Voice Carnival Supplement 2016

Britain’s top black weekly

YOUR SPECIAL Carnival Special

Carnival pull-out www.voice-online.co.uk

AUGUST 2016

Celebrating50 Years of

Notting Hill Carnival Follow us

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14 | THE VOICE AUGUST 25 - 31, 2016

Carnival Special

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Sweet as candy (above) FEATHERS GALORE: Participants in Candy Mas costumes

Shak Callender, founder of costume band Candy Mas, on the company’s rise to success since ‘fogging up the place’ at Notting Hill Carnival in 2013

(far left) COLOURFUL: Candy Mas founder Shak Callender (in red t-shirt and cap) with members of the team (left) PARTY PEOPLE: Soca star Skinny Fabulous (centre) is among the artists who have worked with Candy Mas

By Nadine White

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N 2013, Candy Mas made a flamboyant arrival at Notting Hill Carnival. Enveloped in a multicoloured mix of smoke and haze, the costume band literally ‘fogged up the place’ in what has since been dubbed their “epic beginning”.

From there, they have gone on to become a staple feature at Europe’s biggest street party.

Here, Candy Mas founder Shak Callender talks about exposing Caribbean culture, the creation of the band’s costumes, and teaming up with The Voice at Notting Hill Carnival 2016.

What does Candy Mas do?

We try to expose Caribbean culture on the local and international front. We bring over international artists to par-

ticipate in our band and also include a local act in each show. There are packages for anyone to be a part of Candy Mas and see what we do.

Who are some of the soca artists that have worked with Candy Mas in the past?

We’ve worked with Little Rick, Skinny Fabulous and Lyrikal, along with UK acts Sunshine & Nadiva and Triniboi Joocie. We also worked with last year’s Soca Monarch winner Olatunji. We’ve worked with quite a few acts – in such a short space of time!

What are some of the band’s highlights?

The positive feedback is amazing.

Just standing back and looking at the reaction from the crowd is like ‘wow’ And to think, it all started with an idea!

Support from platforms like Pulse 88 Radio has been invaluable.

What does the band’s preparation process involve?

A lot goes into the process! Our entertainment manager Cappa Chino has to organise the music. Between project manager Sandra Espirit, business partner Colin Crawford and myself, we negotiate the best deal for trucks, get them in and positioned right, plan the route and arrange refreshments. Our costume orders have to be seen to, for people to come and collect.

How are your fabulous costumes obtained?

Our local designer by the name of Keisha Williams makes the costumes.

Quite a lot of bands import costumes, but ours are made right here in the UK. Nicola Reid is our talented make-up artist.

What theme can we expect at this year’s carnival?

‘50 shades of colour’.

Tell us about teaming up with The Voice at this year’s event.

I think that The Voice is a reputable brand and I can see longevity in our partnership.

What has been your most memorable carnival experience?

Last year. Everything went right!

Skinny Fabulous was on the truck, people were enjoying themselves and posting on social media about what a great time they were having. The pictures alone are worth a million words. t For more information, visit www.candy-mas.com t Candy Mas would like to acknowledge Giselle Carter (designer); Mark Saga Boyz (brand supporter); Gussy (brand supporter) and Almighty Soundz (musical support and media)

AUGUST 25 - 31, 2016 THE VOICE | 15

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1976 CARNIVAL QUEENS: Majorettes prepare for the procession

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1982 join in ce officers li o P : n P O FAIR C with the fu

Carnival Special

1995 rticipant FUL: A pa R U O e L O C the groov gets into

2000 lder tends : A stallho P U b K O O C on the co to his corn

Message from the Mayor The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, wishes carnival-goers a brilliant weekend

“ 2007 enjoy e ones day tl it L : Y ren’s ’S PLA CHILD e fun on child th

Follow us

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2015 vellers AY: Re L P Y S into the MES int get a p in t spirt d j’ouver covere

The centrepiece of every August Bank Holiday in London is the Notting Hill Carnival, with hundreds of thousands of revellers indulging in the best of African Caribbean culture from magnificent costumes and dance, to the most mouth-watering food.

“As one of the biggest and most vibrant street parties on the globe, it showcases London’s fantastic diversity and why our great city is the culture capital of the world. Wishing all readers of The Voice and carnival-goers a brilliant weekend!

”

Find the full range in the world foods aisle

16 | THE VOICE APRIL 5 - 11, 2016

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The Voice turns 34 Notting Hill Carnival also marks the anniversary of Britain’s best black newspaper

By Davina Hamilton

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VERY year when carnival revellers prepare for the fun and frolics of the annual street party, so too does The Voice team get ready for our own birthday celebration.

