WHY IS NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL IMPORTANT?
WHY IS NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL IMPORTANT?
Notting Hill Carnival - that one weekend of the year when Londoners from all backgrounds join forces in mutual appreciation of life's greatest pleasures: rum, chicken and bashment.
But why is it important, and who is it good for? We asked DJs from two of Carnival’s best-loved sound systems to explain what Notting Hill means to them and the community.
Gabriel and Benjamin, The Heatwave
Dancehall soundsystem from London, responsible for the constantly-touring Hot Wuk bashment parties.
“Carnival is great in so many ways. It's a celebration of Caribbean culture that has brought so much life and energy and creativity to
We've been going to Carnival for over a decade, and first played there about five or six years ago: afterparties, trucks and then a soundsystem for the last couple years. It’s our biggest influence and has had a huge impact on everything we do.
There have been so many special moments over the years. The first time we played on a float was amazing: turning the corner onto Ladbroke grove and seeing the sea of people and feeling the wave of excitement. In 2015 Jeremy Corbyn jumped on the mic at our sound system and gave a speech which was pretty memorable.
Carnival is unique because it’s so open - a free party that everyone can enjoy. It brings together so many people in unity to party together and celebrate life. It’s important because it is a space organised and run by afro-Caribbean and black British people celebrating and preserving
The Heatwave’s new single ‘Walk Out Gyal’ is out now. Catch them at O2
DJ D’Nyce, Rampage Sound
Legendary London sound system run by Mike Anthony, Treble T, Maurice and D'Nyce. One of the largest sounds at Notting Hill Carnival.
“So many anecdotes come to mind when I think about Carnival, but one at the forefront is the moment we had Shaggy appear on our stage. It was the first time that I ever saw police with disbelief on their faces! Mouthing along to 'It Wasn't Me'. A rare moment...
Rampage first launched at Notting Hill Carnival in the mid 90's, which was a move instigated by our founder Mike Anthony who lived in the area at the time. Mike had the idea and the perfect location. Not knowing what to expect the first year, we were blown away when 10 – 15,000 revellers turned up on our road.
There are several reasons why Notting Hill Carnival is a special event in the British social calendar. First and foremost it is a celebration of Caribbean culture within the
The
It is a time of people uniting for a common goal of letting go and celebrating together. The music is never ending. Your stamina will be tested!”
Watch 'Nice Up The Dance' - a new mini-doc about sound system culture created by Rampage and Farah.
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