FEATURE
YAM CARNIVAL BRINGS AFRICAN MASQUERADE TO CLAPHAM COMMON
B
WORDS | DUNSTAN CREAVALLE
illed as a celebration of black culture from around the world, Yam Carnival makes its debut on Saturday 28 August on Clapham Common. In this African-themed music festival, the biggest sounds in Afrobeats, hip-hop, dance, Afro-swing and R&B will come together across three stages. Organisers claim it will be “a defining cultural moment in the heart of London on the August bank holiday weekend”. The Carnival Stage will feature Beenie Man, Kehlani, Yemi Alade, Patoranking, Darkoo, Midas, The Jagaban, Ms Bank, Omah Lay, Pa Salieu and Rema. African masquerades on the day will include Eyo, Egungun, Igunnuko, Ijjele, Agbogho Mmuo, Dogon and Pende – you can learn more at yamcarnival. com/masquerade. The other two stages are Afrika Shrine Alive and Afrotronic where you’ll find, among others, Ari Lennox, Davido, Kehlani and Yemi Alade. East London rap collective NSG has birthed some of the biggest smash hits in recent years. Representing Ghana and Nigeria via Hackney, the six-strong group melds
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musical cultures with their afro sounds and dancehall beats in songs like OT Bop, Lupita, Options and Grandad. Jamaican singer-songwriter Koffee will be on hand to deliver the reggae vibes. African-influenced food trucks and chefs from around London will bring together a mouth-watering array of food and drink from around the world. Organisers say: “Putting black culture and the African continent at the heart of everything, Yam Carnival is truly a landmark moment where the biggest festival stages finally become one celebrating the vast influence and power of the culture right now. Bringing the street/beach/house party and combining it all in one of London’s most iconic outdoor spaces, Yam Carnival is the festival ready to shake London up.” With no Notting Hill Carnival this year the door is open for Yam Carnival to catch the eye of Londoners. Yam Carnival runs from 11.30am to 10.30pm. Please note that entry is restricted to adults (16+) and you will need to show photo ID. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. For full details, visit yamcarnival.com.
