T2 mobile fosters culture of creativity, self-expression among youths

L-R: Joseph Etim, Specialist, Dealer Operations (South South), T2; Winner of the Carnival Calabar Rap Battle, Emmanuel Eye and Chinelo Manefo, Specialist, Events and Sponsorship, T2, during the presentation of prize to the winner of the T2-sponsored Rap Battle at the Carnival.

…launches rap battle platform

T2 Mobile has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and self-expression among Nigerian youth by introducing a first-of-its-kind rap battle platform at the Carnival Calabar Music Concert.

The company said that the Rap battle platform was aimed at giving young people a powerful space to showcase their talent and provide a fresh layer of excitement to the iconic celebration.

Eight fearless contestants stepped into the spotlight, ready to go bar for bar in an electrifying lyrical showdown. The crowd erupted as the rappers fused local languages with pidgin, flipped punchlines, and cleverly incorporated the T2 brand into their verses.

Commenting on the activation, Chinelo Manefo, specialist, events and sponsorship at T2, said the aim was to create a platform that celebrates youth, culture, and creativity, while connecting people to the excitement of Carnival Calabar.

“I really loved the incredible energy, not just from the rappers, but also from the crowd. It was a truly competitive and electrifying atmosphere. Seeing the audience so fully immersed shows how music, performance, and culture can come together to empower the next generation,” Manefo said.

Manefo further said that by blending music, culture, and youth expression, T2 created an interactive experience that left a lasting impression on attendees. More than just an event, the rap battle became a dynamic celebration of youth talent, giving young people a stage to express themselves and shine

The Carnival’s mega concert, featuring headliners such as Tiwa Savage, Timaya, and several local performers, was further energised by T2’s unique rap battle platform. As a truly youth-centric brand, T2 continues to champion Nigeria’s next generation, creating opportunities for talent to thrive and ensuring youthful voices are heard.

Anchored by the energetic duo MC Double I and MC Princess, the rap battles beamed live, kept the audience fully engaged, thrilling over 16,000 carnival revellers, including the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu.

With everything to play for, each contestant stood a chance to walk away with exciting rewards, raising the stakes and intensity of the competition. A range of prizes, including gas cylinders, fridge, rechargeable fans, sound systems, gas cookers and airtime added to the anticipation and competitive spirit that fueled every performance.

After two intense rounds that narrowed the field to a final five-man duel, Emmanuel Eye emerged as the overall winner, carting home the grand prize- a fridge. Beaming with excitement, Emmanuel said, “I never expected this at all. I came to the concert like anybody else, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear about the rap battle sponsored by T2. When I got the chance to perform, I just went for it, and now to be named the overall best is absolutely amazing. I want to thank T2 immensely for creating this opportunity to showcase my talent and that of my fellow contestants.”

Beyond the stage, T2’s activation delivered real value to attendees, as hundreds of people reactivated their T2 lines while many others walked away with airtime top-ups and gift items, reinforcing T2’s commitment to meaningful youth engagement.

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