This year marks the 34th anniversary of Britain’s best black newspaper, which was founded by the late Jamai-

can-born entrepreneur, Val McCalla and launched at Notting Hill Carnival in 1982.

Described as ‘London’s first black newspaper’, the first edition of The Voice was edited by the late Flip Fraser and was aptly branded as the ‘1982 Souvenir Carnival Edition’.

But despite the celebratory nature of the launch, the newspaper itself led with a front page news story about an east London family who were being targeted by a racist gang. This marked the beginning of the publication’s longstanding reputation for campaigning on the behalf of black Britain.

Since then, The Voice has evolved to reflect the ever-changing face of black Britain, both through the weekly newspaper and its website. The publication covers news, sports, opinions and health, as well as music, theatre, film, literature and celebrity interviews through its arts and entertainment section, Life & Style.

Recognising that the black community is as varied as any other, the publication has championed both new and established talents across an array of fields; celebrated the academic successes of young people; and highlighted changing trends, while also

highlighting the challenges faced within the community.

In recent years, the company has enjoyed numerous successes, including the partnership with the Mayor of London for the annual Black History Month event, Africa on the Square. Since the launch of the event in 2014, The Voice has served as the official media partner for the festival, which has seen thousands of people gather in London’s Trafalgar Square to enjoy the annual celebration of African arts and culture.

As part of this partnership, 2015 saw The Voice publish Africa Celebrates; a 52-page magazine, which featured a host of news, features and interviews, all with a focus on highlighting the many success stories hailing from the Motherland.

Also last year, The Voice was proud to present its first Made By History competition, which invited children, aged 10-12 from around the country, to submit a 500-word article explaining what black history meant to them.

The competition culminated with a successful awards ceremony, held at London’s Imperial War Museum last November. The event honoured all of the young competition entrants, and saw 11-year-old Denise Lawrence from

Deptford Green School in south London crowned the overall winner, with her impassioned essay about the importance of knowing your past.

In addition, last year saw The Voice launch the Voice+ App, allowing readers to enjoy the publication’s content at the touch of a button, via their phones and tablets.

More recently, the company produced its first African & Caribbean Food & Restaurant Guide. Published this July, the 92-page magazine provided a detailed list of African and Caribbean eateries throughout the UK and was endorsed by celebrity chef, Levi Roots, who said: “I’ve long been an advocate for helping to bring Caribbean flavours to the mainstream and this publication, produced by the UK’s leading black newspaper, is another step in achieving this goal.”

In its 34-year history, The Voice has been served by a host of skilled media talents, including revered TV reporters Rageh Omaar and Martin Bashir, as well as novelist Diran Adebayo and TV producer Jasmine Dotiwala.

Today, The Voice is driven by an enthusiastic team, all of whom are proud to contribute to the much-loved publication.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: The first edition of The Voice was launched at Notting Hill Carnival in 1982

Equally proud of the company’s growth is managing director George Ruddock, who says: “As we reach 34 years, it gives us great pride that we have been able to deliver a first class publication each week to the many readers who have remained loyal throughout those years.

“Since its inception, The Voice has set out to be the voice of the black community in Britain and today, we remain true to that promise.

He adds: “Next year will be a major millstone as we celebrate 35 years and we wholeheartedly thank our readers for their continued support.”

NEW VIEW 50 Produced by:

THE BAME PUBLIC SECTOR LIST Supported by:

YOUR VOICE: The Voice continues to produce quality products

The BEAM Awards Nomination categories include Actor of the Year (Male)

A groundbreaking new awards ceremony celebrating BAME icons in public life, to be broadcast on ITV A groundbreaking new awards ceremony, The BEAM Awards, is to celebrate the achievements of influential public figures from BAME backgrounds, at a glittering awards night on October 12th, which will be broadcast on the UK’s most watched commercial channel, ITV. The nominations are now open in a range of categories across the worlds of celebrity, sport, music, politics, film and business, for talented individuals who have excelled in these areas and have inspired and encouraged the next generation.

Sir Trevor McDonald OBE will take centre stage as the host of The BEAM Awards, a night which promises to celebrate and showcase the best and brightest BAME talent, across a whole host of areas of public life.

The London Palladium is set to host the prestigious black tie event on October 12th, which will be televised by ITV, with coverage produced by Sugar Films.

Distinguished journalist and presenter, Sir Trevor McDonald (pictured right) said: "I am delighted to have been asked to be a part of these Awards.

They will play an important part in our society, and I have no doubt that they will continue to flourish.”

