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Notting Hill Carnival Grooves
Contents 5 8 10
12
14
News Vox Pops Feature
Strange Fruit
Feature 2006 Carnival Winners
Feature
Mama Dat is Mas
Greta Mendez, Adjudicator
London Calypso Tent
Brown Sugar - Meet the London Calypso Monarch
16 18 20 22 24 26
30 31 32 35
Profile Feature Profile Carnival Knowledge Food & Drink Feature - Music What is soca?, charts & reviews
Caribbean Music Association Travel Information Carnival Route Map Pan
National Panorama Competition, 2006 Champions
Pepe Francis - Renaissance Pan Man
Derek Homer - Unsung Hero
37 37
41 47 49 52 54 55 58
Profile Profile Events African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust Mas Band Listings Steel Band Listings British Association of Sound Systems Sound System Listings Feature
Carnival Village
Carnival Reaches Olympic heights
60
62 63
Feature Watering Holes Along The Route Joys Of Sponsorship NHCG 2007 3
Notting Hill Carnival Grooves August 2007 Publisher & Editor Joseph Charles Sub-Editor Katie Segal Production Manager Lynette Ametewee Layout & Design: George Bageya, Joseph Charles and Katie Segal Contributors Words Lynette Ametewee, Adanna Austin, Ricky Belgrave, Dunstan Creavalle, Janelle Forrester, Martin Jay, Robbie Joseph, Just Delicious!, Lyndon LaCrette, Natasha Ofosu, Cassandra Peters, Michelle Richter, Katie Segal, Jeffrey Simon and Shabaka Thompson Pictures Jeff Hinds, Peter Hogan, Katie Segal and Stephen Spark Map Design Herman Brathwaite Researchers Natalie Joseph and Michelle Richter creative team Lynette Ametewee, Joseph Charles, George Bageya, Michael D. Williams advertising sales 08700 05 26 01 Sales Executive Reuben Joseph Special thanks to The Association of British Calypsonians, Notting Hill Mas Band Association, London International Carnival Mas Association, British Association of Steel Bands, British Association of Static Sound Systems, Caribbean Music Association, the London Notting Hill Carnival Limited Board, Transport for London, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and everyone who contributed their time and experience to this publication. Published By Joseph Charles Media, PO Box 13032, London, NW1 3WF. Telephone 08700 05 26 01 Facsimile 08700 05 26 02 E-mail info@socanews.com Website www.socanews.com
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The views expressed in Carnival Grooves are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. All material contained within this publication is the copyright of Joseph Charles Media. No material, written or photographic may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publisher. No liability will be accepted for any errors which may occur within the magazine.
News
Panorama heads to Hyde Park
Into the Park
Hyde Park is becoming even more of an integral part of Notting Hill Carnival this year, as Panorama, the steel band competition, moves into the park. Panorama was previously held at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance, off Kensal Road, in the heart of carnival territory. It is hoped that the move to the park and a more mainstream venue will open up the competition to new and wider audiences. Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, has for the last two years run a carnival showcase in the park on Carnival Monday. This year, London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, supported by the Mayor, will be hosting its inaugural Carnival Showcase, taking place on Carnival Sunday. There will be family activities and a children’s area, as well as live stage performances. KS
Junior Panorama
Junior Panorama began in 1988 at Kensington Memorial Park, and was run by Lee Woolford-Chivers; Prior to that, Lee had run workshops at Warrington School. During those days there were only two steel bands, Ebony and
Mangrove, competing against each other – although one year Burlington Danes High School also participated. As steel bands began to receive more help over the years, there came the opportunity to teach pan in schools. Now, when in their holidays the children would come and join up with steel bands, the bandleaders welcomed them, as now they didn’t have to teach them from scratch. Junior Panorama has grown over the years. There are usually around six bands competing, and the judges are designated by British Association of Steelbands (BAS). This year’s competition, which took place on Monday 13th August, was won by Croydon Steel, playing I Dare You, arranged by Paul Dowie; Eclipse came second, and Comets placed third. MR
Splash
Presented by the Notting Hill Mas Bands Association, this gem of London’s carnival season, which seems almost to have been kept a secret from the masses, provides an ideal opportunity to get a close-up, seated view of the masquerade costumes that will adorn the streets on Carnival Sunday and Monday.
At this colourful extravaganza, masqueraders will, in the true spirit of mas, attempt to bring their stunning costumes to life. Prizes will be awarded in age categories for Best King of Carnival, Best Queen and Best Male and Female costumes. This year’s show will also feature special performances to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. In addition, there will be face-painting and calypso storytelling for children, plus costume-making and steel band drumming workshops. Add to this a demonstration of the latest soca dance moves and a live musical performance, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect warm-up to London’s carnival! The Grand Carnival Costume Splash will be held at London’s Alexandra Palace on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th August. On Saturday, there will be workshops from 11am until 2.30pm, and show time is 3pm to 6pm; on Sunday, the show will start at 3pm and end at 8pm. Admission is £10 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and children, and £20 for a family of two adults and two children. For further
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News information, call 020 8969 4603. DC
Jerk Cookout Festival
In a (very) unscientific poll, 8 out of 10 people said that jerk chicken is the food of carnival. Organised in association with The Write Thing, the Tilda Jerk Cookout Festival, held in the grounds of the Horniman Museum in South London’s Forest Hill on 12th August, saw D&D Family Jerk win the prestigious Jerk Trophy. Celebrity judge Floella Benjamin, who sampled the winning cuisine, said that, “Her taste buds were tantalised!” Now in its second year, 15 vendors competed for the title. The stalls did their best to cope with the masses, who waited patiently in extremely long queues for a taste of this favoured cuisine. Jerk chicken has a special affiliation with Notting Hill Carnival, and you will be able to taste this prize-winning rendition for yourself, because D&D Family Jerk will be there. Their specialities include jerk chicken, jerk lamb and much more. For further information email ddjerk@hotmail.co.uk or telephone Carlito on 07932 509 588. DC
ABC Children’s Party
The Association of British Calypsonians (ABC) Children’s Party has been running for the past three years, and takes place every Carnival Saturday. The purpose is to teach young people, particularly those of Caribbean parentage, how to sing calypso, the art form which was the first music of the Caribbean. The organisers of the Junior Calypso Tent run workshops in schools, and came up with the idea of the party because children at the workshops were telling them that ‘young people do not sing calypso’. The organisers also began to encourage the Trinidad and Tobago Government to send junior
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calypsonians to the UK. There are 40 junior calypsonians, and around 200 people are expected to attend the event. There will be face painting at the party, as well as workshops teaching the children how to write calypso, giveaways and other fun activities. An eight piece band will present the Junior Calypso Show at the end of the day, when Junior Calypso Monarch and Black History Monarch Kiki B will be appearing. The children will be encouraged to sing about Black Heroes for Black History Month in October. They will name their topics and compose their own calypsos. The ABC Children’s Party is a free event held in Powis Square on Saturday 25th August, from 1pm until 6pm. It’s a great day out, as well as an opportunity for kids to find out about their, and others’, heritage. MR
Midnight Robbers: the Artists of Notting Hill
This exhibition, with a cluster of related events, invites everyone to share the carnival experience and find out more about both the roots of carnival and about the art form itself, exploring its remarkable development in the twenty first century. Presented by the Carnival Exhibition Group, an independent organisation, it takes place in The Gallery at City Hall, from 25th September through to October. In addition to a selection of costumes, the exhibition offers an exploration of processes, styles, new angles on traditions and insights on designing for carnival through photographs, designs, filmed interviews with carnival artists, carnival footage and a detailed timeline tracking carnival history. A key feature is the carnival interactive, which invites you to step into the street and check out carnival for yourself. All this, and a catalogue too. Like the Midnight
Robber character of traditional Trinidadian carnival, this exhibition aims to provoke your interest and engage you. Look out for the website coming soon or contact carnival.e.g@gmail.com for more information.
V&A Carnival
On Friday 21st September, the Victoria and Albert Museum continues its tradition of exploring aspects of carnival. You will have the chance to explore cultural, economic, political and spiritual themes related to slavery, oppression and freedom through Kalinda (Calinda), an early form of carnival that rose up out of plantations that grew cocoa, coffee, sugar cane and tobacco. You will be entertained by an explosive and impromptu audience parade around the museum with some of our carnival partners showcasing their 2007 costumes. Create costumes from recyclable materials, have your face and body painted, make masks and headdresses, learn dances and sing songs from the plantation and play instruments developed by slaves. There is also a trail tour of some of the museum’s objects connected to the transatlantic slave trade. This event will be recorded through film and photography and is in collaboration with Nzinga Dance, CETTIE, Yaa Asantewaa, East Potential and others to be announced. Go to www.vam.ac.uk or call 020 7942
For all the latest Notting Hill Carnival News visit
socanews.com
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Vox Pops
the crowd, notting hill 2006 “me me me! let me answer the question”
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Our roving reporter Dunstan Creavalle wanted to know why thousands of people come every year to the streets of Notting Hill, so he decided to ask a group of individuals the following question:
ELISA ANTOINE
LINDA THOMAS
VERNEL WALLACE
DANIEL
HEADLEY FRANCIS
JOANNE BENJAMINAGE
JANINE ANTOINE
What do you look forward to most at carnival
Travel Agent Age 29, Peckham One day of the year where everyone from different cultural backgrounds can come together and unite and enjoy the diverse culture, food and music of the Caribbean. IT’S CARNIVAL!
Lift & Escalator Inspector Age 45, Edmonton I actually get a buzz walking from the station and hearing all the whistles from the people excited before they hear any music. Plus the food and half naked women!
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Trainee Teacher Age 25, East Ham A time when people of Caribbean origin get together and celebrate with good food, music and freedom.
Teacher Age 36, Erdington, Birmingham I like seeing people dancing in their front yards and balcony, the jerk chicken sellers and of course seeing some outrageous costumes.
Student Age 16, Redbridge, Essex The main thing is the atmosphere; I like seeing everyone on the floats in their costumes. Dancing and being able to dance alongside them is a real bonus. The vibe is great and I always look forward to eating the jerk chicken and fresh corn cooked on the BBQ.
Painter & Decorator Age 25, West London The main thing I look forward to is the festivities. I like the way everyone gets together and the women and of course the food! It’s great to sample the different cuisines.
Student Age 12, Ilford, Essex I look forward to the music, dancing and the chicken! I always know I’m going to have a good time at carnival and I buy flags and whistles to remind me of it.
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Feature
Masquerade 2000
Female masquerader at Notting Hill Carnival 2006 10 NHCG 2007
Strange
Fruit Photo: Soca News Words: Natasha Ofosu
Notting Hill Carnival is a strange fruit, unlike anything borne so far by the carnival tree. Originally an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival, in its 43 years it has lost much resemblance to its mother plant. In an organic, somewhat haphazard way, it’s matured into an amalgam of diverse musical and cultural genres that gives it a unique international flavour.
