CONTENTS
ISSUE 152 | AUGUST 2023
REGULAR
05.
20.
37. EVENTS
Your
14. MICAL TEJA
17. NAILAH BLACKMAN
15. AND APPEARING NEAR YOU SOON:
The Notting Hill Carnival season brings with it visiting artists, this year to include: Anika Berry, Asa Bantan, Freetown Collective, Jadel, Lavaman, Olatunji Yearwood, Kes The Band, Voice, Crazy, Red Plastic Bag, & Nailah Blackman
FITNESS
46. COACH RHO
Hear it from a professional: get ready for Carnival
NOTTING
HILL CARNIVAL
08. FEATURE Notting Hill Carnival: A Brief History
22. LONDON CALYPSO TENT
It’s all about calypso and soca, as you soak up the culture
24. CARNIVAL ROUTE MAP
Find your way around Notting Hill Carnival - stopping by the Bounty Bars as you go
26. PANORAMA
‘Pan, sweet pan’: seven bands compete for the coveted title
28. J’OUVERT
Its time to get Dirty/ Dutty. May your days be filled with paint, powder, oil mud and chocolate
30. MAS BANDS
LISTING
Don't just spectate, partcipate
34. CHILDREN’S DAY
44. ADULTS’ DAY
SOCANEWS.COM
GET LISTED: If you’re a carnival organiser, promoter, mas band, steelband, soca sound, community group or other participant who’s feeling left out because we didn’t mention your event, or if you’d like to advertise in the magazine or online, the remedy is in your hands. Get in touch: email us at info@socanews.com or call on 0333 012 4643.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Joseph Charles jc@socanews.com
CREATIVE
Joseph Charles
Lawson Lovell
Daniel Boateng
SUB EDITOR
Katie Segal katie@socanews.com
CONSULTING EDITOR
Stephen Spark stephen@socanews.com
Hello Soca People
Mas come again.... is the opening line of Mical Teja's 2023 hit, Mas - and no truer words have been said as we approach Notting Hill Carnival in this month of August. With just weeks to go, I have found myself saying to anyone who has requested anything non-urgent of me that I will have a look after Carnival.
Yes, Carnival tends to dominate our lives for a period of time. For many it's all about the fêtes, with a rough count of around 40 for the 2023 Notting Hill Carnival season; see our extensive list of events on page 37. If you are yet to find a band to play with, there are also pages for that: our listing can be found on page 30.
Some of the events we think you should check out this Carnival are Vibes with Voicey, Kes and Oui Fete, and to soak up the traditional vibes of a calypso tent check out the London Calypso Tent on Fridays 11, 18 and Thursday 24 August, at the Tabernacle.
As always, we are open to discovering new writers. If you would like to put pen to paper and to have your words put into print, please email jc@socanews.com. If you feel like telling us about your experience in mas or at a fete, we’d love to hear from you; just email info@socanews.com.
All that’s left to say is to have a joyous Notting Hill Carnival 2023. We will see you on the road.
YOURS IN SOCA
Joseph Charles
MARKETING
marketing@socanews.com
SALES
sales@socanews.com
WORDS
Bruce Mahagwa, Dunstan Creavalle, Ernest Adonu, Katie Segal, Michael La Rose, Stephen Spark, Radeya Osman & Vanessa Felix
PICTURES
Kola Grafix, Peter Hogan & Stephen Spark
instagram.com/socanews twitter.com/socanews
PUBLISHED BY Soca News Ltd 86-90 Paul Street
London, EC2A 4ND
TELEPHONE + 44 (0) 333 012 4643
EMAIL info@socanews.com
WEBSITE www.socanews.com
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The views expressed in Soca News are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. All material contained within this publication is the copyright of Soca News. 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. © 2022 Soca News. All rights reserved.
NAILAH BLACKMAN AND SKINNY FABULOUS SAY: WI HOME
Cricket West Indies has partnered with Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous to release its 2023 home series anthem, in anticipation of the white ball matches against India and the visit by England, scheduled to take place this December. WI Home is as an adaptation of the duo's song Come Home, which was released in January to celebrate Trinidad's carnival season.
Speaking about the new song, Nailah said, “Cricket unites our identity in the West Indies and music brings us together, so what better way to celebrate our Caribbean culture than to have a union of the game we love with the music we love! I’m thrilled to be part of WI Home.”
Skinny Fabulous, originally from St Vincent and the Grenadines, said, “I’m a proud and patriotic West Indian and a true cricket fan! I’m a strong supporter of the #MenInMaroon and always rally round the West Indies. I wanted to play my part, and WI Home is a way of uniting the region by bringing the joy of our cricket to the West Indies people.”
Wi Home was released this July, and is available on all streaming platforms.
WORLD STEELPAN DAY: FRIDAY 11 AUGUST
The steelpan has come to represent Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity over time, earning recognition and reverence on a global scale. The instrument originated there in the early 1930s, the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century.
Pan gained popularity due to its sweet, melodious sound and versatility: modern instruments can effortlessly play different types of sounds, from traditional to pop and classical music. As such, a variety of genres, including calypso, reggae, jazz, and even classical music, have welcomed it across boundaries.
Trinidad’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Arts began a movement in 2019 to set a specific day on which to recognise the magnificent instrument, and their petition was approved by the Trinidad and Tobago Cabinet in 2022, following an approach to the United Nations, for a declaration of World Steelpan Day.
On the 77th General Assembly sitting of the United Nations, World Steelpan Day was declared to be observed annually on 11 August, and in the twin island state will be celebrated throughout that month. In this inaugural year, Pan Trinbago, Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan regulatory organisation, will organise a variety of activities, such as church services and the Pan and Powder Steel Band Parade, to celebrate the occasion.
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL PIONEERS FESTIVAL BACK AFTER A THREEYEAR ABSENCE
The Notting Hill Carnival Pioneers Festival is set to resume on Sunday 13 August after a three-year hiatus due to Covid-19. The tenth anniversary will be held at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance, Kensal Road, W10, from 12pm until 8pm.