Actor of the Year (Female) TV Personality of the Year (Male) TV Personality of the Year (Female) Nominations are open to the public who have the chance to submit nominations right up until September 4th, by visiting

Sports Personality of the Year (Male)

www.beamawards.com/nominate

Cultural Icon

Sports Personality of the Year (Female) Comedy Act of the Year Politician of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year

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Inspiration of the Year International Icon of the Year Music Artist or Band Award Judges Award

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Diverse Company Award

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Debora Alleyne De Gazon, (above), creative director of the London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust, clears up the confusion about the year the event began

Carnival Special ‘Yes, this is our 50th year’ voicenewspaper

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50 YEARS OF FUN: The early days of Notting Hill Carnival

By Davina Hamilton

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HERE has been considerable dispute about the year Notting Hill Carnival began, calling into question whether 2016 does – as many insist – mark the event’s 50th anniversary.

Trinidadian activist and newspaper editor, Claudia Jones is often credited as the ‘Mother of Carnival,’ thanks to her well-documented Caribbean Carnival – an indoor event that she organised, which took place in London’s St Pancras Town Hall in 1959.

The event is often heralded as spearheading the Notting Hill Carnival we know and love today. But for many historians and carnival aficionados, it’s

not Jones that deserves the credit for the famed west London festival, but a lesser-known pioneer – Rhaune Laslett (read more about her on page 18), who organised the Notting Hill Fayre in 1966.

“When we talk about Notting Hill Carnival, we need to be geographically specific,” says Debora Alleyne De Gazon, creative director of the London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust.

“Yes, in 1959, we had Claudia Jones fighting the cause against racial inequality, and one of the ways she approached that was with an indoor event that had elements of carnival, like the steel bands and calypsonians. But that wasn’t the same as Notting Hill Carnival.

“In 1966, Rhaune Laslett used the

power of the arts and the idea of bringing cultures together as the basis for her idea. She engaged the steel pan group, the Russell Henderson Trio, who really made their presence known in 1964 when they began an impromptu march through the streets, which created a nostalgic moment.”

De Gazon continues: “So when it comes to the actual establishment, where you had a team putting together a programme for a carnival, Rhaune Laslett started that with her Notting Hill Fayre in 1966. In being geographically specific – as opposed to saying, ‘I was in Brixton and I started a carnival, which then moved to Notting Hill’ – you recognise that Notting Hill Carnival was born in 1966. So this is our 50th year.”

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To be aired Autumn 2016 CELEBRATING BAME CULTURE ACROSS THE UK

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While De Gazon credits London-born Laslett as Notting Hill Carnival’s true founder, she says acknowledgement must also be given to many others for their involvement in the event’s development.

“Rhaune Laslett definitely put things in place,” De Gazon affirms. “When Rhaune left, [pioneer] Merle Major sustained the same elements of the event by continuing to involve Russ Henderson. That is why we also reconginse Russ Henderson [and fellow steel pan musicians] Ralph Cherrie and Sterling Betancourt as the fathers of the carnival.

“We would also tag [former carnival director] Leslie Palmer, who, in 1973, put a hell of a lot of work into the event.

Leslie was supported by Westway Trust, which was known back then as the North Kensington Amenity Trust, and that trust was headed by Anthony Perry.

So there are a lot of people to recognise when it comes to Notting Hill Carnival.”

Hailing from Trinidad, De Gazon’s role is integral to the London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust, which works to transform perceptions of carnival and educate audiences about the event.

The Trust also uses carnival arts as a catalyst to facilitate education, artistic excellence, integration and much more.

“Essentially, I have to decide how best to put together a launch or an educational programme that will help people to understand all about carnival, or experience it from a different perspective,” De Gazon explains.

“Along with my colleagues, I have developed the understanding of building international relationships. So, for example, this year, we have an opening showcase where visiting countries can showcase their skills. This year we have a Liberian cultural group, a drumming group from Paris, and a few other performers.”

De Gazon adds: “Just like a museum, carnival has varying audiences – not everyone comes to carnival for the same reason. So my job is to engage with the audiences and ensure the event evolves.”

What would De Gazon say to the carnival traditionalists, who feel that through its evolution, Notting Hill Carnival has lost its Caribbean flair?

“I don’t think it has lost its flair,” she says. “The Caribbean roots are still evident through the music, the food and the presence of the steel bands. But we need to remember that we live in a cosmopolitan society and when cultures come together, there will be overlapping.

“So now, we have many cultures participating, but I don’t think we’ve lost anything. What we now have is a hybrid that still has its roots in tact. If you take the roots out, that is when Notting Hill Carnival will die.”

Working hand in hand the Metropolitan Police, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and the Greater London Authority, the Trust has developed new strategies to enhance the event and ensure it is managed more effectively.

“This year, we’ve moved from approximately 900 stewards to 2,000.

We’re definitely starting at 10am and we’ll have live streaming of the event on our website and our Facebook page.”