Key elements of the Trinidad-style carnival remain, such as calypso and soca, steelpan and the parade of mas bands. It is here that we glimpse the enormous creative force that drives the heart and soul of the festival and has made it a launch pad for hundreds of artists, designers and musicians. But away from the parade route, which is the hub of carnival activities, you can sample anything from dub and ska to house, garage and hip-hop at static sound systems and live music stages. In effect, Notting Hill becomes party central come the August Bank Holiday weekend, and millions trawl the area in search of a good time. That feel-good factor has done a lot to fuel the growth into Europe’s largest street festival. Perhaps it’s close only to Glastonbury in being a festival where patrons consistently brave all kinds of conditions to enjoy what’s on offer. Added to that is its tremendous ability to weather all manner of storms itself. Neither riots nor police brutality; politicking nor organisational infighting; funding droughts nor financial scandals have conspired to snuff it out. And here is where the festival’s unsung heroes – die-hard carnivalists – deserve recognition for its longevity, because year-in, year-out, for little or no monetary gain, they produce the spectacle that draws the crowds in. But Notting Hill Carnival’s success is becoming its curse. Carnivalists say the non-traditional aspects of the festival lure onlookers away from the glory of the street parade. As a result, they don’t have much sweat equity to look
forward to. Then there’s the sheer size of the festival: a million people crammed along a 3.5 mile route, heavily restricted by police cordons, makes for merciless overcrowding and uncomfortable viewing. Gloria Cummins, an executive member of the Notting Hill Carnival Mas Bands Association, says: “It [the current route] doesn’t allow for expansion and growth. There aren’t any extra streets to expand into because the authorities are a little paranoid about the presence of carnival.” Cummins likens Notting Hill Carnival to a small bird that’s grown too large for its cage. But the bird owner refuses to upgrade the cage because of fears that he won’t be able to control the creature. “Whoever has to do it,” she says, “carnival needs a larger area in which to showcase the artform.” For now, the carnival route remains unchanged, with mas and steel bands snaking clockwise along Great Western, Westbourne Park and Chepstow Roads, then Westbourne Grove and ending in Ladbroke Grove. Sunday begins at dawn with J’Ouvert, before giving way to the children at around midday. Monday is devoted to adults, but many bands parade on both days. It’s worth reiterating that the best way to enjoy carnival is to join a costume band and play mas, rather than standing on the sidelines watching. “The road make to walk on carnival day,” calypsonian Lord Kitchener famously sang. And so it remains. For all its challenges and restrictions, nothing eclipses the heady excitement of Notting Hill Carnival.
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Feature
2006
Carnival Winners
calypso monarch finals
SMALL 1.Beeraahaar Sweet Combination, 2. Shademakers, 3.Jamboulay/Fusion Community Arts
Best Float 1. Fusion/Jamboulay
1. Brown Sugar, 2.Wen’D, 3.Helena B
Best Samba Band 1.London School of Samba, 2. Paraiso School of Samba, 3. Quilombo Do Samba
Traditional 1. Paddington Arts Elimu, 2. Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Club, 3. Tropical Isles
Best Traditional Bands 1. Paddington Arts Elimu, 2. Genesis Carnival Club, 3. Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Club, 3. People’s World
Fun/Fantasy 1.The Ruff Diamond Explosion, 2. Masquerade 2000, 3. St Clements and St James
Thursday 24th August 2006
pan
Saturday 26th August 2006 1.Ebony Steelband, 2.Stardust Steel Orchestra, 3.Southside Harmonics
mas
Sunday 27 & Monday 28 August 2006 Adult Bands of the Year LARGE 1. Yaa Asantewaa, 2. Mahogany 3. Masquerade 2000 MEDIUM 1. Paddington Arts Elimu, 2. Genesis Carnival Club, 3. Calabash Carnival Club
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Best Fun/Fantasy Bands 1. Masquerade 2000, 2. Burrokeets 3.Cocoyea. Best Historical Bands 1.Yaa Asantewaa, 2.Heritage Social Arts, 3.Flamingo Carnival Club Best Modern Contemporary Bands 1.Mahogany Carnival Club, 2. South Connections Carnival Club, 3.Calabash Carnival Club
Children Bands of the Year
Historical 1. Paddington Schools Carnival Band, 2. Heritage Social Arts, 3. Phoenix Carnival Band Modern Contemporary 1.Mahogany Carnival Club, 2. South Connections Carnival Club, 3.Flamboyan Carnival Club
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Feature
Quilombo de Samba
Female masquerader at Notting Hill Carnival 2006 14 NHCG 2007
Mama
dat is mas Photo: Soca News Words: Natasha Ofosu
If someone asked me to define mas, I would tell them unequivocally, “It is carnival, one and indivisible.” Without mas, carnival would lose it essence, its life and its appeal, for this visual spectacle is the heartbeat of the festival.
Mas, short for ‘masquerade’ or ‘masking’, is the art of costuming and mimicry which allows people to transform into something or someone out of the ordinary. Contrary to popular myth, it isn’t a modern or a Caribbean thing. Its roots are ancient, since masks have long had a ceremonial and spiritual function in African and Asian cultures. In more recent history, masquerade balls were a feature of European societies, for instance the Venetian ball tradition which still remains. Enslaved Africans in Trinidad, and throughout the Americas, fused elements of European culture with their own, giving birth to mas as know it today. If carnival is the theatre, then the street is the stage on which masqueraders perform. Known collectively as a band, they portray themes that are historical, current or totally fantastical. Costumes vary in size, texture and complexity, and a spectrum of colours provide the designers’ palettes. Far from being pretty show things, much of what you will see at Notting Hill represents a vast labour of love. Hours of unpaid toil, sweat, and some blood and tears too, go into creating the fabulous costumes that set our pulses racing and vie for the judges’ approval. At the Grand Carnival Costume
Splash there’s a taste of what’s on offer on the Bank Holiday weekend; this year it took place at Alexandra Palace on 18th and 19th August. This preamble to the street finale, organised by the Notting Hill Mas Bands Association, showcases the main individual and King and Queen costumes in the adult, children and teen sections of the mas bands. Traditionally, these represent the largest, most intricate and elaborate of the costumes in a band, and the Splash gives each masquerader the chance to show their designs to maximum effect. This year there was a VIP reception for a number of Caribbean high commissioners, mayors and cultural activists, and the Jamaica Military Band was amongst those providing entertainment on the Sunday. Up to 70 mas bands and thousands of revellers are set to unleash a creative storm on the streets of West London on 26th and 27th August. Expect a predominantly Africa-centred spectacle as the bands take their cue from carnival’s theme ‘Set All Free’, which celebrates the bi-centenary of the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Ultimately, freedom is what mas and carnival are all about. And, if you dare to enter that arena, the reward will be a profoundly liberating and memorable experience.
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Profile
greta medez
the woman in charge
Greta
Mendez
Adjudicator, notting hill carnival Words: Michelle Richter “Being an adjudicator at Notting Hill Carnival is a very focused job. It is a very intense day, and you have to be very disciplined. As Adjudicator, I am in charge of five judges. I have to collect the scores from all the different categories and sizes of mas bands which go past the judging point, and total them. The sizes are ‘small’, ‘medium’ and ‘large’, and the five categories are ‘Historical’, ‘Modern contemporary’, ‘Traditional’, ‘Fun and fantasy’ and ‘Samba’. Between 10am and 9pm there are very few breaks, because the bands keep coming fast and furious throughout the day; I only get to take a break when there are no bands coming through. My ambition is that by the time carnival has finished all the points are totalled, so at least on carnival day the bands know who has won which competition. You have to be very responsive to the bands passing and notice the reaction they get from the public, for instance whether there are excited people waving, while judging them. Before becoming an adjudicator I was a judge for many years - I find being a judge is easier. I became an adjudicator because I am passionate about the artform; I want to see it progress. These are the only two days in the year when people express themselves on the streets, so it is very important.
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There is a broad band of judges whom I have worked with, for instance: Yvonne Brewster OBE theatre company director Danny John-Jules actor Nina Baden-Semper actor Alexis Shepherd fashion designer Corinne Skinner-Carter actress Barbra Hunt veteran masquerader and mas costume-maker
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Feature
brown boy
currently performing at the London Calypso Tent 18 NHCG 2007
London
Calypso Tent Words: Lynette Ametewee
Like Xmas, we wait every year with anticipation for the last week of July. When many, like the Blairs, have flown to carnivals in Barbados, St Vincent, Antigua and Grenada, those of us staying behind with Queen Elizabeth make our way to the opening night of the Association of British Calypsonians Tent at Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre. For once, we got there early enough to buy a tasty roti and a drink, before finding our choice seats in the back with the troublemakers.
First, there was the opening speech from the host, Shabaka Thompson, who promised a great night of festivities. The patron, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Glenda Morean Phillips, next spoke, of, “Promising performances [tonight] that will lend warmth to the night.” With 24 newcomers on the bill, and the first year of the Groovy Soca Monarch Competition, there was something for all ages, and lovers of soca, ragga soca and, of course, sweet, sweet kaiso. Mr International, the new singing and swaying MC, kept the audience laughing all night. And who could forget the hard-working ABC band, the Soca Inspirations, the diligent engineer and all the ABC and Yaa staff. What really caught my eye was the wealth of promising young talent. Akima Paul, former Junior Monarch, was the most impressive; one song perfect for the Groovy Soca Monarch competition was the ragga soca duet from Cleopatra and Remo; Samantha Combie, singing the infectious Like Dis, would be a definite contender if we had a road march competition here, and I hope DJ’s will be playing this tune in the fêtes. And the men didn’t disappoint: we heard from Bajan newcomer Flare One, praising, “Fat gals and slim gals,” and a favourite from last year, G String, came with a strong tune. Young and emerging
talent was definitely a theme for this year, as the ABC band hosted two young musicians direct from Trinidad, and there are performances from the delightful Tenisha Weekes, Trinidad Junior Calypso Monarch 2007. What is the tent without Peace & Love, with his eclectic headgear and Sinatra dance steps, and The Mighty Tiger crooning a love ballad - this time surrounded by beautiful dancing girls. It promised to be a hotly contested competition this year, with 2006 Calypso Monarch Brown Sugar defending her crown against strong renditions from previous winners and finalists WenD, Helena B and Alexander D Great. Each year, the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC) showcases a calypsonian from Trinidad & Tobago. This year, gracing the stage was Brown Boy, brother of resident bard Lord Cloak. In Trinidad, during carnival season, you can find Brown Boy in one of the more well-known calypso tents. At Yaa, he was described as, “The greatest smut man in TnT,” and brought the house down, sending everyone home in stitches with his tongue-in-cheek pieces. I was already looking forward to the last three nights: Groovy Monarch on August 17th, Calypso Monarch on 23rd, and Finale on 24th August, at The Yaa Asantewaa Arts & Community Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, London, W9 2AN.
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Profile
Brown
Sugar
Meet the London calypso monarch Photo: Jeff Hinds Words: Cassandra Peters
Beverly Browne, more popularly known in UK calypso circles as Brown Sugar, is the 2006 London Calypso Monarch, and will be defending her title on 23rd August. Browne asserts that “Calypso music is no longer just for the older generation, it is now something which young people really enjoy. When I went to Trinidad to see the calypso, I enjoyed watching the kids perform with such confidence and thought it was great. The response from people was good, as it is not just for the likes of Sparrow. This music has definitely grown over the years.” Brown Sugar began competing in 2001 at Trinidad Central Bank, where she gradually rose from the position of second runner up to
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capturing the bank’s monarch title. However, it wasn’t until 2003, after moving to the UK, that she entered AJ’s Calypso Tent in Reading and discovered the London Calypso Tent at Yaa Asantewaa Arts Centre. “I’m from Trinidad, which is the home of calypso, and as a child I started singing gospel. I am heavily involved in the church and still sing, but calypso is something which I have grown to love,” said Browne. This May, Brown Sugar won the first Calypso Monarch competition in Reading, which recognised the emancipation of slaves and
the abolition of slavery. She also performed at Oxford Carnival 2007 - the first time that calypso was introduced to the stage there. And her ambitions now? In her words: “My future plans involve producing an album over here and working to ensure that calypso is more accessible to people in the UK, as well as working to see more calypso-inspired nights throughout the year.” Brown Sugar will be appearing at the London Calypso Tent at Yaa Asantewaa on Carnival Friday 23rd August.