This year’s event honours its founder, 80-yearold Leslie Palmer. Fifty years ago, Leslie became organiser of the carnival, introducing food and drink to the festivities. He also made the event more inclusive, incorporating wider British and Caribbean culture, such as the sound systems of Jamaica.
Leslie is eager to honour the efforts of his predecessors, who ensured the survival of diverse art forms. This year’s festival will feature performances by Winston Francis, Lord Suffer, Sir Coxsone, One Love, Trishana, Portobello Choir, Prince of Judah, Pan Diva, and local radio station, Portobello Radio. FOR MORE VISIT
THE KING OF SOCA RECEIVES MAIDEN INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Soca and calypso are two of the most iconic music genres in Trinidad. For the past 40 years, no one has championed soca across the globe more than Machel Jeses Montano.
To learn about the incredible four decade journey of this celebrated star, fans need only turn to his biography, King of Soca, authored by none other than the singer's mother, Elizabeth 'Lady' Montano, who has been present throughout her son’s career.
The biography was officially released in July 2022, and details the ups and downs of Machel’s career as well as his creative evolution, collaborations, and innovations. It also delves deep into the personal life of the soca king, which understandably became hectic from the age of seven when he began his musical journey.
Lady Montano’s efforts were recognised at the 14th Annual International Book Awards, where King of Soca recently bagged a prestigious award in the Best Interior Design Category. The biography was also listed as a finalist in four other categories.
King of Soca had previously received the Addy Awards for the Best of Print and Overall Best in Show, as well as the Gold ADDY for Book Design and Silver for Publication Cover Design.
MANCHESTER CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL IS BACK THIS AUGUST
Alexandra Park is the venue for Manchester's two day Caribbean Carnival, taking place on 12 and 13 August, 12pm to 8pm.
The carnival has been celebrated since the early 1970s, and this year promises even more festivities, entertainment, and cultural education. The family-friendly event is free of charge, and this year will also feature the popular dancehall artist, Stylo G, who will perform some of his hit songs like Dumpling, Touch Down, and Call me a Yardie on the carnival’s last day. FOR MORE
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL A BRIEF HISTORY
By the end of the Second World War, London was a city that had survived, but was in many ways a drab and wounded place. An associated labour shortage attracted Britain’s colonial Caribbean citizens to increase the volume of the much needed, if not appreciated, working classes, and the first large group to arrive were filmed disembarking from HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in June 1948. Mostly young, they brought with them vibrant colour, energy and a distinctly Caribbean vibe (hear calypsonian Lord Kitchener singing London is the Place for Me as he steps onto British soil).
By the late 1950s, Brixton and Notting Hill had the densest populations of Caribbean people in Britain. Caribbean people had long been encouraged to think of themselves as bona-fide and deserving British citizens, yet anti-immigration feeling grew, alongside unofficial colour bars that made it difficult for new arrivals to find accommodation and employment. Simmering tensions boiled over into the Notting Hill Race Riots in 1958, and then tragically in 1959 a young Antiguan man, Kelso Cochrane, who lived in Notting Hill, was attacked and murdered by a group of white youths.
Using her persuasive oratory and her newspaper, the West Indian Gazette, Trinidadian activist Claudia Jones brought together seemingly disparate groups of immigrants. Crucially, Jones employed the weapons of art and culture, “in the face of the hate from the white racists”. With strong support from like-minded individuals, such as Edric and Pearl Connor, Sam King and actor and activist Paul Robeson, she organised arts and political events. On 30 January 1959, Jones organised an annual fundraising ‘Caribbean Carnival’, which was televised by the BBC and ran for six years until her death.
The outdoor celebration with which most people are familiar dates to late September 1966, when a week-long Notting Hill Fayre took place, organised by community worker Rhaune Laslett. Members of the local community with roots in Africa, the Caribbean, Cyprus and India helped to make the event a reality. Laslett co-opted as much local talent as she could for opening and closing processions, including Guyanese activist Andre Shervington and well-known Trinidadian jazz pianist and pannist Russell Henderson. Henderson had played for Claudia Jones’ 1959 event, but in 1966 he, Sterling Betancourt and Ralph Cherrie took steelpan to the streets. Caribbean residents responded enthusiastically, pouring out of their homes to follow the “pan men on de road”; it was this that unquestionably brought the uniquely Caribbean flavour into the 1966 festival, and Caribbean music out onto the streets.
Leslie Palmer, a Trinidadian teacher, served as Director of Notting Hill Carnival from 1973 until 1975. He organised sponsorship for bands, encouraged more steelbands to become involved
and brought reggae bands into the carnival, whilst still retaining the magic of traditional masquerade. Palmer is best known for having invited static sound systems into carnival for the first time. This provoked some opposition, especially from the steelbands, but Palmer defended his decision, later explaining: “The sound systems were the voice of the youth and the people, and to have a carnival and to leave that out was to ignore the demands of the people, because the sound systems were really the most popular entertainment for the youths.”
Palmer’s organisational abilities laid a foundation for his successors at the helm of the rapidly growing carnival. One such was Claire Holder, a Trinidadian barrister and CEO of Notting Hill Carnival for 10 years. A legacy of the Holder era is the formal division of Carnival into five art forms: costumed masquerade, calypso, mobile sounds, static sound systems, and steelbands.
UK SOCA MONARCH SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 2023
The UK Soca Monarch final, originally scheduled for Sunday 20 August, will now take place on Sunday 15 October at the Scala in Kings Cross.
The UK Soca Monarch competition is an initiative that focuses on providing soca artist with a platform to showcase their creative and musical talents.
The deadline for anyone wishing to take part is 11.59pm on Tuesday 29 August 2023.
To register, visit www.uksocamonarch.com.
MICAL TEJA M
WORDS | BRUCE MAHAGWA
ical 'Teja' Williams is one of the newer soca sensations to hit Trinidadian airwaves. The singer, songwriter, and music producer began making headlines in 2019, with songs including Lifetime, Come 2 Jam, and Self Approved. Since then, he has continued to feature prominently in the music scene, and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Machel Montano, Kes, Destra Garcia, Nailah Blackman, and Olatunji. Recent songs Hall of Fame and Mas have only served to further endear him to fans, both local and international.