Sharing some of the festival’s additional 2016 highlights, De Gazon adds: “We’ll have three professional Panorama judges from Tobago, to judge our Panorama steel band competition.

“There will also be the static sound systems to provide something for everyone, as well as the world music stage featuring visiting calypsonians, as well as the Association of British Calypsonians and other emerging artists.”

For anyone thinking of going to Notting Hill Carnival for the first time this year, how would De Gazon urge them give it a try?

“We have great music, great food and the carnival spirit remains strong,” she says. “If you’re a lover of culture or you just like a good adventure, we have something for you.”

For more information, visit www. thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com

18 | THE VOICE AUGUST 25 - 31, 2016

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Carnival queen: Rhaune Laslett

We salute the East End pioneer who brought carnival to the streets of west London

By Davina Hamilton

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EGARDED by many as the true founder of Notting Hill Carnival, Rhaune Laslett (also known as Rhaune Laslett-O’Brien) was born in London’s east end in 1919, to a Native American mother and a Russian father.

She set up the Children’s Play Group at 34 Tavistock Crescent in west London, which was visited in May 1966 by the late boxing hero, Muhammad Ali, prior to his fight against Henry Cooper.

Laslett became president of the London Free School, organised by a group of local activists, including emerging artists of the area, notably, the late photographer and activist

(top) BEGINNINGS: An issue of the Kensington Post, dated September 23 1966, reports on Laslett’s Notting Hill Fayre (left) CARNIVAL QUEEN: Rhaune Laslett John ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins.

The aims of the school were to promote cooperation and understanding between people of various races and creeds through education and through working together.

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The late activist Michael X is credited with providing 26 Powis Terrace in Notting Hill as a base for the school’s activities, and it was here that Laslett’s idea of a free festival was born.

Outlining her aims for the event, Laslett explained that she wanted it to bring together the many cultural groups who resided in the area at the time. In the London Free School’s newsletter, The Grove, she reportedly wrote: “We felt that although West Indians, Africans, Irish and many other nationalities all live in a very congested area, there is very little communication between us. If we can infect them with a desire to participate, then this can only have good results.”

In 1966, The Notting Hill Fayre and Pageant was held over a week in September. Staying true to Laslett’s aim, the festival featured a parade that included children dressed as Charles Dickens characters, along with a host of performers that reflected the area’s cultural diversity.

It is this historic event that is considered by many to be the true beginning of Notting Hill Carnival.

Laslett died in 2002 and in 2011, Nubian Jak Community Trust unveiled a blue plaque on the corner of Tavistock Square, commemorating Laslett’s conception of the Notting Hill street festival that “later evolved into Notting Hill Carnival.”

20 | THE VOICE AUGUST 25 - 31, 2016

Carnival Special

What carnival means to me…

Nadine White canvasses opinion to get revellers’ most memorable carnival moments

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“From 2012 onwards, carnival has been full of good vibes; it’s impossible to pin all the experiences down to just one. It’s full of culture and colour, which is always a breath of fresh air. That’s what I like most about it.”

Antoine Coote, East London

“I can remember being at the Channel One sound system, with all the lads I grew up with in East Anglia. Each year, I always know that they’ll be there, hanging out around the hire truck.

We were watching smoke rolling over the crowd, flags in the air and Matic Horns blowing hard in the sunshine. Blessed – what more can you ask for?”

Peggy Golac, Sherlingham

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www.voice-online.co.uk “I had the most fantastic time when I last attended carnival with my sister. Back then, it went on until about 8/9pm. We bumped into many old friends and faces that we hadn’t seen for donkey’s years. We laughed a lot and it was just great. Then we headed off to an after party.”

Eleesa Sibblies-Thomas, South London

“Carnival shows us at our finest – united, young and old. As predominantly Caribbean people, soaking up our history with pride and solidarity because out of many, we are all one people” Aaron Jackson, Nottingham

“The most memorable year for me was 2014 – I think – when it was pouring down with rain.

The crowd was massive but had been obviously reduced due to the people who were deterred by the rain. Perfect! I can’t wait for this year. It’ll be an induction year for my son as I plan to take him on children’s day” Jodiann Johnson, South-east London

MUSIC MAESTROS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES Angie Greaves, Magic Radio “My first memory of carnival is when I was about 10 years old, being taken for children’s day.

Then, once I started driving, I would pack the car with friends, make sure I had my whistle, find the nearest possible parking space to the hub of entertainment and just follow a float until I was drawn away by a sound system! The heart of the Caribbean is still in Notting Hill Carnival, it will never completely diminish, and having just returned from Barbados Crop Over, I’ll be there this year. I don’t know if I have the same energy levels as I did when I was a teenager, but I’ll be there!”