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Carnival
Knowledge Words: Dunstan Creavalle
Preparation
Make sure you know at least three of the top carnival tunes, and as soon as you wake up on carnival day, listen to some party music to get you in the right mood.
Fuel
Have a substantial meal and plenty to drink before you leave your house so that you have maximum energy and some time before you need to refuel.
Image
Image is everything! Make sure you look good, that your clothing and footwear look the part, but that they are comfortable and suitable for the rigours of the occasion. Stilettos are not advised!
Essentials
A bandana and / or hat, maybe a small bag, flag, camera, whistle or preferably a horn, moisturiser, sunglasses, mobile phone, a cool hair cut or style and ... some ‘just in case’ money.
Carnival Spirit
Take a warm friendly smile and a positive attitude. Be ready to dance, dance, dance!
Plan B
Make sure you have one ready just in case your original plan fails. Spread your money around your body / clothing, just in case.
Try some carnival food
Indulge in some of the array of fine food available.
Truck
Don’t let the evening pass without finding a mas band to follow and a truck playing sweet soca music to ‘chip’ behind. 22 NHCG 2007
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Food & Drink
Food
Here are three recipes that should keep you going during carnival
Pelau
Spicy Wings
Fish Cakes
Ingredients: 2 lb rice 1/2 lb boneless chicken diced, or 1/2 lb boneless beef diced 1 tin green pigeon peas 1 tin coconut milk 1 carrot, grated 1 green Scotch Bonnet pepper 3 full tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 small branch fresh thyme 1 spring onion 1 clove garlic 1 Maggi cube 1 tablespoon butter chicken seasoning black pepper
Ingredients 24 chicken wings (tips off ) 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons mixed herbs 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning dried crushed chilli pepper tomato ketchup lemons salt butter
Ingredients 500 grms boneless salt fish 500 grms onions, finely chopped 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper ½ bunch fresh thyme (no stalks) 2 large Scotch Bonnet peppers 250 grms plain flour 250 grms self-raising flour 1 litre cooking oil
Method for seasoning: Finely chop the fresh thyme, spring onion and garlic. Add chicken seasoning, one pinch of black pepper and the Maggi cube. Mix the seasoning with the meat and leave to marinate for one hour. Method: Pour the oil into a large pot, then add the sugar. Keep stirring until it begins to get brown and bubbly. Quickly put the seasoned meat into the pot and leave to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring at intervals. When all the meat has browned, add the coconut milk and about 2 cups of water, the peas, grated carrot and butter. Allow to boil for 5 minutes, then add the rice. Place the pepper into the pot whole, and leave to simmer on a very low fire until all the water has boiled off and the rice is cooked. Recipe provided by Jeffrey Simon www.northernrange.com
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Method: Marinate the wings in lemon and salt for at least one hour. Wash the wings of marinade. Drain well. Place wings in a bowl and add all the other ingredients. Carefully add the chillies as to the desired heat, and add a dash of ketchup. Using your hands, rub everything together thoroughly. Cover, and leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes. When ready to cook, place on a baking tray and dab with butter. Place in oven at 200oC for 1 hour, turning at half time. Recipe provided by Just Delicious! at www.justdelicious.co.uk
Method Boil salt fish to get rid of excess salt. As water comes to the boil, remove from cooker, throw water off and refresh fish in cold water. Using fingers, shred the fish into small pieces into a mixing bowl. Finely chop the hot peppers. To the fish add the chopped onions, thyme and peppers, and mix well. Mix the two types of flour together, then add the flour into the fish mixture, a little at a time, adding water until a batter is achieved. In a deep frying pan or Dutch Pot, heat oil until it begins to sizzle (you can test by dropping in a bit of batter). Immerse a teaspoon into the hot oil, then put the spoon into the mixture taking some onto the tip, and put it into the oil. Continue dropping batter by this method until pan is full. Fry until golden brown, then remove from pan with a slotted spoon and place on a tray covered with paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Enjoy! Recipe provided by Just Delicious! at www.justdelicious.co.uk
Drink And here is a selection of drinks
Carib 1. First manufactured in 1950 2. Carib can be bought in many supermarkets and off licenses around the country 3. Carib Brewery, started by Caribbean Development Company Limited (CDC) 4. Country of origin is Trinidad and Tobago
Pimm’s 1. First manufactured in 1840 by James Pimm, in an oyster bar in London 2. Three million bottles are sold annually mostly in the summer months 3. Found in all major supermarkets, most pubs and any Thresher shops 4. Manufactured by Diageo 5. Country of origin is London, UK
D&G Ginger Beer 1. First manufactured when in the 1970s 2. Eight million cans are produced & sold annually 3. Ginger beer is available in all major supermarkets, Ting and sodas can be found in most independent and ethnic trade outlets 4. The drink is manufactured by Cott Beverages
Cockspur Rum 1. Established in 1884 2. In the UK, 25,000 cases are sold each year 3. Can be found mainly in Asda and Somerfield supermarkets, plus many off licenses and in duty free 4. Distributed by Blavod 5. Country of origin is Barbados
5. Country of origin
Please use alcohol sensibly. Go to drinkaware.co.uk.
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Music SOCA
machel montano hd
one of the bigggest Soca stars in the world 26 NHCG 2007
Soca? What is
Words: Adanna Austin & Katie Segal
During the 1970s, the popularity of calypso waned, and what took its place was a more lively, up-tempo kind of music. Soca was influenced by gospel music, Indian instruments, funk, African spirituals and reggae. Soca, unlike calypso, is more concerned with people having a good time.
The musical lyrics of great artists, such as Ras Shorty I’s Endless Vibrations and Soul of Calypso, helped to make soca music international by 1974. He experimented with Indian instruments such as the dhantal, tabla and dholak to belt out the first stream of soca music. In the beginning, like calypso, soca was used to provide social commentary and humour, but soon the more risqué business of wining and jamming took over the new sound. Many argue that the lyrics of soca are less appealing than its contemporary, calypso, but needless to say it took over the streets and is more widely played now than calypso, except in the calypso tents. In many ways, soca is to calypso what dancehall is to reggae, with the former being more about partying and the latter relating to society and its issues. Like all other music, people have experimented with soca over the years to produce hybrids such as ragga soca, chutney soca, rapso and even soca parang. Some of the great soca artists are Machel Montano, Shadow and Super Blue, whose music is now internationally known and who have allowed Trinidadian artists to become recognised as international entertainers. Artists and bands from other islands, particularly Barbados, have also become huge stars, for instance Burning Flames from Antigua and Krosfyah and Alison Hinds from Barbados. More recently, Kevin Lyttle from St. Vincent had a crossover hit with Turn Me On, which was in the UK charts for some time, increasing the exposure of soca to the masses. Fireball’s What I Want and Machel’s One More Time are currently looking poised to follow in its footsteps.
So now that you have read about soca, all that is left now is to buy the music.. • • • • • •
Radio
www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra ChoiceFM: 96.9 & 107.1FM in London www.soca919.com Hot96: 96.3FM in London Beat 101.9FM
Shops
Webster’s Record Shop Tel: 020 8740 4651
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Body Music Tel: 020 8802 0146
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Selectors Music Emporium Tel: 020 7771 2011
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Music Specialists Tel: 020 8672 6158
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Online
www.faluma.com
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Music Road March, in the Caribbean, is won by the song most played on the road at carnival. There is no such competition in London, but Notting Hill Carnival Grooves’ Michelle Richter caught up with a few popular radio and fête DJs and asked them: “If we had a Road March Competition at Notting Hill Carnival, which songs would be in the running?”
Soca Chart 1. Jumbie Machel Montano 2. Down De Road Machel Montano 3. Spread the Love Dawg E Slaughter 4. Get Wild Olatunji Yearwood 5. Make Ah Stage Fay-Ann Lyons 6. Dutty Blacks 7. Quad Bike Red Hot Flames 8. Can’t Wait Lil Rick 9. Cold Sweat Crazy 10. One More Time Machel Montano 11. Roll it Gal Alison Hinds 12. Soka Junkie Mr Dale 13. Pressure Boom Ricky T 14. I Dare You Destra 15. We Nah Going Home Biggie Irie Chart by: Mike Forbes (Roots FM 95.4FM, Thurs 6–8pm. Sat 2–4pm), DJ Kili (Trendsetter Machine, Lynx 87.6 FM Sat 4-6pm), DJ Rebel, Sugar K, DJ Tyrone & Zoomer D.
have a sing along
Here’s one tune that you will most definitely hear on the streets of Notting Hill. So take a sip of rum and begin learning the words...
Soca Junkie Mr Dale
Intro Get yuh bottle and spoon and come..….Roll call…..Soka Junkie…..come leh we go Junkie Chant Tong Tong ting tong tonka ting ting ting tong ting tong Tong Tong ting tong tonka ting ting ting tong ting tong Tong Tong ting tong tonka ting ting ting tong ting tong Tong Tong ting tong tonka ting ting tong
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CHORUS Addicted to de partying – ah hope it never dun Addicted to de wining – all man pun a woman Addicted to de jumping – flag in me hand and waving I’m a soka junkie yeah yeah Verse 1 Wherever soka music playin – we dey Flags swaying – we dey Drinks sharing – we dey We partying for today today Good vibes flowing – we dey Nuff love showing – we dey De Ladies glowing – we dey Kadooment Day – for sure we dey Carnival Monday – you know we dey Pun Eastern Parkway we dey we dey we deyyyyy CHORUS Addicted to de partying – ah hope it never dun Addicted to de wining – All man pun a woman Addicted to de jumping – Flag in me hand and waving I’m a soka junkie yeah yeah Addicted to de liming – Until I see de sun Addicted to de grinding – All woman find a man No need for no attorney your honour I am guilty I’m a soka junkie yeah yeah Junkie Chant Verse 2 Well if jouvert bells ringing – we dey Mud flinging – we dey Kaiso singing – we dey We celebrate for today today Titechoonz blazing – we dey Costumes amazing – we dey Rags and flags raising – we dey Miami – for sure we dey Notting Hill City –you know we dey Vincy – we dey we dey we deyyyyy CHORUS Junkie Chant Lock me up and throw way de damn key No need to try me ah guilty For soka music ah hungry hungry hungry Wukkin up have tuh kill me Cuz I aint leaving dis party Ah come here to F E T E F E T E Junkie Chant CHORUS Junkie Chant
Albums for your collection
Here are some of the albums that any decent soca fan should have in their collection forgrt about bogus CDs with the 1 soca tune and enjoy...
soca city
soca 101 vol 4 various artists
This is a great compilation album from Grenada, a place that is full of talent and good music, though of late has had a very poor record when it comes to marketing its own music. Soca City features over 20 tracks by a big array of both well known artists and newcomers. Ajamu, Sheldon Douglas and Tallpree are all crown-winning artists from Grenada who have been churning out big songs for a long, long time. Soca Banton was the 2006 Road March King of Grenada, though still relatively new to the scene, and there are new names like Pupa Leendi, Jamarlie and Luni Electrify. The songs on this album are of a good standard, with a couple of gems that stand out. The way it has been marketed also sets a precedent in Grenada. This is a no-brainer: if there is one album you should get from Grenada Carnival 2007, Soca City Vol. 1 is it.