As with many soca artists, music has come naturally to Mical since he was very young. By the age of 11 he was already writing songs, and at 15 began using computer software to produce his music. Since then, Mical has been prolific in the Trinidadian music scene as a performer, songwriter, and producer.
Mical has been a regular performer in the International Soca Monarch competition since 2020, and has also featured in other carnival events in Trinidad. His greatest inspiration as a singer is interacting with and relating to people from all walks of life, which recharges him, giving him more motivation to produce good music.
Stylistically, Mical likes to play around with different musical genres - whilst always remaining true to his soca background. As with many other talented musicians, his creative process is inspired by the desire to be free. To him, music is therapeutic, and he uses his voice to express universal ideas such as freedom, cultural richness, love and strength in family, amongst other themes.
For all his successes in the soca music industry, Mical Williams remains humble. He waits patiently for more breakthroughs, locally and internationally. One thing we can be sure of: he won’t be stopping any time soon.
ARTISTS HEADING TO LONDON FOR NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2023
COMPILED BY | VANESSA FELIX + RADEYA OSMANANIKA BERRY
Anika Berry is a multicharting international soca artist and one of the industry’s top vocalists. Since bursting onto the scene in 2021 with her hit single Lash Up, Anika has collaborated with UK artist Pahjo on Goosebumps. Catch her performing at Mawnin, on Saturday 20 August.
ASA BANTAN
Bouyon king Asa Bantan headlined Dominica’s World Creole Festival in 2017 and 2022, showcasing spectacular performances that are still talked about in Dominica, where he also hosts his own event; Asa's Annual Breakfast Fete will take place from 11 to 14 August in Grandbay, Dominica. You can catch Asa in the UK this carnival season, performing his 2023 release Badman at Get Soaked, Saturday 26 August.
FREETOWN COLLECTIVE
Freetown Collective are dedicated to their fundamental belief that all people are worthy of love and dignity. They incorporate the sanctity of humanness, or the nature of being hu-
man, in their art in a way that is deeply touching and uplifting. There will be an opportunity to experience Freetown Collective live in London at ‘Welcome to Freetown - Windrush: Destination Home’, taking place on Friday 18 August at Dingwalls. For tickets, visit socaetickets.com.
JADEL
Jadel has recently been busy performing internationally in Toronto, Belize, Barbados, and the US.
A female soca artist who has stayed relevant and consistent in the business of making music, the Trinidadianborn songstress has cooked up a storm every time she's releasesd a song, whilst maintaining a balance between motherhood and her career as a songwriter and singer.
Some of her tracks are: Hold Me Close, Up In The Party, Take Notice and newer additions Tame Nutting, Spice It Up, Hot Topic and Shake Up Catch her performing at a venue in London, during the 2023 carnival season.
LYRIKAL
Devon Martin, better known as Lyrikal, produced two groovy soca hits that impressed soca
lovers around the globe and amplified Caribbean heritage: his first track, Whey Yuh Want, a collaboration with Nadia Batson, and the second single, Wining Away. Lyrikal has gone on to have hits such as Cloud 9, Happy Place and, in 2023, Look Back Lyrikal is set to perform at Candy Mas' pre-carnival show, Get Soaked, on Saturday 26 August.
LAVAMAN
Lavaman is the second Jab king. His presentation and performances are next level, reflecting similar energy to fellow Grenadian artist Mr Killa. In 2022, Mr Killa and Lavaman linked up to perform at Preeday, Grenada’s biggest show for Spicemas. Grab your Get Soaked tickets from Eventbrite to see Lavaman perform.
OLATUNJI YEARWOOD
Olatunji always brings the Trinidadian heat to musical competitions such as Soca Groovy Monarch and International Soca Monarch. His performances are driven with culture, energy and embedded with full spirit in different dynamic styles.
Olatunji also graced our TV screens in 2018, when he appeared on X Factor, making it to the live shows. 2023 has been a good year for Ola as his
SOCA PEOPLE
mega carnival hit, Engine Room, could be heard playing on every radio station, in every party and on the road during the Trinidad carnival season.
KES THE BAND
Kes The Band, of popular hits such as Hello, Savannah Grass and Wotless, are due to release a new album this year, on Ineffable Records.
Two singles, Jolene and Liki Tiki, have already been released to entertain fans. Kes teamed up with Shaggy for Mood, which proved popular during this year's Trinidad Carnival season. You are sure to be entertained come Notting Hill Carnival Friday, 25 August, at the Troxy.
VOICE
Voice The Artiste has so far won the International Soca Monarch three times, with songs Cheers To Life, Far From Finished and Year For Love, earning him a place alongside soca veterans Super Blue and Machel Montano. After a dec-
ade on the soca scene, Voice still sends out the positive message of his outlook of life. The artist's Long Live Soca is sure to be a crowd pleaser when he brings his 'Vibes With Voicey' show to London on Carnival Thursday, 24 August, at HERE at Outernet, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 8LH.
CRAZY AND RED PLASTIC BAG
Crazy from Trinidad and Red Plastic Bag from Barbados are both highly venerated calypsonians in the Caribbean. In 1978, Crazy gained second place at the National Calypso Monarch with songs A Great Achievement and Electrician; in that same year, Red Plastic Bag started to compete at the National Stadium in Barbados. If you want to relive old memories whilst creating new ones, come and spend your evening with Crazy and Red Plastic Bag at the Opera Holland Park on 19 August from 7pm, as they treat you to classics from across the years.
For more on artist and events visit socanews.com.
NAILAH BLACKMAN
Nailah Blackman is a Trinidadian soca songstress who began making entertainment headlines back in 2017. The singer is renowned for her smooth, high-pitched vocals and vibrant, upbeat lyrics that bring out the best qualities of soca music. Her songs are all about Trinidadian culture, enjoying life, and bold creative expression of individuality.
Music has always been a part of Nailah’s life, as she hails from a prominent artistic family; her grandfather Garfield Blackman was a jamoo and soca musician, and her mother Abbi Blackman sang calypso. One of her greatest goals is to live up to the Blackman family name.