DJ Natty B, The Official Reggae Chart Show “My best carnival memories are generally of the ones that took place back in the day, in the ‘90s and early 2000s. When it used the go on until late, followed by the house parties and after parties. There was no trouble, just good vibes” Martin Jay, Soca Vision/Bacchanal Radio “In 2013, I had the pleasure of being part of a management team that brought their own band, Funatik Mas, on

the road for the first time ever. We had the extreme privilege of having top soca superstars Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons on the truck with us at one point. It was an amazing feeling, one that will stay with me forever.”

1am and then you’d find the shoobeen (afterparty). I ended up having to get a cab home from Ladgrove Grove to Tulse Hill and get my mum to pay for it. Plus I was wearing my dad’s suit? Whoa!”

DJ Elayne, The Beat FM “There was one year when I ended up getting in trouble with my mum for going! A clique of us from Priory Park Girls School decided to dress up in our father’s clothes and head to carnival – I stole my dad’s suit and put it on. Obviously it was too big so I rolled the sleeves up and secured it with a belt; we attached the red, gold and green colours to us and were off. That was a time when Carnival didn’t finish until about

Gordon Mac, DJ and founder of Mi-Soul Radio “For the last couple of years, Mi-Soul has teamed up with the Mastermind Roadshow at Notting Hill Carnival.

When Ms Dynamite & General Levy finished on stage, they passed through our station’s live stream of the event and performed for our listeners. Natasha Watts was there and Ronnie Herel. The vibes – it was just unbelievable; the best.”

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By Rykesha Hudson GOING to Notting Hill Carnival this Bank Holiday weekend?

What you want in a bag is the following: It must be big enough to hold your essentials; keep you hands-free so you can hold your drink in one hand and flag in the other; and be super-stylish.

From cross-bodies, rucksacks, bumbags and saddlebags, we’ve covered all bases for you!

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Carnival Special

It’s in the bag Duffle cross-body bag, £25, Accessorize

Colour block rucksack, £12, Topshop

Floral rucksack, £18.99, New Look

Galaxy rucksack, £9.99, Sports Direct

Iridescent bumbag, £15, Missguided

Combat rucksack, £29.99, H&M

Quilted rucksack, £20, River Island

Black saddlebag, £22, Next

Multi-coloured tassel bumbag, £42, Asos

Mermaid bumbag, £7, Primark

GUESS THE CARNIVAL QUEEN/KING Can you identify the famous faces lurking behind the masks?

(Answers at the bottom of the page)

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4. This hot, hot, hot Montserratian legend was always on point!

2. This Formula One champ is crazy about Crop Over and has declared it his “favourite time of the year”.

5. The much-loved Bajan bombshell knows how to work, work, work a carnival costume!

3. From exotic music videos to her spicy Trinidadian roots, this hip-hop queen has a natural affinity for all things bacchanal.

6. When it comes to soca, he’s like a boss, and if ever he was asked to deliver a song one more time, he would surely oblige.

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Answers: 1 - Alison Hinds | 2 - Lewis Hamilton | 3 - Nicki Minaj | 4 – Arrow | 5 - Rihanna | 6 - Machel Montano

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1. Raised in Barbados, this enduring soca queen knows how to start a career from square one.

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Carnival Special

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AUGUST 25 - 31, 2016 THE VOICE | 23

Carnival Special The birthplace of the Reggae Reggae revolution @thevoicenews

Levi Roots reflects on 10 years of success for his world famous sauce, which was launched at Notting Hill Carnival

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HE London Notting Hill Carnival is here again, celebrating 50 years of being the greatest street party in the world. And little old me is also cele-

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SAUCY CELEBRATION: Levi Roots launched his Reggae Reggae Sauce at carnival 10 years ago brating something too: 10 years ago I launched Reggae Reggae Sauce and my Levi Roots brand on Westbourne Park Road at said carnival and, like they say the rest is history.

I’ve had a wonderful relationship with Notting Hill Carnival over the years, from my very first visits as a young lad in the mid 1970s, to

starting my business on them same streets in 2006.

I have such fond memories of my time getting down with people from all over the world, who have the following things in common: a love of music, partying and spicy food.

But like most relationships, there have been fall-outs and quarrels be-

tween us, and I haven’t been to the event for four years. But this year, lowdahmercy, we are united again and nothing will keep me away!

I will be there, jumping, bumping and grinding, and spraying my now world famous Reggae Reggae Sauce on everyone’s jerk chicken, rice and peas and curry goat.

Without this iconic community gathering, London would definitely be a different, more boring place, and I dread to think what I’d be doing with myself. The event still stands for its original purpose, which was to bring separated people together, sharing experiences, and bonding through food and culture.

The movement of the floats, along with their spectacular trails of followers in amazing costumes, represented a sense of freedom and togetherness.