From many classic soca compilations on the market, Soca 101 Vol 4 stands out as one of the best ever, full of variety and tracks that really make you say, “Eh eh, I ain’t hear dis one in years”. Whoever compiled this obviously put some thought into it, and selected some obvious candidates and some obscure, to give the album a nice balance. Kassav’s Zouk La Se Sel opens the batting, and provides the ideal start to an innings. This zouk anthem is recognisable instantly, and is a tune that many people have heard but might not have had the opportunity to own before now. Bajan Speedy had a nice track in the mid 90s called Don’t Jam Me, and this is a good example of a less obvious track finding a well-deserved place. Arrow’s Columbia Rock, Superblue’s Soca Baptist and Burning Flames’ Workey Workey are more examples of the variety in this set. Good value for money is important, and this album is a bargain for soca music lovers. There are songs from the 80s and 90s, and some of them will be missing from your collection. This is a great album, well done VP.
various artists
Reviews written by Martin Jay Sundays 8pm-10pm on Choice 96.9/107.1FM
the return of the monsta
various artists
For several years now, Peter Coppin has produced an annual compilation album to coincide with Cropover in Barbados. Massive hits like Jump, Insomnia, and By the Bar have all come from previous of his Monsta Piece compilations. 2007 is Return of The Monster: Mr Coppin back to his best and firing on all cylinders. Two colossal tracks from ‘The Chihuahua Man’ Lil Rick can be found on this year’s album. The first is Can’t Wait, a definite Road March contender, and then there’s Conch, a song that will go down as a classic. Mikey and Lorenzo collaborate on the track C.L.A.P., Khiomal Nurse sings sweetly about the Bumper Buffet, and look out for a new name in the Monsta Piece camp, Mr Gregory Ayeun; he looks good, and his voice is too sweet! All in all, this album is of the high standard that you would expect from a Monsta Piece album. It is aptly named, and I haven’t even mentioned the array of international artists who feature, such as TOK, Anthony B, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and the homegrown General Edwin Yearwood.
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Caribbean Music
Association
Caribbean Music Association (CMA) is one of the five artistic arenas which make up Notting Hill Carnival. It is the official body for mobile music played on the road at the carnival, and covers all relevant categories including DJs, live bands and pre-recorded music. CMA promotes Caribbean music in all its forms. Organisation members consists of DJ’s, sound systems and bands working with musicians, singers, artists or anyone involved in the artform. They can also offer expertise, knowledge and experience to other carnival events where music is required on carnival floats, utilising their experience, knowledge and their established ‘on the road’ code of practice. This year, CMA has over 65 DJs, sound systems and bands playing on the road at Notting Hill Carnival. For further information, email info@cma-uk.org.uk CMA - DJ NAME/SOUND SYSTEM/BAND MAS BAND AUC Sound Company A.U.C Mas Band Black Roots High Priest 48 Black Roots Phoenix Carnival Band Calvary Sound / Tippa Audio Visions Mas Cocoyea Soca Army (Che In The Mixx) Cocoyea D J Redz People’s World Daddee Samson Chats Palace Daddee Samson Sound System BeeraaHaar Damien Nathaniel/ Sonic Sounds Oxygen DJ Desi D Stardust Mas DJ Kaos-Realtyme Entertainment Dragons DJ Markee / Gladiator Sound System Poison UK DJ Vern / AUC Sound System DUKA “Mas Dominik UK” Elite Sounds La Trinity ESS EST Twilight M2K Fats Genesis Fox Carnival Band Fox Carnival Band Fusion HiPower Jamaican Twist Heritage Roadshow Heritage Social Arts and Dance Horniman Posse TnT Mudders Hot Wax YAA / Paddington Schools Image - DJ Henery Kuumba Carnival Band Image - Slim and Trim Image Carnival Club Lagniappe PA Lagniappe Live A Light The Bride Lucian Inc Unity Mas Lyrical Louis B Dark Inspirations M2Powerbase M2K Mahogany Mahogany Carnival Club Majestic 64 Majestic Carnival Band Majestic Sounds Calabash
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Master T Stardust Mas Mike Forbes Burrokeets Mister T Invaders Mas Mr Fixit Jamboulay Myxterious / Tune Raidazz Flamboyan Nostalgia Lewquash One Entity Barbados Carnival Committee P.O.S.S Perpetual Odyssey Paraiso School of Samba Paraiso School of Samba Positive Sounds Positive Productions/Winds of Change QT2HYPE Mangrove Band Ricky D Fusion Community Arts Saga Boys Shademakers Savannah Experience Fusion CCA Smokey Joe Arawak Soca Hurricane Paddington Arts Soca Massive Cocoyea Sonic Sounds Bacchanalia Sound Good M2K South Connections Road Warrior South Connections Sugar K Burrokeets The Godfather Calabash Titanic Sound People of Paradise Trinbago Inspiration Arts Trinbago Trinbago Mas Band Trystar Soundwaves The Mash Carnival Mas Band Unique Touch Sound Urban Touch Visions Children & Parents Carnival Association / Visions Mas Youthology Youthology Zoomer D Dr Hyde UK
Travel
Information Provided by Transport For London
Make the most of the carnival
Get ready for a weekend bursting with vibrant colour, summer sounds and exotic tastes at the sensational Notting Hill Carnival – the biggest of its kind in Europe. The easiest way to travel there and back is by bus or Tube – but be aware that crowds and road closures could slow you down. This page provides helpful information to ensure your experience is not overshadowed by hold-ups or hazards.
Tube services Check before you travel The Tube is being transformed by a longterm programme of upgrades. Most of the work takes places at weekends, and some stations and sections of line need to be closed. Please check before you travel. Sunday 26 August Stations in central London will be open as on a normal Sunday except those in the Carnival area. Normal services will run on all lines. Bank Holiday Monday 27 August Stations in central London will be open as on a normal Saturday except Ladbroke Grove, which will be closed. Normal Saturday services will run on all lines except the Central line, where extra trains will run on all sections, and the Hammersmith and City line, where extra trains will run on some sections. Stations in the Carnival area Please note that for safety reasons some stations may close temporarily if they become overcrowded. It may be worthwhile waiting until the station reopens rather than finding an alternative station.
Ladbroke Grove
Station closed on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
Latimer Road
On Sunday and Monday the station will close at 2330.
Notting Hill Gate
Sunday 26 August: The station will be ‘exit only’ between 1200 and 1900. Bank Holiday Monday 27 August: There will be no interchange between the Central and Circle/District lines. The station will be ‘exit only’ between 1200 and 1830. The Circle and District lines will not stop from 1200 to 1900.
Royal Oak
Bus services
Bus routes 7, 18, 23, 27, 28, 31, 36, 52, 70, 94, 148, 295, 316, 328 and 390 all run close to the Carnival festivities. We’ll be running many extra buses, especially on Monday evening, to get you home quickly and safely. Two special limited stop bus routes (36X and 436X - see below for details) will be running between south London and the Carnival.
On Sunday and Monday the station will be ‘exit only’ between 1100 and 1800. After 1800 the station will close and Hammersmith & City line trains will not stop at this station.
Night Buses N7, N18, N28, N31, N36, N52 and N207 will operate throughout Sunday night and Monday night. Additional buses will operate on some routes.
Westbourne Park
Additionally, bus routes 6, 15, 187, 205, 220, 274, 414 and 436 all operate within a comfortable walking distance.
On Sunday and Monday the station will be ‘exit only’ between 1100 and 1800. The station will close at 2330.
Bayswater
On Monday it may be advisable to use this station as Circle/District line trains will not stop at Notting Hill Gate. Paddington Hammersmith & City line On Sunday and Monday it may be advisable to use this station instead of Notting Hill Gate/ Royal Oak as both these stations will have diversions.
Other stations
Other stations near to the Carnival: High Street Kensington, Holland Park and Queen’s Park. 4
From first bus on Sunday morning, all day Bank Holiday Monday and until about 03.00 on Tuesday morning, bus routes 7, 18, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 187, 295, 316, 328, 390, 414, N28, N31, N36 and N52 will be diverted or disrupted owing to road closures in the carnival area. There are changes to most of the bus routes which go close to the carnival area, including diversions, limited routes and hours, and some extra, temporary stops.
For more information about all of these, please check the Transport for London website at www.tfl. gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnews/realtime/buses/default.html or telephone (020) 7222 1234.
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Pan
National Panorama
Competition Photo: Soca News Words: Robbie Joseph
This year, on Saturday 25th August, the UK pan fraternity celebrates the 29th Anniversary of the Notting Hill Panorama ‘Champions of Steel’ competition. In 1964, Rhaune Laslett, the organiser of the inaugural Notting Hill Children’s Neighbourhood Festival, invited the Russell Henderson Steelband to perform there. Steel band music was the first recognised form of music to appear at the carnival, and continues to play an important rôle in what is now termed the largest street festival in Europe (and arguably second in the world only to Brazil’s carnival). The first National Steel Band Competition was held in 1978, and was won by Paddington Youth Steel Orchestra, led by Zac Herbert. This annual, national steel band musical battle sees top UK bands vying for the coveted title of the Notting Hill ‘Champions of Steel’ with vast reserves of enthusiasm and vigour. The audience will witness nine steel orchestras, in total over 500 pan musicians, who practice for hundreds of hours and play thousands of pan instruments on the night. It will be an explosion of sweet steel pan music, ringing out calypso and soca renditions from the past and the present. The audience will be awed when hit by these inspiring musical pieces, which will leave them swaying from side to side in unison. Steel pan is the perfect machinery to promote unity in diversity; you only have to take a look
around the pan yards to realise that. Over the past four years, the UK pan fraternity has seen an influx of young ‘local’ pan arrangers develop into established musicians, and also win the coveted title. Kyron Akal is one of these rising stars; other young and talented arrangers include Brent Holder, Leroy Clarke, Paul Dowie, Carlene Etienne, Chris Storey, and joining them for 2007 is gifted Samuel DuBois, who will be arranging for Ebony Steel Orchestra. These young arrangers will certainly have a musical war on their hands when they come up against the likes of world-renowned steel band arrangers Len Boogsie Sharpe, Rudy ‘Two Lef’ Smith and Eustace Benjamin. The venue this year is Hyde Park, a move from the previous location in Kensal Road, Ladbroke Grove, where the National Panorama competition has been held for many years. That the competition is being held in such an iconic venue will certainly benefit the artform, and it will continue to offer its audience an evening filled with a wealth of steel band music. The British Association of Steelbands would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable carnival 2007.
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Pan
2006 Champions Words: Michelle Richter
1 2 3
Ebony Steel Orchestra
Ebony Steel Orchestra was established in 1968. They have won many accolades over the years, including winning first place at the European Steel Band Festival in 2002 and coming third at the World Steel Band Festival finals, held in Trinidad in 2002; they have also won Notting Hill Panorama a record-breaking 15 times, with nine consecutive wins. Ebony have performed at many impressive events and venues over the years, recently in places like Buckingham Palace, an annual event, at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany, and in Delhi, India, to launch the International Cricket World Cup; they also make regular tours worldwide. Ebony were the first black organisation in the UK to receive the Royal Charter Queens award for their voluntary work. In 2006, Ebony won Panorama by a phenomenal 18 points, playing Colours Again, arranged by Anise ‘Halfers’ Hadeed. This year they will be playing Sharing Licks, arranged by Samuel DuBois.