At just 25, Nailah has already had an astonishingly successful career. 2017 was her golden year, when she released her breakout hit song, Work Out, featuring Kes the Band; a song successful enough to take her to the final of the International Soca Monarch competition. She then put out another hit song, Baila Mami, featuring Jamaican artist Shenseea.
Since then, Nailah has continued to feature prominently in Trinidadian soca music with hit songs like Badishh, We Ready, and Together we Reign. In 2022, she released her album, Teknique, and in 2023 continues to entertain fans with new releases such as Come Home and Rum & Raisin
Nailah has already achieved international recognition after being nominated in 2018 for the Best New International Act award by BET. She also won the Best New Soca Artiste award at Jamaica’s Your View awards and the Groovy Soca Female of the Year award at the International Soca Awards.
WORDS | BRUCE MAHAGWAMUSIC
RADIO SHOWS + STREAMS
LISTENING TO THE RADIO IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO SOCA MUSIC. THERE ARE A MYRIAD OF STREAMS AVAILABLE; WE HAVE LISTED ONLY THE MORE PERMANENT SOCA SHOWS.
WEDNESDAY
9-11pm GMT
The RDR show
DJ CREDABLE Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk
7-9Pm GMT
The BankRoll
D'MONEY
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
THURSDAY
7-9pm GMT
The Breakaway Show
DJ DIGGA D Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk
3-6pm GMT
Soca 2d World
DJ ROCKSHUN
I Chunes Radio
ichunesradio.com
1-3am GMT
iMove
DJ REE
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
FRIDAY 6pm GMT
The French Soca Connection
DJ DUTTY FREAK
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
3-6pm GMT
Soca and Cocktails
DJ LOKDWN
I Chunes Radio
ichunesradio.com
SATURDAY
12-2pm GMT
The Super Soca Show
AAA BADBOY & DUB BOY, ATKI2 (AT KEY TWO) AND JONSEY WALES
Ujima 98FM ujimaradio.com
12-2pm GMT
Soca is We
DJ PIPER Roots FM 95.4 ukrootsfm.com
2-4pm GMT
Soca is We
DJ PIPER
Flo Radio floradio.co.uk
12-2pm GMT
The Mighty Hitman Show
D’MIGHTY HITMAN
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
6pm GMT
JAKK RUSSELL
Bakahnal Radio
bakahnalradio.co.uk
2-4pm GMT
The Check In
THE VIBES CURATOR
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
SUNDAY
12-2pm GMT
The Caribbean Affair
DJ MARTIN JAY
Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk
10am-12pm GMT
Easy Sundays
NEIL MATTEI
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
12-2pm GMT
DJ TORO
Bakahnal Radio + Team Soca teamsoca.com/shows/dj-toro
5-7pm GMT
Lush Soca Sundays
CHÉ IN THE MIXX
Robbo Ranx Radio robboranx.com/listenlive
12-2pm GMT
Hightown Showdown
D'RANGER
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
2-4pm GMT
Sunday Skool
D'MIGHTY HITMAN
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
4-6pm GMT
Krooshal Factor
KROOSHALL
The Frontline Radio flrradio.com
9-11pm GMT
The Real Caribbean Gold Show
DE ADMIRAL
Unity Live Radio
unityliveradio.co.uk
NOT ON THIS LIST? SUBMIT YOUR DETAILS TO INFO@SOCANEWS.COM
LONDON CALYPSO TENT
FRI 11, 18 + THUR 24 AUG 2023
@ TABERNACLE, W11 2AY
It’s not all jump-up riddims. If you listen to the lyrics men and women at the London Calypso Tent, you’ll hear a mix of soca and true kaiso rhythms. Remember, this is our homegrown talent, so deserves our support.
The tent is run by the Association of Calypsonians and Soca Artists. After keeping calypso alive in a cold climate for three decades, it’s strange that ACASA doesn’t receive more recognition and lacks long-term funding to assure its future and fulfil ambitious plans for development. In the meantime, ACASA is putting on a cutdown three-night tent season at The Tabernacle, Powis Square W11 2AY.
PERFORMANCES BY
• Alexander D Great
• Clivus
• De Admiral
• DeeVine
• G-String
• Helena B
• Leah Sophia
• Lord Cloak
• Ms Desire
• Muffinman
• Musicman
• Nikie Baby
• Soca Kidd
• SunDivas
GUEST ARTISTS
• Pat3ot
• Tobago Crusoe
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL ROUTE MAP.
YOU CAN GET YOUR BOUNTY ON AT ANY OF THE VENUES AND DATES LISTED BELOW
COTTONS - NOTTING HILL GATE
157-159 NOTTING HILL GATE, W11 3LF
Special Bounty Rum Menu 2 weeks leading up to Carnival and serving Takeaway Bounty Rum Punch – Sunday & Monday.
THE HAYDENWESTBOURNE GROVE 65 WESTBOURNE GROVE, W2 4UJ
Serving Takeaway Bounty Rum Punch –Carnival Sunday & Monday.
SILVER HILL INTERIOR CLUB –RUM MEMBERS BAR
123-124 WESTBOURNE PARK ROAD, W2 5QL
Serving up Bounty Rum Punch on Sunday 27th & Monday 28th right round the corner from the judging panel.
RUDIE’S JERK SHACK
Look out for Rudie’s Jerk Shack food stand in the heart of Carnival! We’ll be teaming up with Rudie’s famous jerk chicken, each succulent portion will be doused with a Bounty Spiced Rum Glaze! Located on All Saints Road next to the Rapattack Sound System!
HAWKS NEST - SHEPHERDS BUSH
GOLDHAWK ROAD, SHEPHERD'S BUSH MARKET, W12 8DF
Bounty Rum Punch during Carnival Weekend.
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
PANORAMA
@ EMSLIE HORNIMAN'S PLEASANCE, W10 5EG. TIME: 4PM
For many the start of Carnival proper, from 4pm on the Saturday pan devotees will begin their pilgrimage to Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance to stand in awe before that shrine to steelpan power and glory, the Panorama stage. Panorama is as much a social as a musical occasion, a chance to lime, with a beer in your hand and a bite to eat to see you through to midnight. Large screens make viewing easier, and the sometimes lengthy intervals - while one band moves out and the next sets up - will be filled with music from the resident DJs.