Now, as I reflect on a decade of success in business, I feel grateful and excited about my return, especially as I am sponsoring the World Music Stage on Powis Square. It is going to be awesome.

My original stall, which was located on Needham Road, was where I

first dreamed up my business plan to conqueror the world with a bottle of sauce and an acoustic guitar. I was inspired by carnival to be different.

The people coming to my stall which I called ‘The Rastaurant,’ used to tell me that they wanted that carnival flavour and vibe all year round. And so my entrepreneurial journey, based on my motto, ‘Put some music in the food’ began.

I was no fool. I instantly spotted the gap in the market that people were telling me about; the need for a Caribbean carnival-inspired table sauce to sit alongside – or even replace – the likes of tomato ketchup, that sits on dinner tables everywhere.

Annually, this was a massive networking opportunity. Once a year, foodies and lovers of music would all converge in Notting Hill, all looking to find the hottest fieriest jerk sauce, so it was always a chance to give or receive a business card or two that could perhaps change lives.

Carnival has a big part to play in the evolution of Caribbean food in the UK, ensuring that our food is no longer just reserved for back street takeaways. Our food is everywhere.

If you don’t believe me, then do visit my Rastaurant, the Caribbean Smokehouse at Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford for your carnival after party, and put some music into your food this Bank Holiday.

Have a great carnival and see you on Powis Square!

More love, LR

24 | THE VOICE AUGUST 25 - 31, 2016

Carnival Special

Notting Hill Carnival aficionado Sonny Blacks on the widespread inaccuracies about the beginnings of beloved west London street party

By Nadine White

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HEN most people think about Notting Hill Carnival, flamboyant costumes, floats, jerk chicken and sound systems probably spring

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Carnival crusader to mind.

Still, Sonny Blacks – an original member of the first carnival committee launched in October 1968 – recalls an entirely different chain of events to how it all began.

According to the Trinidadian musician, it was Russian/Native American social worker Rhaune Laslett who was the main organiser of week-long Notting Hill Fayre.

Hitting the streets of west London in 1966, this event had the aim of introducing the various cultural groups within the area to each other’s customs, and bringing some life to a notoriously ‘run down’ area.

“People would pile into the streets and participate,” Blacks recalls. “A lot of West Indians didn’t have anywhere to go, particularly with the racism that went on at the time”.

Trinidadian steel pan musician Russell Henderson was a part of the procession, along with Agnes O’Connell and her Irish Girl Pipers, a white New Orleans-style marching band and Nigerian maestro Ginger Johnson with his Afro-Cubans group, who’d play on a truck.

This was a diverse framework upon which our modern day carnival was built.

Though there is a blue plaque on

CARNIVAL VETERAN: Musician Sonny Blacks

the corner of Tavistock Square commemorating her early conception of carnival as we know it today, Laslettis not widely known for her contribution to carnival’s foundation. Instead, journalist and activist Claudia Jones is broadly regarded as the ‘Mother of Notting Hill’.

As a response to the Notting Hill race riots in 1959, Jones organised an indoor Caribbean Carnival at the St. Pancras Town Hall, to celebrate the culture at this racially turbulent time. This was televised by the BBC and has been argued to be the nucleus for Notting Hill Carnival. Blacks refutes this suggestion.

“That’s an erroneous lie,” he exclaims. “I knew Claudia and she was a brilliant lady who did a lot for black people. [But] carnival is a street parade – her thing at St Pancras was a masque ball, which is very different. A true carnival cannot be in a hall.”

Another figure who is often praised for his work in the implementation of Notting Hill Carnival is former Mayor of Southwark, Sam King MBE, who died in June. King had assisted Jones with her event at the town hall and as such, Blacks holds the view that King played no part in the development of the carnival we know today.

“There’s absolutely no way,” he in-

sists.

Despite his long association with carnival, Blacks expresses his dissatisfaction with the direction in which the event is currently heading.

“It’s less authentic now,” he says.

“For instance, traditional mas-making has been sidelined in favour of imported costumes or just plain bikinis and beads. There’s no more live music. The creative processes have been thoroughly watered down.”

Still, Blacks declares that the annual event is very much a part of who he is.

“That’s why I still go. When I came to England, I stayed in Ladbroke first and I was here from the beginning.”

Asked why he hasn’t been more vocal about correcting the widespread inaccuracies about the birth of Notting Hill Carnival, Blacks explains that he has imparted all of his knowledge to the book, Carnival: A Photographic and Testimonial History of the Notting Hill Carnival by writer and filmmaker Ishmahil Blagrove.

“Everything is in there,” Blacks assures.

