Founding Carnival Band
Present at the beginning of Carnival Calabar and central to its rise into Africa's Biggest Street Party.
A Carnival, Staged as a Story.
Two decades on the parade, staged with the craft of a design house.
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Founded
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Members
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Location
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Years of Carnival Excellence
About Seagull
For over 20 years, we've led Africa's biggest street party.
Seagull Band is a founding force of the Calabar Carnival, 500 performers strong, two decades of craft, and a living cultural institution that carries the coastal spirit of Cross River State to millions each year. A founding band, a school for craft, and a global cultural ambassador.
Award-Winning Performances
Repeatedly recognised for creative direction, costume craft, choreography and parade presence.
Community Impact
Year-round programmes in education, artisan livelihoods, and youth mentorship across Cross River State.
Global Cultural Vision
Delegations, exhibitions and appearances that carry the coastal spirit of Calabar to the world stage.
On the streets of Calabar
Africa's Biggest Street Party, and we bring the tide.
Latest News
Seagull Band in the press.
Verified coverage of the band from credible Nigerian newsrooms.
22 December 2018· The Nation
2018 Carnival Calabar will be the biggest, most relevant so far, says Ita-Giwa
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, leader of Seagull Band, speaks to The Nation about the band's preparation and the social relevance of that year's carnival.
Read more 2018 Carnival Calabar will be the biggest, most relevant so far, says Ita-Giwa, opens on The Nation in a new tab17 September 2017· THISDAY
Ita-Giwa takes Carnival Calabar Seagull Band on road show
THISDAY reports on Seagull Band following the practice of carnival bands worldwide, taking its costumes and presentation on the road ahead of the parade.
Read more Ita-Giwa takes Carnival Calabar Seagull Band on road show, opens on THISDAY in a new tabUpcoming Events
The road to the parade.
Rehearsals, open studios and the December procession, mark your calendar for the 2026 Seagull season.
Dec 27, 2026
Carnival Calabar Grand Parade
Mary Slessor Ave, Calabar
Dec 20, 2026
Seagull Preview Night
Cultural Centre, Calabar
Nov 15, 2026
Studio Open Studio
Seagull Studio, Calabar
Past Themes
A new story, told every year.
Current
2026
Rethinking Our Collective Destiny
Past
2025
Coastal Majesty
Past
2024
Africa: The Ultimate Frontier
Past
2023
Play & Prosperity
Leadership
Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.
The visionary at the heart of Seagull Band. Her leadership has played a defining role in shaping the band's identity, cultural depth, and enduring success at Carnival Calabar.
20+
Years leading
500+
Members
5
Major awards
Gallery
Moments from the parade.
A curated visual archive of costumes, processions, and the people who bring the Seagull story to life each December.
View Gallery
Beyond December
Carnival is one month away. Culture is every day.
A cultural academy, an artisan studio, community outreach, and a diplomatic mission that carries the coastal story of Cross River State to the world stage.
Explore the programmes500+
Artisans & performers
90+
Academy students
2M+
Parade audience
20 yrs
Of cultural legacy
Sponsors & Partners
Become a partner →Cross River StateMinistry of CultureCalabar Carnival CommissionTinapa ResortMarina ResortChannels TVAITSilverbirdMTN NigeriaGuinnessCross River StateMinistry of CultureCalabar Carnival CommissionTinapa ResortMarina ResortChannels TVAITSilverbirdMTN NigeriaGuinness
Newsletter
Follow the road to Carnival 2026.
Studio updates, rehearsal previews and the definitive Seagull season calendar, sent once a month, never more.