Yes, we all know that once upon a time Panorama was free to attend, but don’t complain too loudly about the price because the ticket money is split amongst the performing bands, and they darn well deserve it. Hopefully, this will make it possible for more bands to take part in coming years, which can only be a good thing.
SAT 26 AUG 2023
COMPETING BANDS
• Croydon Steel Orchestra
• Mangrove Steelband
• Metronomes Steel Orchestra
• Pan Nation
• Real Steel
• South Harmonics
• Ebony Steelband (defending champions)
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
J'OUVERT
@ CANAL WAY/SAINSBURYS
ROUND ABOUT. TIME: 6AM
Sunday morning brings us J'Ouvert. Pan, paint, powder, oil, horns, chains, and who knows what else? Anything can happen at J'Ouvert, which is what makes it what it is: a time of joyous freedom from convention, and also from the crowds and barriers that constrict Carnival itself. The early hours, just after dawn, are when the spirits come out… of a flask! So get up early (or just fête the night away) and get yourself to Canal Way, at the north end of Ladbroke Grove, by about 6am. Slowly, a crowd mysteriously materialises, seemingly out of nowhere; the strains of pan begin to resolve themselves out of the mist; a truck lumbers down the road, trailing behind it creatures of the night. There’s no more surreal moment to be had in London. If you do nothing else for Carnival, do J'Ouvert.
J'OUVERT BANDS
see socanews.com
DUTTY MAS BANDS
• Abir
• Bacchanalia
• Candy Mas
• Colours Carnival
• Chocolate Nation
• Island Mas UK
• Karnival Mania
• Lagniappe
• Omnia
• TT Mudders
• UCOM
SUN 27 AUG 2023
MAS BANDS
MON 28 AUG 2023
With Notting Hill Carnival just a few weeks away, we bring you a list of bands. As comprehensive as we could make it, these are the official bands and sections who will take to the streets of (hopefully sunny) West London to display their costumes this August Bank Holiday.
As always, we advise that you join a band and 'play ah mas'; there's nothing like it. So, we hope you won’t just spectate, but also aim to participate in this year's Notting Hill Carnival, on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August. Adults can choose to take part on either the Sunday, in dirty (‘dutty’) mas, which ranges from paint or powder, to mud, chocolate or oil, or on the Monday, donning a pretty costume. Or, if you’re up to it, participate on both days.
We realise that some of the costumes on display might not be to your taste or cut, but there’s something out there for everyone if you look hard enough. They come in a rainbow of colours, from a smorgasbord of mas bands.
Find our listing of the bands and their 2023 themes at socanews.com/masbands. The page is being updated all the time, so check it out or sign up to our newsletter for updates.
THE BANDS A ABIR SOUCOUYANT abircolours2008@gmail.com
IG abirmas
FB teamABIR www.abirmas.com
ADULT + DUTTY
ADDICTED MAS
H.I.M
info@addictedmas.com
IG specialistent
FB specialistevents www.addictedmas.com
ADULT
AIRAM TRIBE
TEMPTRESS
tiffannithompson@hotmail.com
IG airam_tribe
FB AiramTribe
www.airamtribe.com
ADULT
MAS BAND KEY
ARAWAK HEAVEN ON EARTH arawakcarnivals@gmail.com
IG arawakcarnivals www.arawakcarnivals.com
ADULT
ART A LIGHT REVIVAL
CHILDREN + ADULT
ASHANTIXKWEYOL RIDE DE RIDDIM ashantixkweyol@gmail.com
IG ashantixkweyol
FB AshantixKweyol
ADULT B
BACCHANALIA UK BEAUTY IN CHAOS info@baccmas.com
IG bacchanalia_uk
FB bacchanalia.masband
ADULT+ DUTTY
BATALA LONDON Batalalondongigs@gmail.com
IG batalalondon
FB batala.london www.batalalondon.com
ADULT + BRAZILIAN
BLOSSOM CONCEPTS
FUEGO
IG blossomconcepts
FB blossomconceptsuk www.blossomconcepts.com
ADULT C
CANDY MAS
FLAMES OF FIRE carnivalcrasherz@gmail.com
IG candymasuk
FB CandyMasUk
www.candymasuk.com
ADULT + DUTTY
CARIBBEAN SESSIONS
MING DYNASTY caribbeansessionsuk@gmail.com
IG caribbeansessions
FB caribbeansessions
www.caribbeansessions.co.uk
CHILDREN + ADULT
CATONA’S GODS & GODDESSES CARNIVAL BAND TAROT (KNOW YOUR DESTINY) godsandgoddessesmasuk@gmail.com
ADULT
CHANTIMELLE MAS RISE FROM THE ASHES chantimelle.mas@outlook.com
IG chantimelle.mas
FB chantimelle
ADULT
CHOCOLATE NATION MAS CANDY LAND info@chocolatenationmas.com
IG chocolatenationmas
FB chocolatenationmas www.chocolatenationmas.com
ADULT+ DUTTY
COCOYEA LONDON DE SPIRIT hello@cocoyea.com
IG cocoyealondon
FB Cocoyealondon www.cocoyea.com
ADULT
COLOURS CARNIVAL TRIBAL FANTASY info@colourscarnival.com
IG colourscarnivalltd
FB Colourscarnivalltd www.colourscarnival.com
ADULT + DUTTY
D RIDDIM TRIBE WONDERS