Carnival: A Photographic and Testimonial History of the Notting Hill Carnival is out now

AUGUST 25 - 31, 2016 THE VOICE | 25

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Whether you plan to walk, wine or wuk up your waist, Nadine White lists 10 top tunes that are bound to get you moving at Notting Hill Carnival 2016 1. Don Andre Ft Ding Dong & Chi Ching Ching – Tom Cruise (Remix) This dancehall track enjoyed transatlantic success and the remix is set to replicate that buzz. Yes, it is named after the award-winning American actor!

2. Rihanna ft Drake – Work A sure-fire hit throughout 2016, this

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Carnival Special

Hold up your foot and jump!

6. Desiigner – Panda Nowadays, Trap music – a mixture of hip-hop, electronic dance and crunk – is all the rage. Despite the fact that no one is 100 per cent sure what this guy is saying in this track, it’s catchy and happenin’!

7. Calvin Harris Ft Rihanna – This Is What You Came For There is no denying this dance track, featuring two pop music giants. This is their third collaboration; proof that lightening not only strikes twice, but three times!

8. Tinie Tempah Ft Zara Larsson – Girls Like Girls like this song and so do most of the country – this was one of 2016’s breakout hits. Its bouncy beat provides the perfect backdrop for any festival.

track from the Bajan sensation is sure to work Carnival-goers into a frenzy with its infectious melody and catchy chorus.

3. Popcaan – Ova Dweet Fresh from his successful debut in the UK, Popcaan serves up a certified feel

good, summer anthem.

4. Vybz Kartel – Fever A sweltering hit from the dancehall don, which is featured on his Billboard chart-topping album, King of the Dancehall.

5. Drake Ft Wizkid & Kyla – One Dance The result of a collaboration between hip-hop’s prince, the Afrobeats ace and the British funky house songstress is magic; the kind that is bound to captivate the crowd at this year’s carnival.

9. Konshens – Bruk Off All over the world, selectors are spinning this talented Jamaican artist’s song. It’ll definitely get the party started!

10. Spice – Needle Eye Dancehall diva Spice has dazzled crowds near and far with her lyrical prowess across this timeless rhythm.

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Carnival Special

5 1 Interesting facts about Notting Hill Carnival

1. Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe.

2. It is the second biggest carnival in the world, behind Brazil’s famous festival in Rio de Janeiro.

3. The direct organising costs alone are around £500,000.

4. The costume-making parading bands are known as mas bands, ‘mas’ being short for masquerade.

5. Up to 40 sound systems are stationed at different areas across the event 6. Carnival contributes around £93 million to London’s economy.

7. According to the London Development Agency, it supports the equivalent of 3,000 full-time jobs.

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Festival facts: Did you know?

8. 98 per cent of attendees feel that the carnival plays an important role in bringing the community together.

9. Approximately 300 food stalls are on the streets, serving up five tons of chicken, 30,000 corn on the cobs and one ton of rice and peas.

10. The annual Panorama steel band competition has taken place at the event since 1978.

11. Prince Charles has long been a supporter of the annual event 12. A video of policemen dancing at the 2013 event has had over 1.1 million YouTube views.

13. The main Monday parade starts at 10am and the route covers 3.5 miles.

14. There are up to 2 million attendees at carnival every year, [40,000 volunteers and 9,000 police.]

16. That means that carnival can fit into Wembley Arena 28 times!

Wray & ting time…. relax, Dance on the road and drink your carnival cocktail…

Wray & ting is the Carnival Cocktail for 2016…

Wray & Nephew over-proof rum ting – sparkling Caribbean grapefruit drink

You need a highball glass or a tin cup, whichever is at hand…

• •

Put in a handful of ice cubes

•

Add a dash of ting Caribbean grapefruit drink

•

Finish off with a wedge of lime

Carefully pour in two shots (or more) of Wray & Nephew over-proof rum

ready for the road

You are now

Carnival cocktail 2016… enjoy safely, Drink responsibly Black

100c 0m 85y 24k

0c 4m 100y 0k

AUGUST 25 - 31, 2016 THE VOICE | 27

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If you plan on taking little ones to carnival on children’s day, here are some top tips to ensure the day is fun and stress-free

By Davina Hamilton

C

ARNIVAL Sunday (August 28) is, of course, all about the kids! Babies bounce, toddlers takeover, and children are in charge, as the annual event makes way for youngsters to get into the carnival spirit.

If you’re planning on taking little ones to children’s day this year, here’s a list of practical tips to ensure you and your youngsters have fun.

J If

your little ones are too small to get in the thick of the route, find a nice location on the sidelines or in a nearby park. That way you don’t need to leave your spot and you can still watch all the bands go by, or create your own fun, while hearing the music.

