being gradually transformed into a world class event such as the Rio Carnival of Brazil and the Notting Hill Carnival of Britain, which have become iconic events globally.

This is the fourth edition of the carnival and has been on since Thursday, November 20. The Federal Capital Territory, venue of the carnival has been agog with excitement and fun of the parade. The cultural displays are overwhelming; from the sophisticated to the most mundane of art form. Equally, the beautiful display of costumes and the flashes of colour all speak of a culturally diverse nation.

The Abuja Carnival is an annual celebration of the enormous cultural heritage of the country. It is an array of the entire art and entertainment repertoire that the nation can boast of, ranging from the performing to visual art, theatre, music, dance, costume, cuisine, poetry and oral tradition.

The carnival was initiated in 2005 by the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation and was envisioned among others as a way of bringing together the vast and diverse cultural resources of the country, encouraging interface and interaction among the people, endearing unity and encouraging the preservation of the nation's cultural potential as well as promoting creativity in the cultural sector.

The objectives of the carnival also include promoting Nigeria as a major tourist destination, using the cultural pluralities and riches of the country. Given that cultural tourism remains the main tourism product of the country it was deemed fit for a cultural carnival to be developed whereby all the cultural aspects of the country are brought under one roof for the benefit of tourists.

The carnival's opening ceremony was held yesterday, Thursday November 20, at the Eagle Square, Abuja. It featured cultural display and parade by the participating states and troupes. There were also exhibition and cultural entertainment at the FCT Craft Village.

Today Friday, which is the second day, would witness the masquerade fiesta at the Eagle Square; Boat regatta at the Jabi Dam while the day would end with poetry night/food fair at the open garden of Yar'Adua Centre.

Featuring tomorrow is the durbar event at the Royal Equestrian Club, opposite IBB Golf Club; youth and children celebration at the Millennium Park and later, command performances holding at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Holding between Thursday and Saturday at the Eagle Square are series of contemporary musical concerts that are expected to feature some of the best of Nigerian musical icons and artistes. The concerts promise to be nights' of excitement and colours.

Sunday is the climax of the carnival. It involves the closing ceremony at the Eagle Square. The events would feature different cultural displays and floats among others.

About six countries have been invited to participate in the carnival. They include South Africa, Niger Republic, Ghana, Egypt, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago. For Ahmed Yerima, the arrow head of the carnival, the participation of these countries would help to boost the international appeal and captivation of the festival.

Also in Abuja but for entirely different show today, the Nigerian fashion Awards 2008 and the unveiling of The World Fashion Week will be taking place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

The event is put together by Legendary Gold Limited in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Culture and National Orientation as well as the Federal Ministry of Information and Communication. Legendary Gold has been a vanguard in the Nigerian fashion and modeling industries. In its 13 years of operation, it has become the reference point and leader in packaging and organising fashion and modeling events in Nigeria.

Its major events so far include; The Nigeria Fashion Show, The Nigeria Fashion Week, The Nigeria Fashion Awards and The Nigeria Model Awards. All these events are organised annually. The local edition of The Nigeria Fashion Show has been staged since 1997 in Lagos and Abuja. The international editions started in 2000 in Paris, Milan, Stockholm, Cape Town, New York, Washington, Houston, Tel Aviv, Rome etc. and are organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassies in the various countries it is held.

Still in the Federal Capital, the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) with Zain comes up tomorrow. The award is unique in that only artistes whose videos have featured on MTVBase from August 2007 to August 2008 have been nominated. The list of nominees for the awards includes: Best Female Artiste; Wahu from Kenya, Asa from Nigeria, Dama Do Bling from Mozambique, Sasha from Nigeria and Zonke from South Africa.

Some of the hottest international and African musicians also nominated for the award include Best Hip-hop nominee and U.S. rap legend, The Game, Best Male/Best Live/Artiste of the year/Listeners Choice contender D'Banj, Ghanaian nominee Samini, Best Live, and Naeto C for Best Newcomer.

Speaking at a press conference held last Monday at Planet One, Lagos, Alex Okosi, Vice President and Managing Director, MTV Network Africa remarked that, "the MTV Africa Music Awards with Zain is a pan African idea that supports talents across the continent. Not every one can make it to Abuja but we are thrilled that Nigerian music fans can join in the spirit of the show by seeing their nominee's lineup performing at the Road to MAMA." After the conference, fans had a fore taste of the award with a performance from the famous U.S. rapper Game, D'Banj and other acts on the Road to MAMA show.

Other performers lined up for the MAMA awards includes; Nigerian R&B duo P-Square, South Africa Hip-hop 'Royalty,' HHP and Jo'burg hip-hop crew Jozi, 9ice, Asa, Cassette, D'Banj, Jua Cali, Naeto C, Ikechukwu, The Game, Flo Rida and Kelly Rowland.

The weekend of fun extends to Lagos on Sunday as Segun Blessing a.k.a Mr. Laka launches his album called God's Signature. The event which is sponsored by City People entertainment and Dreamscope production holds at the White House on Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Guest performances are from MC Oluomo, Bisi Olatilo, Tessy Yambra, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, African China, Abass Obesere, Atorise, Artquake, Kalade Onanuga (KWAM II), Pastor Goody Goody and Eko Roundcity.

Chairman of the day is Lanre Mohammed of Lamex Group; the chairlady, Chief (Mrs.) Adunni Bankole while the father of the day is King Sunny Ade. Special guest of honour are Hon. (Mrs.) Abike Dabiri, Arewa, Cheif Taiwo Lakanu, Assistant Commissioner of Police.