driddimtribe@releasedriddim.com
IG driddimtribe
FB DRiddimTribe www.driddimtribe.com
ADULT
DENDE NATION
FAMILY 1dende.nation@gmail.com
IG 1dende.nation
FB 1dende.nation
CHILDREN + ADULT + BRAZILIAN
DRAGONS CULTURAL CLUB
ENIGMA THE LAND OF WONDER
IG dragonsculturalclub www.dragonsculturalclub.co.uk
ADULT
DYNAMIC MAS
INFERNO dynamicsoundz@hotmail.com
IG dynamic_mas
FB dynamicmas www.dynamicmas.co.uk
EBONY MAS
IGNITE
ebonymasband@gmail.com
IG ebonysteelband
FB EbonySteelBand
www.ebony-steelband-trust.co.uk
ADULT + CHILDREN
EXOTIC MAS
ALCHERA – THE ISLAND OF LOST DREAMS exoticmascustomers@gmail.com
IG exotic.mas
FB Exotic-Mas-856412814496678
www.exoticmas.com
ADULT
F
FLAGZ MAS BAND
ENCHANTED
info@flagzmasband.com
IG flagzmasband
FB FlagzMasBand
www.flagzmasband.com
ADULT
FUNATIK MAS
DANCE OF THE PHOENIX info@funatikmas.com
IG funatikmas
FB funatikmas
www.funatikmas.com
CHILDREN + ADULT SOCANEWS.COM/MASBANDS/NOTTINGHILLCARNIVAL
ADULT
I
MAS BAND KEY
GEMZ MAS INTERNATIONAL ASANTE SAFARI gemzmasband@gmail.com
IG gemz.mas
FB gemz.mas www.gmicarnival.com
CHILDREN + ADULT
HERITAGE SOCIAL ARTS AND DANCE GROUP
AZTEC GODS & GODDESSES heritagemas@hotmail.com
IG heritage_roadshow www.heritageroadshow.co.uk
ADULT
H
HOTWAX CARNIVAL BIRDS OF PARADISE hotwax_masband@outlook.com
IG hotwaxcarnival
FB hotwaxproductions www.hotwaxcarnival.com
CHILDREN + ADULT
HYPE MAS
PURITY
IG hypemas FB hype.mas.5 www.hypemasuk.com
ADULT
INVADERS MAS AURORA info@invadersmasuk.com
IG invadersmasuk
FB invadersmasuk www.invadersmasuk.com
ADULT
ISLAND MAS
QUINTESSENCE –RISE OF THE ELEMENTS info@islandmas.co.uk
IG islandmasuk
FB islandmasuk www.islandmas.co.uk
ADULT + DUTTY
JAMAICAN TWIST RIDE DE RIDDIM contact@jamaicantwist.com
IG jamaicantwistcarnival
FB Jamaican-Twist-47162514857 www.jamaicantwist.com
ADULT
JUST INCARNIVAL FLOWERS OF THE AMAZON
IG justincarnival
FB JUST-INCARNIVAL-199908333398497 www.justincarnival.com
ADULT
K
KARNIVAL MANIA INTO THE MANIA hello@karnivalmania.com
IG karnivalmania
FB karnivalmania www.karnivalmania.com
ADULT + DUTTY
KINETIKA BLOCO TRIBUTE
tamzyn@kinetikabloco.co.uk
IG kinetika_blobo
FB KinetikaBloco www.kinetikabloco.co.uk
ADULT + BRAZILIAN
L LAGNIAPPE RISE OF AN EMPIRE carnival@lagniappe.uk
IG lagniappe_mas
FB Lagniappeuk www.lagniappe.uk
ADULT + DUTTY
LONDON SCHOOL OF SAMBA SAMBA THROUGH THE SOLAR SYSTEM commslss@gmail.com
IG londonschoolofsamba
FB UnidosdeLondres www.londonschoolofsamba.co.uk
ADULT + BRAZILIAN M
MAKING CARNIVAL JEWELS OF THE SEA info@masologymakingcarnival.com
IG masology_makingcarnival
FB IsisMas www.masologymakingcarnival.com
ADULT
MAHOGANY CARNIVAL LEGACY infomahoganycarnival@gmail.com
IG mahoganycarnival
FB MahoganyCarnival www.mahoganycarnival.com
CHILDREN
MANGROVE MAS BAND ISLAND TREASURES
mangrovemasband@gmail.com
IG mangrovecarnival
FB MangroveMas
www.mangrovecarnival.com
ADULT
MAS AFRICA AMANZI (WATER IS LIFE) info@goldstarsvision.org
IG mas_africa
FB Mas-Africa-1714155805493052 www.masafrica.org
CHILDREN + ADULT
MAS DOMNIK
SAPPHIRE management@duka.org.uk
IG duka_mas_domnik_uk_
FB MAS-Domnik-2034632030134285 www.duka.org.uk
ADULT
MASANOVA
TIMELESS masanova.mas@gmail.com
IG masanova.uk
FB masanova.mas www.masanova.co.uk
ADULT
M2K MAS RISE OF THE CONSCIOUSNESS
IG m2kmas
FB masquerade2000 www.m2kmas.co.uk
ADULT
OUR LISTING IS MADE UP OF BANDS AND SECTIONS, AND WE HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO CHECK THAT THE INFORMATION WE HAVE IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT.CHILDREN ADULTS DUTTY BRAZILIAN
OMNIA CARNIVAL SHORAI ‘THE FUTURE’ info@omniacarnival.com
IG omniacarnival
FB omniacarnival www.omniacarnival.com
ADULT + DUTTY
ONTURAJ MAS RISE OF AN EMPIRE info@onturajmas.com
IG onturaj_mas
FB onturajcarnival www.onturajmas.com
ADULT
R
REIGN MAS BAND JEWELS OF THE KINGDOM reignmasuk@gmail.com
IG reignmasband www.dblvibetribe.com
ADULT
RUMSHOP RAW LICQUER ANTILLES bajanrumshop@hotmail.com
FB RawLicquer
ADULT
S
SOCA MASSIVE FANCY SAILORS UK THEN & NOW www.socamassive.com
ADULT
SOCA SAGA BOYS KIMANA info@socasagaboys.co.uk
IG socasagaboys
FB SocaSagaBoys www.socasagaboys.co.uk
ADULT
SOCAHOLIC AVES BIRDS OF THE TROPICS info@socaholic.com
IG socaholicuk
FB SocaholicUK www.socaholic.com
ADULT
TEARS MAS FLAMES OF FIRE
IG tearsmas
FB Tearsevents www.tearsmas.com
ADULT
TEMPO MAS DAWNING OF A NEW ERA tempomasuk@gmail.com
IG tempomas
FB empo.mas.16 www.tempomasuk.com
ADULT
THE CALABASH CARNIVAL CLUB GEMSTONES FROM OUTTER SPACE calabashmasband@gmail.com
IG calabashm
FB newsxtra
ADULT
TROPICAL FUSION MAS