J Bring

snacks that don’t need containers. Chicken legs wrapped in foil, sandwiches in cling film, and put juice in disposable bottles. That way, the bag gets lighter as they munch and drink.

Carnival Special

Doing it for the kids

J On the subject of bags, in-

vest in a rucksack and/or bumbag (see our nifty accessories guide on page 21!) Clutch bags or any hand-held bags have no place at carnival – you need to keep those hands free to hold little hands, wipe up messes, grab your child if they attempt to wander off… you get the idea!

J If you plan to leave the event the same way you arrived, make a mental note of landmarks to help you remember the direction you walked through the route!

J Get there early and leave at a J If good time to avid the bulk of the madness. 11am-3pm is a nice time slot.

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you’re going with older children, make a clear plan with them on what to do if you get separated. Decide on a meeting point and if they have a phone, make sure it’s fully charged so you can call them if you get separated.

J If you like to prepare for the

possible chance of rain, bring raincoats, not umbrellas. It won’t be much fun trying to hold a brolly and a child’s hand, particularly if you’re manoeuvring through the crowd!

CHILD’S PLAY: Sunday 28th August is children’s day at Notting Hill Carnival 2016

J If possible, avoid driving. You J Have don’t want to stress yourself out trying to find parking; you’ll kill the mood before you even arrive! Public transport is usually the more practical option.

J Have

money at the ready (change is more practical than big notes) for whistles, horns and snacks, as you’ll be hard pushed to find any cash machines along the route!

plenty of space on your phone so you can take lots of pictures.

J Be

J If

J Keep calm! Yes, carnival can

you’re taking a group of children, make sure there is more than one adult in the group to keep things under control.

prepared to carry little ones on your shoulders if necessary! be manic, particularly if you opt to take the little ones into the thick of it! If at any point it gets overwhelming, make your way to the sidelines, take a deep

breath and regroup!

J Be willing to get into the spir-

it. Perhaps invest in a carnival costume or mask for your child/ children; buy them a horn or whistle; let them have their face painted, etc. There’s no sense in going if you’re not prepared to have fun!

Dance Consortium presents

J If you have to bring a buggy,

arrive early and leave early, to avoid struggling with it through the crowd. But if you do find yourself in a hectic huddle, find a steward/police officer and get them to direct you to the closest exit.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

J Avoid parts of the route that JInvest get particularly busy, for example, the part of the route that leads up to Labroke Grove.

in noise cancelling headphones to protect your little one’s ears if the noise levels get too high.

Hear it now – don’t feel it later Carnival Arts & Masquerade Foundation offers tips on how to protect your ears from the noise levels at carnival The noise level is loud enough to cause damage if: • You have to shout to be heard.

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• You can’t understand someone who is speaking to you from more than two feet away.

• You experience ringing in your ears and hearing loss after exposure to loud sounds.

If you value your hearing: • Stay well away from speaker boxes, music trucks, steel bands or any other source of loud sounds.

What else can be done to avoid noise?

• Everyone (musicians, masqueraders and onlookers alike) are advised to wear ear protection if they are going to be exposed to loud sounds for long periods.

• When wearing ear protection, avoid areas with

“Sheer joy”

DANGEROUS DECIBELS: Be sure to protect your ears at carnival moving vehicular traffic, as their sounds will be muted.

• Ensure that children are kept away from loud sounds.

Time Out

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Carnival Special

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How much do you know about carnival?

From soca and ska to squashed tomatoes, test your knowledge with our carnivalthemed quiz

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1. In which city does Brazil’s world famous carnival take place?

2. Which fellow soca star is Trinidadian singer Fay-Ann Lyons married to?

3. Trinidad & Tobago Carnival occurs immediately after which period in the Christian calendar?

4. ‘La Tomatina’ is a festival where participants throw squashed tomatoes at each other in the streets. In which European country does it take place?

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5. Kadooment Day, Cohobblopot and Pic-O-De-Crop are features of which famous Bajan festival?

6. What is the name of the steel band competition that takes place every year at Notting Hill Carnival?

7. Complete the following line from the soca smash, Dollar Wine by Trinidadian band Taxi: Cent, Five Cent, Ten Cent, _ _ _ _ _ _ 8. Dubbed the ‘Calypso King of the World’, singer and guitarist Mighty

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Sparrow grew up in Trinidad, but in which Caribbean island was he born?

9. Which late ska/calypso artist founded the event, Bacchanal Jamaica?

10. What is the name of an integral part of Caribbean carnivals that sees revellers cover themselves in mud, paint or even chocolate?

ANSWERS:

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1 - Rio de Janeiro 2 - Bunji Garlin 3 - Lent 4 - Spain 5 - Crop Over 6 - Panorama 7 - Dollar 8 - Grenada 9 - Byron Lee 10 - J’ouvert

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