Stardust Steel Orchestra
Stardust Steel Orchestra was established in 1983 by Mr Randolph Baptiste. They are based in Acton, West London. Stardust is a youth and family-oriented band, and they are not only a carnival band as they practice throughout the year. Stardust also came second in Panorama 2005, when they played This One’s for You Bradley by Ronnie McIntosh and Boogsie Sharpe, arranged by Brent Holder. This year, players from other steel bands in the north eastern region of the UK will come and join them for Panorama; they will be playing Sharing Licks, arranged by Brent Holder.
Southside Harmonics Steel Orchestra
Southside Harmonics Steel Orchestra was established in 1979 and used to be called Lambeth Youth Steel Band. They recently performed at the Trafalgar Square Steel Bands Jamboree, in which they take part every year. They have also played for many influential people such as Nelson Mandela, various members of the Royal Family, and at the parliamentary reception in 2004 celebrating Notting Hill Carnival’s 40th anniversary. They have won the Notting Hill Carnival ‘On the Road’ competition in many other years including 1994 and 1995, and took third place in Panorama 2005 and 2006. In 2006, their tune for Panorama was Musical Treat, arranged by Eustace Benjamin.
British Association of Steelbands
The British Association of Steelbands (BAS) was established in December 1995 to represent British steelbands and to further the musical, artistic, educational and social aspects of this art. Membership is open to all steelbands in Britain, as well as to individual members and other interested parties. It assists with the provision of training in arranging, playing / performing, management, administration, marketing, publicity and fundraising relating to the artform, and provides information on all aspects of steelbands and steelpans. BAS also has a remit to promote the history, culture and music of the steelpan, as well as to showcase the music by organising concerts. They also publish Pan Podium, the only magazine dedicated to the steelpan artform and its promotion, which has its own website at www.panpodium.com. The organisation is funded by Arts Council of England.
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Profile
Pepe
Francis Renaissance pan man Pepe Francis is the director of both the Ebony Steelband Trust and Ebony Steelband. Pepe has been involved in the world of steelpan since the age of eight, in Trinidad, and in 1967 he, along with a handful of steelpan lovers, founded Ebony. Since the early days he has worked tirelessly to promote steelpan music, and it roots with carnival, across the UK and beyond. Pepe has overcome many hurdles while promoting steelpan music, and is one of the UK’s leading authorities regarding steelpan and carnival. He has lent his knowledge and vast experience to many of the steelpan and carnival committees in the UK, and has also been instrumental in setting up a number of steelpan projects and steelbands across the country. Currently Chairman of the British Association of Steelbands (BAS) and Chair of the Executive Committee for Carnival Arts (ECCA), Pepe is a very busy man. Apart from his work on committees for the promotion of
steelpan and carnival, he does extensive work within his own organisation, Ebony Steelband Trust. This has led to Ebony being the first voluntary organisation, as well as the first black-led organisation, to receive the Queen’s Award from HRH Queen Elizabeth II. The award was given for voluntary work with young people, and Pepe himself was awarded the Mayor’s Award in February 2007 from the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, for his work within the community. Ebony Steelband, led by Pepe, are true champions among champions, representing the UK at the European Steelpan Festival 2000/02 and at the World Steelpan Championships in Trinidad 2000/02, where they were ranked third in the world. In recent years, Ebony has won the Notting Hill Carnival Panorama Competition a staggering 15 times (nine years consecutively), and are the current reigning champions.
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Profile
Derek
Homer Unsung hero Photo: Katie Segal Words: Michelle Richter
Derek Homer is a remarkable musician who has contributed to the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC) calypso tent for the past 15 years. Michelle Richter went to Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre to interview him. When did you start playing? I started playing as a kid at 6 years old. What influenced you to become a musician; what brought you into the band? My father, Len Homer, was the band leader for Homeless Odyssey, a big calypso band in the 1980s. At ten years old I went to the Purcell School of Music, from 1984 to 1992. I later went to the University of Surrey where I studied music; I specialised in classical training, and got my music degree. What position did you start playing; has this changed, and in what ways, over the years? I started off filling in for the keyboard player at ABC. Now I am not just a keyboard player, I also do directing, arranging and songwriting. I explain things to the performers, like different phrases that go with different types of music, for example jazz into calypso, and in a way that they can understand. How was the tent when you first started? In terms of the number of artists, the quality of music, and
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attendance figures. It has grown consistently over the years; this year is the biggest year in terms of singers. There is a lot of homegrown talent. The quality of music has always been good, but now there are more actual Trinis rather than people who grew up here. In the older days there was more kaiso music, where as now it is more diverse, for instance there is more ragga soca and groovy soca. The audience has remained constant over the years, opening night is always very busy. We have always had a good following. You have worked with many different artists. Who is your favourite artist that and why? There is no one person who stands out. I have written for many people: Baron, Chalkdust, Soca Elvis, as well as British singers. Have you toured other carnivals in the UK or overseas with the band? We used to play at carnivals around Britain, like Birmingham, Notting Hill, Luton and Portsmouth and Huddersfield, but not as much as I would like. ABC’s goal is to increase exposure in the UK. When do you start practising for carnival? We practice all through July, although I start writing music from as early as March right through to October.
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Events
Friday 17th August Association of British Calypsonians
London Calypso Tent / Groovy Soca Monarch
On Fridays 17th and 24th and Thursday 23rd August, the place to be is the London Calypso Tent, where Wen D, Helena B, Cleopatra, Peace & Love, Lord Cloak, Brown Sugar, and the rest of the UK’s calypsonians will be vying for the audience’s approving cries of “Kaiso!” Guests include T&T Junior Calypso Monarch delightful Tanisha Robert and Brown Boy from Trinidad. Brown Sugar will be defending her title at the London Calypso Monarch Finals on Thursday 23rd August. Last year’s final was so popular that the gates closed before the show began, so arrive early if you want a place in the hall, let alone a seat. All the calypsonians return to the Yaa stage 24 hours later for the final night of the tent. @ Yaa Asantewaa Arts & Community Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, London, W9 2AN. Price: £8 adv, plus concession, £10 at the door. Time: 8pm. Tel: 020 7286 1656 Projam Promotions & Represent Club
Pre Carnival - Soca Soakin
@ Andy’s & MC Wine Bar, 51 Camberwell Road, London, SE5 0EZ. DJs: Cappachino, DJ Bliss, Soca P, Triple M, DJ Scooby, DJ Tate. Price:
£5 if ‘reppin’ in yuh country colours or on guest list, o/w £7. £2 discount b4 12pm. Call for guest list, it closes at 2am. Time: 10pm till u cyar wine again!! (No entry after 4am). Tel: 07961 841 929 / 07908 725 015
Saturday 18th August Notting Hill Mas Bands Association
Grand Carnival Costume Splash - Children’s Day
The Grand Carnival Costume Splash, hosted by the Notting Hill Mas Bands Association (NHMBA), puts on stage some of the best and biggest carnival costumes. Saturday is dedicated to children’s mas, and Sunday to the adult costumes. It’s a great chance to appreciate the designers’ triumphs and the masmakers’ skills from the comfort of a seat. Although it lacks carnival’s usual accompaniments of billowing barbecue smoke and discarded chicken bones, the Splash is still very informal, as band members trade gossip and children race around the huge hall. Other attractions include craft and community stalls, face-painting and mask-making @ Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, London, N22. Price: £10 adults, £5 senior citizens / children, £20 family (2+2). Time: 11am-2:30pm & 3pm -6pm. Travel: Tube/train to Finsbury Park, then bus. Tel: 020 8969 0700 / 07986 761 854
Sunday 19th August Notting Hill Mas Bands Association
Grand Carnival Costume Splash - Kings, Queen & Individuals
@ Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, London, N22. Price: £10 adults, £5 senior citizens/children, £20 family (2+2). Time: 3pm-8pm. Tel: 020 8969 0700 / 07986 761 854. (see 18th August) Glamourous Entertainment
SUNDAY SOCA FLAVAS!! Launch & Pre-Carnival Warm Up Pt.1
@ Glamour Lounge, 291 Kirkdale, Sydenham, SE26 4QS. DJs: Soca P, DJ Scooby, Tammy G & other guest djs on rotation. Price: Free b4 12am. Time: 8pm-2am. Tel: 07932 878 520 / 07985 422 598
Thursday 23rd August Association of British Calypsonians
London Calypso Tent / Calypso Monarch Finals
@ Yaa Asantewaa Arts & Community Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN. Price: £8 tickets advance, plus concession / £10 at the door. Time: 8pm. Tel: 020 7286 1656. (see 17th August)
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Events Specialist Entertainment
SOCALICIOUS 2007
@ Tudor Rose, 68 The Green, Southall, Middlesex, UB2. DJs: Ishmael D Demolition Man (Trinidad & Tobago), Simply Smooth (Grenada), Foreign Bass (New York), Zoomer D, D.Tee, DJ Tyrone & Trendsetters (UK). Price: £15. Time: 11pm-5am. Tel: 07786 753 011
carnival Friday 24th August PoisonUK
Machel Montano HD ReZZarek
@ Hammersmith Apollo, Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH. Price: £30 early bird, £35 regular & £50 VIP (includes access to the after party). Time: 7pm. Tel: 020 7193 5859 PoisonUK
Next Level After Party