THE ENCHANTED FOREST tropicalfusionmas@gmail.com
IG tropicalfusionmas
FB Tropical-FusionMas-1766085360370253 www.tropicalfusionmas.com
ADULT
TROPICAL ISLES
THE WOMAN KING tropicalisles@btconnect.com
IG tropicalislescarnival
FB tropicalislescarnival www.tropicalislescarnival.org
ADULT
TT MUDDERS NEXT GEN'MUD MAS 2023
IG ttmudders
ADULT + DUTTY
U UCOM (UNITED COLOURS OF MAS)
AVES BIRDS OF THE TROPICS info@unitedcoloursofmas.com
IG ucomcarnival
FB unitedcoloursofmas
www.unitedcoloursofmas.com
ADULT + DUTTY
UNITED KREYOL MAS MANMAN DLO info@unitedkreyolmas.com
IG united_kreyol_mas
FB UnitedKreyolMas
www.unitedkreyolmas.com
ADULT
URBAN TOUCH ROYAUTÉ mass@urbantouch.org.uk
IG urbantouchltd
FB UrbanTouchCarnivalGroup www.urbantouch.org.uk
ADULT
UTOPIA MAS UK
AQUARIAN DREAM utopiamas1@gmail.com
IG utopiamasuk
FB utopiamasuk www.utopiamasuk.com
ADULT
XTREME CARNIVAL BAND
UNTAMED
IG iamxtreme_carnival
FB XtremeCarnivalBand www.xtremecarnivalband.co.uk
ADULT
SOCANEWS.COM/ MASBANDS/NOTTINGHILLCARNIVAL
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
CHILDRENS DAY
@ CARNIVAL ROUTE. TIME: 10.30AM
Carnival waits for no woman, or man, and even if you’re still sticky with red and yellow paint or as dusty as a walking flour bag, it won’t be long before the pretty mas comes out to play - because from 10.30am on Carnival Sunday we’re officially in Children’s Carnival, with kids’ costumes brightening up the roads.
After the worthy (some might say dull) opening ceremony in Great Western Road is over, the crowds first trickle, then pour, out of the tube stations, creating a human flood in this very special corner of West London. Static sounds and barbecues fire up and fill the side streets with sound and smoke. And suddenly you find yourself in the belly of the ram-jam, baffling, glittering, fire-breathing beast that is Notting Hill Carnival.
Later on, after all the children are well on their way around the route, the adult ‘dutty mas’ - based on j’ouvert but made daytime and thus more palatable - comes out to play, with various bands sporting mud, chocolate or paint.
SUN 27 AUG 2023
CHILDREN'S BANDS
• Caribbean Sessions
• Dende Nation
• Elimu Paddington Arts Mas Band
• Funatik Mas
• Gemz Mas International
• Hotwax Carnival
• Mahogany Carnival
• Mas Africa
EVENTS
YOUR CARNIVAL FETE LIST IS POWERED BY
DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO, OR WHAT TO DO?
Our events listing is all you need to keep you in the know. We cover predominately London, but whenever or wherever we hear about a soca fête or Caribbean related event, we’ll list it. If you’re a promoter, then to ensure you get listed please send your event details and a copy of your flyer to events@socanews.co.uk.
FOR OUR FULL AND UP-TO-DATE EVENT LISTINGS, VISIT SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS
WED 09/AUG
ACASA FREE YOUTH CALYPSO & SOCA WORKSHOPS @ The Tabernacle, Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 10am-4pm.
FRI 11/AUG
PAN TRINBAGO WORLD STEELPAN DAY
CARNIVAL VILLAGE TRUST PRE – PUMP
@ The Tabernacle, Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 6-11pm. Price Free
ACASA OPENING NIGHT OF CLASSIC CALYPSO AND SOCA
@ The Tabernacle, Powis Square, W11 2AY. Featuring Live Alexander D Great, Clivus De Admiral, DeeVine., G-String Muffinman, Musicman & Soca Kidd. Music By Hyper Spice. Time 7-10pm. Price £5-£10.
SOCA FRENZY SOCA FRENZY – REP YOUR COUNTRY FLAG
@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Time 11pm-5am. Price £1-£20.
SAT 12/AUG
REAL COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S MAS @ Tudor Park Sports Field, Browell's Lane, Feltham, TW13 7EF. Time 12-5pm. Price £4-£10.
SUN 13/AUG
COCOYEA LONDON
CARNIVAL POP UP PARTY @ Dingwalls, Middle Yard
Camden Lock, NW1 8AB. Music By ChéInTheMIXX, DJ Janeene, DJ Piper & Smokey Joe. Time 5-12pm. Price £5.
EVENTS
FOR MORE EVENTS
SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS
THE VENTURE CENTRE STEEL THE SHOW
@ Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 12-7pm. Price Free.
GT EMPIRES BLUE & WHITE RED CARPET AFFAIR – PART 3
@ Club Langley, 2 Hawksbrook Lane, Beckenham, BR3 3SR.
Music by Deejay Paulie, DJ
50, DJ Boots, DJ Kay3 & DJ Kiy. Time 3pm-12am.
WED 16/AUG
CARNIVAL VILLAGE TRUST CARNIVAL CULTURE IN THE PARK - ETIENNE CHARLES CARNIVAL: THE SOUND OF A PEOPLE
@ Opera Holland Park, Ilchester Place, W8 6LU. Time 7-11pm. Price £18.
THUR 17/AUG
CARNIVAL VILLAGE TRUST CARNIVAL CULTURE IN THE PARK -STEELBAND SUMMER
@ Opera Holland Park, Ilchester Place, W8 6LU. Time 7-11pm. Price £15.
