Throughout the year we look forward to Bank Holidays, but not quite like how we do for the last weekend in August. It might be because we know it’s the last Bank Holiday until the next calendar year. It might be because it’s August and the vibes are on point, the sun’s out (most of the time) and you’ve had all summer to build up to this pinnacle. It might be because it’s the Champions League Final of weekends. Why? It’s Notting Hill Carnival. It’s the one weekend where everyone gets involved – the city comes together. Costumes. Colour. Food. Dance. Floats. People. Celebration. Music.
The moment is just around the corner and to get you in the spirit, Spotify has unveiled this year’s Notting Hill Carnival ‘Carnival Sounds‘ microsite, offering listeners the ultimate soundtrack to getting Carnival-ready, including King Tubby’s, Different Strokes, Channel One, Disya Jeneration.
Channel One: “Carnival is a great opportunity for the people of London, as well as the worldwide Roots Community to come together. Over the 2 days you can expect the best classic Reggae tunes such as Dennis Brown’s “Black Liberation” and Burning Spear’s “The Message”. People expect to hear these tunes when they visit the Channel One corner. It’s also a great opportunity for new music and new artists to be showcased. We are regularly sent the latest tracks and exclusive dubplates from producers and artists from all over the world. This playlist includes a recent track from London producers Mafia & Fluxy. We will also be playing some of our own new releases, such as the tracks featured on this playlist from the new “Mad Professor meets Channel One Part Two” album. Enjoy!”
Carnival celebrates two significant anniversaries; the docking on HMT Empire Windrush and the introduction of Mas and Sound Systems to Carnival. These moments produced a generation of people who wanted to bring communities together and celebrate their culture. The beauty of Carnival Sounds is that it showcases many of the sound systems and DJs appearing across the weekend, and gives listeners the opportunity to dive deeper into the history and legacy of Carnival via a curated selection of podcasts including Sounds of Black Britain, Who We Be Talks and The History Hotline.
For those of you that attend year on year, you’ll know that there’s certain tricks to the surf of the soundsystems; for example knowing you have to keep a close eye on your group and maintain some form of rhythmic movement just to be able to seamlessly weave through the bustle of the crowd. It’s a ride the wave or get lost in the middle of the dance. Exiting the middle of carnival crowd is like a tractor stuck in wet mud – you’re just not going forward.
4 Play: “So Much To Celebrate At NHC This Year.. Windrush 75th Anniversary. 50th Year Of Sound Systems At Carnival.. 50 Years Of Hip-Hop.. We Are Celebrating By Having The Best Street Sounds In London.. . Look Out For… STREET SOUNDS MOND”
There’s something quite crazy about partying in the street, nestled in between the famous architecture of the iconic area. Residents shouting and joining in the fun from their houses, whether sat on a balcony or flying flags outside their windows as the Soca kicks into full gear. Speakers will ricochet through your body as you try to take a bit of what you’re eating, and there’s nothing like that balanced stance to enjoy your food and sway in unison to the selectors on the soundsystems.
Gladdy Wax Sound: “these songs are memories from blues dances during arguably the most vibrant and creative period of reggae music”
The beauty of carnival is that it never ends. From crowd-to-crowd, stage-to-stage, float-to-float, there’s a continuous showcase of energy. That’s why the last Bank Holiday weekend of the year is special.
High Grade: “The songs on the playlist remind you of the good old days. Reflection of the comrades, family and friend’s that are no longer with us may they rest in eternal peace while we remember fond memories.”