@ SEOne Club, 41-43 Weston Street, SE1. Price: £10. Time: 11pm-late. Tel: 020 7193 5859 Association of British Calypsonians
London Calypso Tent / finale
@ Yaa Asantewaa Arts & Community Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN. Price: £8 tickets advance, plus concession / £10 at the door. Time: 8pm. Tel: 020 7286 1656. (see 17th August)
Carnival Saturday 25th August British Association of Steelbands
Panorama
There’s no sound on earth that can compete with the power and the glory of a big steel orchestra in full flow at Panorama, the UK’s national steelband championship. This year it’s in Hyde Park for the first time, so come along and be part of a revolution! Arrive early, then wait for the tingtingting that starts off another spinetingling display of artistry in steel. The passion of the flag-waving crowd ensures the atmosphere is often electric, and the new venue should provide extra wattage. There be food and drinks (though not alcoholic ones) on sale. You haven’t truly been to carnival if you’ve never been to
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Panorama. The following bands will compete to be Panorama Champion 2007: Glissando, Pantasia Steel Band, Real Steel, Southside Harmonics, Stardust, Metronomes, Ebony Steel Orchestra, Croydon Steel Orchestra and Mangrove Steel Band. @ Hyde Park. Price: free. Time: 4pm-9pm. (sound systems shut down at 7pm). Travel: Tube to Marble Arch / Hyde Park Corner. Cocoyea
After Panorama Lime
@ Ion Bar, 161-165 Ladbroke Grove, W10 6HJ. DJs: Che in the Mixx, Manny Norte from KissFM & Lyrical Louix. Price: £5. Time: 9pm-late. Tel: 020 8960 1702 Ebony Steelband
After Panorama Jam
@ Stables Way, Latimer Road, W10 6UG. DJs: Soca Massive, DJ Makili. Price: £10. Time: 10pm-late. Tel: 020 7792 1418 DUKA - DONA DNDDF - RCP
Mas Dominik UK - The Caribbean carnival jam
@ Camden Centre, Euston Road, WC1. Live Acts: De Hunter, Swingin Stars & Dice. MC: Franklyn Moses. DJs: Mr Mention, DJ Cut, Lucian Rebel & DJ Vern. Price: £22.50. Time: 10pm-4am. Tel: 07712 894 518 / 020 8992 0142. Poison UK
All Inclusive
Children’s day
Tiny tots to teens are the stars of Notting Hill Carnival’s Children’s Day, jumping up and wining down to the year’s hottest soca hits. You’ll also see and hear some of the steelbands and see a few adult t-shirt and J’Ouvert bands. There’s no need to go hungry, as carnival’s food stalls could cater for the population of an entire Caribbean island. Maximise your enjoyment by travelling light; carry just enough, walk with a smile and leave your worries behind. @ area bounded by Harrow Rd (N), Chepstow Rd (E), Notting Hill Gate (S) and Ladbroke Grove (W). Price: free. Time: 11am7pm. TA&D
hot & groovy / carnival fete
@ Loom Bar, 5 Clipstone Street (off Great Portland Street), WC1. DJs: Adri X, Tyrone & DTee. Price: £5 b4 10pm, £7 thereafter. Time: 9pm-late. Tel: 07930 491 323 LNHC Ltd
Notting Hill Carnival Showcase 2007
@ Hyde Park. Live Acts: Levi Roots, Gailann, Roger George, Jr Don, John Blood, Nicholai LaBarrie, Anslem Douglas, Colin Bell & surprise guest artists. Price: free. Time: 11am-7pm. Ion Bar
After Curfew Party
@ Little Croft Manor, Radlett WD7 7LT. Live Acts: David Rudder and his band, Roger George & The Soca Princess . DJs: Tweze and Radio Active’s Hoppy from Trinidad, DJ Markee & Gladiators Sounds. Price: £55. Time: 4pm-11pm. Tel: 020 7193 5859
@ Ion Bar, 161-165 Ladbroke Grove, W10 6HJ. Price: £7 includes entry all day, available from no. below or ionbar@vpmg.net. Time: daytime for relaxation; night time for partying. Tel: 020 8960 1702
Cou Cou & Flying Fish
Anse-La-Raye / Canaries St Lucia Associations
soca train (jouvert jam)
@ Tudor Rose Night Club, 68 The Green, Southall, Middlesex, UB2. Featuring Live: Lil Rik (Barbados), Zoelah (St Vincent). DJs: DJ Bajie, DJ Cutt, QT 2HYPE, Lucian Rebel, DJ Matthew. special guest DJ Lewis. Price: £17. Time: 11pm-late. Tel: 07930 491 323
Sunday 26th August Notting Hill Carnival
Carnival Jam
@ Granville Hall, Granville Road, NW6. DJs: Active Force, Manna Sound. Price: £10 adv, £12 door. Time: 8pm-late Menm Biten Menm Bagay (MBMB)
London Carnival Zouk Party 2007
@ SE One Club, 41-43 Weston Street, London, SE1. DJs: DJ Almighty, Zouk Beat, DJ Cass, Ninjaman Lloyd. Price:
NHCG 2007 43
Events £10 MBMB members only £12 adv, £15 door. Time: 10pm-3am. Tel: Andree 07093 167 683 / Bertram 07989 095 265
The Official Soca V Bashment Clash / 9th Annual Carnival Party
@ Tudor Rose, The Green, Southall, UB2. DJs: DJ Roughneck, Lady SP, Victor V, Movie Star Johnny, Shaun Powers, Sir Vennom, DJ Cleus (from St Lucia), Referee & Special Guest DJ - The President of SVG, DJ ‘Energy’ Taurrus. Price: Limted tickets £15 + bfee, matd. Time: 11pm-late. Tel: 07960 735 131 / 07930 994 992
Monday 27th August Notting Hill Carnival
Adults’ day
Notting Hill Carnival - the adults come out to play on Carnival Monday, and 364 days of preparation and anticipation come to a head in a few bacchanalian hours of celebration and perspiration. No advice can prepare the first time carnival-goer for the overwhelming sound and spectacle of the mas, the soca and the pan, the whirl of wings, the glitter of sequins, the smiles, the sheer excess of silk, flesh, colour and chaos. And if you go home with someone other than who you came with - well, that’s carnival (don’t say we didn’t warn you)! @ area bounded by Harrow Rd (N), Chepstow Rd (E), Notting Hill Gate (S) and Ladbroke Grove (W). Price: free. Time: 11am-9pm (sound systems shut down at 7pm.) Ion Bar
After Curfew Party
@ Ion Bar, 161-165 Ladbroke Grove, W10 6HJ. Price: £7 includes entry all day, available from no. below or ionbar@vpmg.net. Time: daytime for relaxation; night time for partying. Tel: 020 8960 1702
Saturday 1st September G&H Promotions Ltd
Trinidad & Tobago 45th Year of Independence celebration Dance
@Irish Cultural Centre, Pretoria Road,
44 NHCG 2007
Tottenham N17. Live Acts: G&H tTassa Drummers. DJs: Sounds Unlimited & guests. Price: £7, under12s free. Time: 8pm-1am. Tel: 07799 063126 / 07956 509581 Colours
Las Lap Carnival Flag Party
@ Tudor Rose, The Green, Southall, UB2. DJs: Martin Jay, Mike Forbes, Vinny Ranks. Price: £10+bfee. Time: 10pm-late. Tel: 07976 255 965
Live Music Ntertainment (Clubbing)
Socamania
@ Stratford Rex, 361-373 High Street, E15. DJs: D Tee, Mr Mention, Vinny Ranks, DJ Bliss, DJ Bajie, Adri X, Antiguan Princess, DJ Face, 4Play, Hawkeye Experience & Special Touch. Price: £5/ £7 / £12 +bfee. Time: 10pm - late. Tel: 0870 6000 888.
Friday 21st September V&A
DUTTY MAS - Audience Parade Workshop / SLAVERY, OPPRESSION AND FREEDOM
@ V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. Price: free, booking essential for workshop; call 020 7942 2211 / email bookings. office@vam.ac.uk Time: 2pm-9.45pm (see News pg6)
Saturday 22nd September J&C
Cynthia’s Birthday Bash / Cruising The Thames
@ On board the Mercia. DJs: Sugar D, Colin Dunkley & Lady Naturuluss. Price: £26. Time: 7:30pm happy hour; boat leaves Westminster Pier 8:30pm SHARP! Tel: 07956 802 595. WG Promotions
End of Summer Boat Dance
@ On board The Royal Princess. DJs: Martin Jay & Mike Forbes. Price: £25. Time: 7pm; happy hour 7 - 8pm; boat leaves Westminster Pier 8:30pm SHARP! Tel: 07963 733 680 / 07956 557 132
Tuesday 25th September Carnival Exhibition Group
Midnight Robbers: the Artists of Notting Hill
@ The Gallery at City Hall. Email: carnival.e.g@gmail.com. (see News pg6)
Saturday 29th September Carivog International
Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK 2007 / 5th Anniversary
@ The Porchester Hall, W2 5HS. Time: 7pm - 1am, showcase 8pm - 12am. Price: £30 adv. Tel: 020 8265 4757 / 07958 336 694
Every Wednesday Cocoyea
soca libre
@ Ion Bar, 161-165 Ladbroke Grove, W10 6HJ. DJs: Martin Jay, Mike Forbes & Che. Price: free. Time: 6pm - 12am. Tel: 020 8960 1702.
Every Friday Soca Massive’s
Friday night is party night
@ British Lion Pub, Stratford, E15 4PT. DJs: Soca Massive & Zoomer D. Price: free. Time: 7pm-late. Tel: 07958 319 954.
VIP Fridays
@ Masters Wine Bar, 217 Kenton Road, HA3. DJs: Smiley Variety, Sugar K, Bumpy G, Piper, Foxy Lady, TIPPA Lea, Trooper, Ed Masters. Price: free b4 11pm, £5 thereafter. Tel: 07957 290 415 / 020 8909 2955 Lagniappe
Friday AfterWork Lime
@ The Surya Bar, 156 Pentonville Road, N1 9JL. DJs: DJ Markee & guest on rotation. Time: 6pm-2am. Price: free. Tel: 020 7871 4900 / 07940 587 032
Every Sunday Smokey Joe’s
Soca Sunday School
@ Battersea Bar, 58-70 York Road, London SW11. DJs: The Smokey Joe Roadshow. Price: free. Time: 8pm 1am. Tel: 07950 558 002. Soca Massive’s
Sunday Lime
NHCG 2007 45
46 NHCG 2007
African Caribbean
Leukaemia Trust
Beverley De-Gale and Orin Lewis, parents of former leukaemia sufferer Daniel De-Gale, established the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust in June 1996 because they wanted to improve the poor representation of the black and mixed race communities on the UK bone marrow registers. If the donor has the same racial background as the person with leukaemia, finding the right bone marrow match is far greater, because it is an inherited characteristic. A blood test is all that’s needed to put people on the register, and if they ever match with a patient further blood tests will follow. Bone marrow is a blood-like liquid that can be donated by one person and transplanted into another in a simple procedure. After 24 years of other organisations’ campaigning, only 550 black people had joined the register - that’s just 23 people coming forward per year on average! Since 1996, however, ACLT has supported black people with
leukaemia and other blood-related cancers and helped to increase donor numbers to approximately 22,000. But given the size of the UK black population, they are aiming for the more commensurate figure of 60,000. The ACLT is constantly bombarded by many professing their promises to assist in helping to raise awareness and funds on behalf of the charity, but on too many occasions these produce only false dawns. The ‘Flash of Hope’ campaign, by Sleek, breaks the mould by putting substantial time, money and resources into ensuring that the hair and fashion industries and their consumers takes notice of its aims to raise awareness and funds and to register donors for the ACLT. The ACLT fully endorses and supports the ‘Flash of Hope’ campaign, and congratulates Sleek for demonstrating that you need to be able to ‘Talk the talk,’ but more significantly to ‘Walk the walk.’ Now it’s your turn to help. Registering takes 25 minutes, and in those few minutes you could be saving someone’s life one day.
NHCG 2007 47
48 NHCG 2007
Mas Band
Listings KEY t: theme b: band leader d: designer
Arawak
t: Pow Wow b: Lynda Joseph d: Big Mike info@arawakinc.com www.arawakinc.com 07984 894 795
Barbados Carnival Committee
t: All Ah We’ Free At Last
Bacchanalia
t: Down Mexico Way b: Andrew & Kelly Rajpaulsingh andrew@baccmas.com www.trinilime.co.uk 07919 254 693
Batala
t: The Promotion of the Afro Brasilian culture of Bahia
B Dark Inspirations
t: A World of Butterflies b: Debbie Roberts
d: Shaun Carrington b-dark@hotmail.co.uk 07958 625 474
Beeraahaar Sweet Combination
t: From de cane field to crystal glass b: Christina Oree d: Christina Oree & David Grant b_sweetcombination@hotmail.com www.piczo.com/mangochow 020 8809 4325
d: Calabash collective & Melanie Matthew joanjoseph4@aol.com 07961 427 392
Chats Palace
t: The Concept
Children and Parents Carnival Association
Burrokeets UK
t: Wings and Tings b: Lee Woolford-Chivers d: Lee Woolford-Chivers charlottewoolf@gmail.com 020 8968 4840 / 07737 789 934
Calabash Carnival Club
t: Mas From The Past b: Dexter Kahn d: Gregory Madina / Chris Santos info@cocoyea.com www.cocoyea.com 07956 223 247
t: Behind the Mask b: Joan Sam d: Maria Joseph burrokeets@hotmail.com socaprince.com/burrokeets 07888 671 271 / 07956 937 277 t: The story so far... forward ever backward never b: Joan Joseph
Cocoyea
Dragons
t: ‘Odyssey’ Forever Free b: Peter Andrews NHCG 2007 49
d: Dianne Williama peterandrewsc@btinternet.com 07801 678 230 / 07961 400 446
Ebony Mas
t: Pirates of the Caribbean b: Pepe Francis www.ebony.org.uk 020 7792 1418
Fusion Community Arts
t: ‘Land(The Sun After The Storm)’ All Ah We
Flamboyan
t: Messengers From the Spirit World b: Ms Gloria Cummins d: Larry Ford inezg60@aol.com www.flamboyan.co.uk 020 8969 4603
Flamingo Carnival Arts Ltd
t: Essence of Asia b: Martha Fevrier d: Chris Renty flamingo_arts@hotmail.com www.flamingo-carnival-arts.co.uk 07803 541 104
Fox Carnival Band
t: Fox In The Garden www.foxcarnival.com
Genesis Carnival Company
t: Renaissance The Trilogy - Fantasy Of Freedom b: Symone Williams d: Symone Williams admin@genesiscarnivalcompany.com www.genesiscarnivalcompany.com 020 7221 7664 / 07951 491 536
Heritage Social Arts and Dance
t: The Abolishment of Slavery: The American Civil War
Isis Carnival
t: Circles of Life www.isiscc.co.uk 0870 896 6354
Inspiration Arts
t: All Ah We’ Free at Last
Jamboulay Carnival Arts Promotion
t: All Ah We-Prosperity in Diversity b: Rubena Waldrop
Kuumba Carnival Band
t: The ‘Real’ Abolitionists
La Trinity
50 NHCG 2007
t: Jab Jab
Lagniappe
t: 5 Elements info@lagniappe.co.uk www.lagniappe.co.uk 07940 587 032
Mahogany Carnival Club
t: Freedom Song b: Michael Ramdeen d: Clary Salandy costumes@mahoganycarnival.com www.mahoganycarnival.com 020 8961 4446
b: Shabaka Thompson admin@yaaasantewaa.com www.yaasant.demon.co.uk
People of Paradise
t: Off Springs - Out of Africa
People’s World
t: Freedom: Breaking the chains b: John Roach d: Una Howe sally.sturgeon@candi.ac.uk www.pwcb.org.uk 07710 642 029
Perpetual Odessey
Mangrove Mas
t: Restoration: Black History through music b: Annette McDonald d: Natasha Wiggan, Sabrina Mascall, Shani, Aphany Frazer perpetualodessey@hotmail.com 020 7168 7878 / 07956 864 055
Mas Domnik UK
Phoenix Carnival Costume Band
t: ‘The Lost World’ part 1 (Aztecs) b: Carlton Facey d: Ann Andokou mangrovemasband@hotmail.co.uk www.myspace.com/mangrovemas t: Still I Rise b: Vincent John d: Naomi Designs chair@duka.org.uk www.duka.org.uk
Masquerade 2000
t: Africa Unfolds b: Margaret Hamilton d: Paul O’Donoghue, Lincoln Rahamut & David Brown cateyesmg@hotmail.com www.masquerade2000.com 07930 918 584 / 07976 504 533
Oxygen Mas Band
t: Caribbean seasons b: Damian Nathanial d: Damian Nathanial info@oxygenmasband.com www.oxygenmasband.com
Paddington Arts
t: Nanse NtonTan ‘Spider Wed’
Paddington Arts ELIMU
t: Rezzarek b: Tony Charles d: Peter Minshall paddasrtselimu@btinternet.com 07944 556 681 / 07747 120 654
Paraiso School of Samba
t: The fantastic world of cinema b: Henrique Da Silva d: Henrique Da Silva info@paraisosamba.co.uk www.paraisosamba.co.uk 020 3291 2391
Paddington Schools
t: A Story Yaa Know Yaa Movin On
t: Roman Bacchanal b: Monty Ward & Catherine Alade Effa (Junior Band Leader) d: Monty Ward, Catherine Alade Effa & Lionel Jagessar T&T monty@phoenix-arts.freeserve.co.uk www.phoenixarts.org.uk 020 7642 3987 / 07956 889 279
Poison UK
t: Next Level b: Poison UK Comittee d: Pulse 8 info@poisonuk.com www.poisonuk.com 020 7193 5859
Pure Lime
t: Chocolate b: Edison Brathwaite d: Mical Clarke edison@purelime.co.uk www.purelime.co.uk 07973 784 202
Shademakers Carnival Club
t: The Clan b: Uschi Dresing d: Paul Mc Laren shademakers.mclaren@t-online.de www.shademakers.de +49 (0)521 290 423
Soca Massive and Associates
t: Freedom 2007 b: Soca Massive d: Shaun Carrington 07958 319 954
South Connections
t: De Journey Now Start
b: Avion Mookram d: Shaun Carrington southconnections@googlemail.com www.southconnections.org 07985 447 654
Star Dust Mas
t: Freedom b: Rhonda Groombridge d: Rhonda Groombridge stardustmas@hotmail.com www.stardustmasandpan. com 07956 286 876
St Clements & St James
t: Out Of Africa b: Zoe Cox d: Anniek Verholt zoe@clementjames.co.uk www.clementjames.co.uk 020 7221 8810
Sunshine International Arts
t: Dance of Free Spirit
The Bride
t: Light and Freedom
The Mash Carnival Mas band
t: We Outta GT b: Neville Johnson & Lorraine Emanuel info@mashcarnivalband.org.uk 07961 212 880
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Club
t: Freedom b: Matthew Roberts ttcarnivalclub@aol.com
Tropical Isles
t: Have a dream by Martin Luther King Junior b: Delroy Philogene d: Andre Clark, Moreen Philogene Marva Antoine tropicalisles@btconnect.com 020 7254 0062 TT Mudders
t: Mudder Earth b: Brian Horne d: David Robertson david@ttmudders.co.uk www.ttmudders.co.uk 07812 168 406
Unity Carnival Arts
t: Liberation - Helen of the West
Yaa Asantewaa Carnival Group
t: The Final Chapter: Yaa Moving On
NHCG 2007 51
Steel Band
Listings KEY t: practice times P: if playing in Panorama S: song for Panorama A: Arranger M: manager / leader Birmingham School of Pan
T: Tuesday 7pm–9pm P: No M: Jamma 07799 442 277 www.jammasteelpan.net
Caribbean Steel International
P: No M: Brent Holder 07932 400 166 www.myspace.com/brentholder
Croydon Steel Orchestra
T: 5 – 9pm weekdays P: Yes S: Band from Space A: Paul Dowie
52 NHCG 2007
M: Paul Dowie 07956 147 582 www.croydonsteelorchestra.co.uk
Ebony Steel Orchestra
T: 7.30 – 10.30pm P: Yes S: Sharing Licks A: Samuel Du Bois M: Pepe Francis 020 7792 1418 www.ebony.org.uk
Glissando
T: 7 – 11pm P: Yes S: Band fromSpace A: Rudy Smith M: Bertrand Parris 07890 412 262 www.venturecentre.org.uk
Harlow Steel Band (school band)
P: No A: Samuel DuBois 07852 594 133 info@harlowsteelband.co.uk www.harlowsteelband.co.uk
Mangrove Steel Band
T: 8 -12pm weekdays P: yes S: Sharing Licks A: Boogsie Sharp M: Matthew Phillip 07956 546 724 www.mangrovesteelband.com
Metronomes
T: 7.30 – 10.30 pm weekdays P: Yes S: Pan Lamentation
A: Professor Ken Philmore M: Eversley Mills ‘Breeze’ 07774 216 746
Pantasia Steel Band
T: 6–9.30pm P: Yes S: Band from Space A: Chris Storey M: Pauline Williams 07956 813 226 www.pantasiasteelband.co.uk & www.myspace.com/pantasiasb
Pantonic Steel Orchestra
T: 3 days/week 7pm-10pm P: No A: Ian Beckles & Gerald Forsyth L: Grafton Yearwood 07801 497 794
www.pantonic-steelorchestra.com
Real Steel
P: Yes M: Leroy Clark 01752 207 920
Sounds of Steel
T: Friday: 3pm-8pm, Saturday: 9am–1pm P: No M: Peter Beadell 07788 136 272
T: Wed–Fri 7-11pm, Sun 4-10pm P: Yes S: Sharing Licks A: Brent Holder M: Tara Baptiste 07904 015 933 www.stardustmasandpan.com
The Comets Steel Band www.cometspan.co.uk
Southside Harmonics
T: 7 – 10pm weekdays P: Yes A: Eustace Benjamin M: Julian Gibbs 07958 303 274
Stardust NHCG 2007 53
About
BASS Words: Ricky Belgrave, Chairman of BASS
The formation five years ago of a committee representing the British Association of Sound Systems (BASS) was a major development. It has given sound systems a trade association, whilst also raising the profile and organisational standards of all who play at the annual Notting Hill Carnival and formalising the contribution that sound systems make to our lives, and to the communities we live in.
Notting Hill Carnival, on the August Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday, has long been the biggest weekend of the year in all sound men’s diaries. Sound systems have been an integral part of the atmosphere at carnival since the early days. Official statistics compiled by Intelligent Space for the Greater London Authority surprisingly show that 80% of the people who attend the Notting Hill Carnival come specifically to hear the Sound Systems. The Streets of Notting Hill during our summertime are the nearest we have in the UK to produce the atmosphere of that present at ‘open air lawns’ of Jamaica.
A massive shout goes out to all UK sound systems, past and present. The next time you hear someone saying, “Have you heard the wicked sound system at the Ministry?” you should ask yourself: Why has this become so very important?
www.bassline.org.uk 54 NHCG 2007
Sound System
Listings
4 Play
Music policy: across the board Location: West Row near junction with Kensal Road
Aba Shanti
Music policy: Roots Rock Reggae, Dub Location: East Row (junction with Southern Row)
Pineapple Tribe
Music policy: Techno Break beats Location: Junction of Ledbury Road and Lonsdale Road
G I Roadshow
Music policy: Reggae, Bash-
ment, Salsa, R&B Location: Adela Street
Channel One
Music policy: Strictly Roots & Culture Location: Leamington Rd Villas outside 176 Westbourne Park Rd
CMC/Matrix
Music policy: Drum & Bass Location: All Saints Road opposite Pelican PH
Confusion
Music policy: Soulful House, Garage Location: St Luke’s Road facing Lancaster Road
Different Strokes
Music policy: Reggae, R&B, Revival, Hip-Hop, Soca Location: Anderson Street
Disya Jeneration
Music policy: across the board Location: Powis Terrace outside no.12 (stall o/s no.19)
Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues
Music policy: Classic Ska, Revival, New Orleans R&B Location: Talbot Road outside no.103
NHCG 2007 55
Gladys Wax Road Show
Music policy: Roots & Culture, Reggae, Ska Location: Portobello Road adjacent to nos. 304/306
Good Times
Music policy: Funky House, Disco Classics, Rare Groove, HipHop, Jazz, Reggae Location: Southern Row / West Row (on precinct)
King Tubby’s
Music policy: Reggae, Dancehall, Bashment, R&B Location: Southern Row / West Row (on precinct)
Jah Observer
Music policy: Roots & Culture Location: junction of Ledbury Road and Talbot Road
KCC & the Rocking Crew
Music policy: US House (old & new), House Anthems Location: Wornington Road
Killer Watt
Music policy: across the board Location: St. Luke’s Road outside Metro Club
Latin Rave Street Jam
Music policy: Latin, Salsa… Location: Portobello Road outside no.335
Level Vibes
Music policy: Uplifting House, 70’s 80’s Location: Oxford Gardens facing St. Lawrence Terrace
Lord Gellys
56 NHCG 2007
Music policy: Reggae, R&B, Soca Location: Cambridge Gardens outside no.47
Love TKO
Music policy: Reggae, R&B, Soca, Hip-Hop Location: Golborne Road
Mangrove Sound
Music policy: Soca Location: All Saint’s Road outside no.3
Mastermind Roadshow
Music policy: Upfront R&B, HipHop, Soul, Old Skool, Reggae Location: Canal Way (Canalside House)
Mellotone
Music policy: Soul, Ragga, R&B, Revival Location: Telford Road near junction with Lionel Mews
Quakermas
Music policy: Ragga, R&B, HipHop, House, Garage, Jungle, Roots Location: junction of Ledbury Road and Westbourne Park Road
Midnight Express 747
Music policy: Reggae, Soca, Soul Location: Middle Row
G.T. Flex
Music policy: R&B, Soul, Ragga, Revival, Old Skool Location: junction of Aldridge Road Villas and Westbourne Park Road
Nasty Love Mixing Lab
Music policy: Ragga, Dancehall, R&B, Hip-Hop Location: Colville Gardens (middle)
Rampage
Music policy: across the board Location: junction of Colville Gardens and Colville Terrace, outside no.1
Rapattack
Special FX
Music policy: Dancehall, R&B, Revival, Rare-Groove Location: Tavistock Road opposite no.13
Studio One System
Music policy: Soul, funk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Garage, Old Skool 70,s 80’s Classics, Rare Groove Location: All Saint’s Road outside no.23
Music policy: R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, Garage, Hip-Hop, Soca Location: Powis Square (East side)
Rough but Sweet
People’s Sound featuring Sufferer
Music policy: Reggae, R&B, Revival, Lovers, Garage Location: Conlan Street / East Row
Sancho Panza
Music policy: Funky House Location: Middle Row
Saxon Sound
Music policy: Ragga, Reggae Location: St. Lawrence Terrace north of junction with Chesterton Rd
High On Hope
Music policy: Hip- Hop & Classic Garage Location: Bonchurch Road, junction with Portobello Rd
Music policy: Ragga, R&B, HipHop, Soca Location: All Saint’s Road outside no.11
The Funbunch
Music policy: R&B, Hip-Hop, Garage, Boogie Location: junction of Talbot Road and Sutherland Place
Virgo International
Music policy: Reggae, Bashment, Soca, Hip-Hop, R&B, Garage Location: outside People’s Theatre, facing across Oxford Gardens
Sir Lloyd
Music policy: R&B, Reggae Location: junction of Tavistock Road and Leamington Road Villas, outside no.54
Sir Valdez
Music policy: R&B, Hip-Hop, Ragga Location: Golborne Rd on precinct, at back of Prince Arthur
NHCG 2007 57
Feature
Carnival
Village Photo: Katie Segal Words: Shabaka Thompson
Carnival Village is poised to occupy the Tabernacle, in Powis Square W11, from September 2007. After a long process of negotiations with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBK&C), Carnival Village was selected from amongst several contenders as the best-prepared organisation. They have been given the lease for the famous former church in the heart of Notting Hill, which was latterly transformed into a cultural centre. The Royal Borough felt that Carnival Village had both the vision and the means to revive the building, and to make it a successful centre for the performing arts. The Carnival Village partnership began after Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre won a capital grant from the Arts Council Lottery 2001. Yaa was awarded £2.75m, but soon afterwards were shocked to discover that planning permission they had been expecting for a new building in Westminster, on their original site, would likely be refused. They were advised to seek alternative accommodation in the neighbouring Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. In the pursuit of the latter, Yaa was encouraged to link up with Ebony Trust and Mangrove Y2K to create a partnership which would provide space for all the organisations. The Association of British Calypsonians (ABC), who had partnered Yaa in their
58 NHCG 2007
original bid, were also part of the conglomerate, so thus was born the Carnival Village project, made up of all four organisations. Following the coming together, the partners then applied jointly to the lottery for monies for a music centre, and were granted a further £1.5m, making a total of £4.25m available to the Carnival Village project. Since then, Carnival Village has also been awarded an injection of capital funding of £400,000 from the London Development Agency, with a further revenue grant of £100,000 to develop cultural industries. The next three years were spent in hunting for the ideal site to facilitate a new state-of-the-art centre where
carnival arts could find a home and flourish. The partners worked with the LDA on feasibility studies on various sites in RBK&C, but this exercise proved futile: it revealed only that acquiring land in the Royal Borough would be far too expensive. The ailing Tabernacle was the best and most realistic choice. Carnival Village will be a flagship cultural venue for the delivery of high quality black arts. It will encourage, train and nurture artists, and also support the development of carnival-related creative industries. Aiming to stimulate and foster the economic and cultural well-being of the communities it serves, its goal will, in essence, be to develop the arts and business of carnival. Moving into the Tabernacle means that the partners can now refurbish the Yaa site in Chippenham Mews and operate Carnival Village across the two sites. Most of the arts performances and entertainment will take place at the Tabernacle, with Mangrove Steelband remaining resident there. The facilities will engage all those keen on developing arts in a friendly and warm atmosphere where all are welcome. Yaa, Ebony and ABC will be based at Chippenham Mews. Training and education initiatives, which will develop the creative industries around carnival, will be hosted there, as well as community arts events, and residency will be offered to artists. Carnival Village will also provide a permanent home for the London Notting Hill
Carnival company, which will encourage them to extend capacity and develop their artistic programming. Currently, the board of directors of Carnival Village, chaired by Colin Prescod, is finalising the details of a long lease at peppercorn rent with RBK&C for the Tabernacle. Simultaneously, Yaa is in negotiations with Westminster City Council to obtain planning and similar lease arrangements for Chippenham Mews. It is expected that Carnival Village will be handed the keys to the Tabernacle in September, after which it will be under their control. In order to maintain viability and sustainability, the partners have linked with a commercial food and beverage caterer from Westminster to manage profitably those facilities at the Tabernacle. The Carnival Village partners are proud of these achievements, especially in light of the sad fact that other black capital funded projects have failed in securing their awards, for instance the Talawa theatre project in London and Kuumba in Bristol. Shabaka Thompson, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Village who initiated the project 2000 as Yaa’s director, stated, “Carnival Village will be a huge success, and we believe that it will prove a good example of a black-led project determined to provide a sustainable institution for the development of black arts, with an emphasis on carnival arts and industries.�
NHCG 2007 59
Feature
Keith Khan
Head of Culture for the 2012 Olympic Games
Notting Hill Carnival Grooves’ Lynette Ametewee finds out more about the links between Notting Hill Carnival and the 2012 Olympic Games from Keith Khan, Head of Culture for the 2012 Olympic Games Photo: LOCOG Words: Lynette Ametewee
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First, tell me about your previous involvement in carnival in the UK and abroad. There is ten years worth of it. I designed with Greta Mendez when the Roundhouse was a black arts centre; I designed their first carnival band over twenty years ago; I went on to design for Yaa Asantewaa with Shabaka Thompson many years ago. Following that, I moved on to South Connections. Lastly, I went back and did a project with a band called Dominican Sisserou. Beyond that, I worked in Trinidad with Rabs Immortelle. I went on to do lots and lots of ceremonial stuff after that. I was the designer on the central show in the Millennium Dome with Peter Gabriel and Mark Fisher, and at that time I worked with Clary Salandy and Speedy from Mahogany, who did a lot of the props for us for the Dome show. Then I worked to get a lot of carnival bands into the opening ceremony at the Dome. You have had significant rôles in both carnival and the Olympic Games. What do you hope to bring from your carnival background to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games? There is a very simple thing I’m going to bring, which is the mas camp, because I love the open-making system (the fact that anyone can drop in and make carnival is great!) I just love the fact that people can be involved at all sorts of levels – people can dance, design, play different types of music themselves or from sound systems, or sing, and the energy is amazing! I think that trying to bring some of that energy to the Olympic Games is important, and it’s what I will bring. I think carnival shows you can really integrate, and I think that is very important.
Carnival Reaches
Olympic Heights What is the Cultural Olympiad? What does it aim to do in relation to linking the Olympic Games and Carnival? The Cultural Olympiad is an extension of the Olympic Games to reach all sorts of audiences in accessible ways. It involves diverse cultural activities - food, music, dance and drama – and starts in August 2008 and continue over the four year run-up to the Olympic Games in 2012. It’s one of the big projects, but I’m going to integrate Notting Hill Carnival with all sorts of activities as well, so that we widen access to Notting Hill. I think that carnival is a big project, and part of the reason that the Olympic Games came to London. I think carnival is going through a period of transition and modernisation, so how we integrate with wider audiences is important. And also, how we validate carnival as being part of British culture is important. Will there be a representation of Caribbean personalities in the Cultural Olympiad? Of course. Some of the people already involved have been Paralympian Ade Adepitan, Denise Lewis and Dame Kelly Holmes. Jamelia was involved in the logo launch. How can carnivalists or Londoners become involved in the Olympiad? I think by early next year: there will be a launch in early 2008 with details of how people can sign up. In the meantime, please check our website, www.london2012. com. Also, we are bringing a van-load of people from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games to carnival on the day, and then to participate in activities, to get a sense of everything that is going on.
Olympic Factfile: 1 This will be the first time that the Paralympic Games are fully integrated into the Olympic Games. They are being organised by the same body and are using the same venues.
2012 will be true to the vision of Pierre de 2 London Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic
movement, who believed that the Olympic Games should be a marriage between sport, culture and education.
will be 26 sports in the Olympic Games, over 3 There 16 days, and 20 Paralympic Sports over 11 days. In
total, more than 14,000 athletes will take part, from 205 countries
Olympiad begins in 2008, when the 4 London’s Olympic Flag is handed over to the Mayor of
London at the closing ceremony of the previous Olympic Games. This is also when the Cultural Olympiad begins.
Olympic and Paralympic Team will be 5 Each welcomed to London as they arrive at the Olympic
Village. During these Team Welcome Ceremonies, they are greeted by the honorary Village Mayor and their national flag is raised on arrival to join flags of the other competing nations, alongside those of the United Kingdom and the Olympic and Paralympic Movements
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Watering Holes
Along The Route Golborne Grove
36 Golborne Road W10 5PR 020 8960 6260 Open as normal
The Earl Percy
225 Ladbroke Grove W10 6HQ 020 8960 3522 Open as normal
Prince Bonaparte
80 Chepstow Road W2 5BE 020 7313 9491 Open as normal
Ion Bar
161- 165 Ladbroke Grove W10 6HJ 020 8960 1702 £7 ticket for all-day entrance
The Elgin
96 Ladbroke Grove W11 1PY 020 7229 5663 Open as normal
The Eagle
250 Ladbroke Grove W10 6HQ 020 89695563 Open as normal 3-7pm
Blag Club
Canalot Studios 222 Kensal Road W10 5BN 020 8960 2732 Open Sunday 8pm-1am with £3 entrance fee; closed Monday
The Metropolitan
60 Great Western Road W11 1AB 020 7229 9254 Open 12am-5pm; ticket only after 5pm: www.realpubs.co.uk/ x/metropolitan.html
The Earl of Lonsdale
277-281 Westbourne Grove W11 2QA 020 7727 6335 Open, with £1 entrance fee
The Cowshed
355 Ladbroke Grove W10 5AA 020 8969 2053 Open as normal
Kensington Park Public House
139 Ladbroke Grove W10 6HJ 020 7727 5876 Open as normal
Please use alcohol sensibly. Go to drinkaware.co.uk.
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Joys of
Sponsorship
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