FRI 18/AUG
CARNIVAL CONCIERGE RUM TASTING & COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS
@ Jungle Lounge, 133 Stockwell Road, SW9 9TN. Time 7pm-1am. Price £26-£36.
CARNIVAL VILLAGE TRUST CARNIVAL CULTURE IN THE PARK – PAN JAZZ
@ Opera Holland Park, Ilchester Place, W8 6LU. Time 7-11pm. Price £15.
ACASA UK JUNIOR CALYPSOCA MONARCH FINALS; BRITISH SOCA AND UK GROOVY MONARCH FINALS
@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Featuring Live DeeVine, G-String, Helena B, Leah Sophia, Ms Desire, Muffinman, Musicman, Nikie Baby, Soca Kidd & SunDivas. Guests Pat3ot plus more. Music By Hyper Spice. Time 7pm-10pm. Price £5-£10.
LAVA FRIDAYS SUMMER LAVA
@ Sway, 61-65 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5BZ. Music By DJ Markee & DJ Raskal. Time 8pm3am. Price £10-£15.
FROLIC NATION WELCOME TO FREETOWN – WINDRUSH: DESTINATION HOME
@ Dingwalls, Middle Yard Camden Lock, NW1 8AB. Featuring Live Freetown Collective. Time 7-10pm. Price £30-£40.
SAT 19/AUG
JUST IN CARNIVAL BARNET KIDDIES CARNIVAL AND FAMILY PARTY
@ UNITAS, Barnet Youth Zone, 74 Montrose Avenue, Edgware, HA8 0DT. Time 11am-2pm.
ANNE MARIE’S & CZ DIASPORA EVENTS ALL ISLAND PRE CARNIVAL BOAT PARTY
@ Westminster Millennium Pier, Victoria Embankment, SW1A 2JH. Music By Decrazy
1, DJ Matthew, Deejay Smoove & Mikey Afrique. Time 8pm12am. Price £35.
REBEL INTERNATIONAL REBEL III
SOLD OUT
CARNIVAL VILLAGE TRUST CARNIVAL CULTURE IN THE PARK – AN EVENING WITH CRAZY AND RED PLASTIC BAG
@ Opera Holland Park, Ilchester Place, W8 6LU. Featuring Live Crazy & Red Plastic Bag. Hosted By Martin Jay. Time 7-11pm. Price £15.
SUN 20/AUG
MAWNIN
MAWNIN BREAKFAST PARTY
@ Limin Beach Club, Gabriel's Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, SE1 9PP. Featuring Live Anika Berry & Pahjo. Time 9am-3pm. Price £35-£85.
MINGLEUK MINGLE BOATRIDE
@ Tower Millennium Pier, EC3N 4DT. Time 2-6pm.
EBONY STEEL BAND BLOCKORAMA
@ Emslie Horniman's Pleasance, W10 3DH.
Showcase By Ebony Steel
Band, New Generation SO & Dallaway Steel Band. Music By Candy Pop, DJ Bradshaw, DJ TFR & Ryan Rose. Time 1-8pm. Price Free
SOCA ADDICT EVENTS SOCA ADDICT
@ BLOQS, 2 Anthony Way, N18 3QT. Time 2-8pm. Price £60-£80.
RELEASE D RIDDIM BACKYARD JAM
@ Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ. Time 3-10pm. Price Free.
JAZZMO’THOLOGY
@ Queen of the South, 367 Norwood Road, Tulse Hill, SE27 9BQ. Time 7-11pm. Price £10
TUE 22/AUG
BEYOND IYANOLA CELEBRATE CULTURE
@ Greenlight Youth Club, Bow Road London E3 2SJ. Hosted By Beyond Iyanola. Time 5-8pm. Price £15.
WED 23/AUG
DJ SHEP BEATS TOUCH IN
@ Privee, 2 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, SW3 1NG. Time 6pm-12am.
CIRQUE PARTIES SOCA GOLD
@ Bubba Oasis, 57-58 Upper Street, N1 0NY. Time 8pm-1am.
THU 24/AUG
REMEDY EVENTS
AMNESIA CARNIVAL CRUISE – DAY BOAT
@ Tower Millennium Pier, EC3N 4DT. Time 12-5pm.
KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA FESTIVAL
NORTH KENSINGTON CARNIVAL PARTY
@ Portobella Canopy, Green W10 5TD. Time 12-6pm. Price Free.
SCORCH + SHIPWRECKED CLOUD 9 – THE ROOFTOP
@ VENUE TBC. Time 3-9pm. Price USD$40.
REMEDY EVENTS
AMNESIA CARNIVAL CRUISE – NIGHT BOAT
SOLD OUT
ACASA UK CALYPSO MONARCH FINAL
@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Hosted By Coco P. Music By Hyper Spice. Time 7-10pm. Price £5-£10.
BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS VIBES WITH VOICEY
@ HERE at Outernet, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 8LH. Featuring Live Voice &, Skinny Fabulous plus more. Time 8pm-2am. Price £40-£60.
SUNSET THE ULTIMATE CARNIVAL EXPERIENCE
@ Proud Embankment, Waterloo Bridge, 8 Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2AB. Time 10pm-4am. Price £25.
EVENTS
FOR MORE EVENTS
SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS
RELEASE D RIDDIM GLOW UK
@ Fire, 39 Parry Street, SW8 1RT. Time 11-5pm. Price £12-£20.
SPECIALIST ENTERTAINMENT SOCALICIOUS
@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Music By Danny D, DJ Bliss, DJ Boots, DJ Bradshaw, DJ Puffy, DJ Tate, Kevin Crown, MC Stiffler & Mr General (UK). Time 11pm-5am. Price £15-£30.
FRI 25/AUG
DJ PRIVATE RYAN SOCA STARTR
@ 26 LEAKE ST., 26 Leake Street, SE1 7NN. Time 8am2pm. Price £35.
THE SOCA VETERAN BIG PEOPLE BOATRIDE
@ Festival Pier, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XZ. Music By Candy Pop, DJ Jiggy, DJ Piper, Martin Jay & Prince Vern. Time 12.30pm. Price £25-£30.
SCORCH + SHIPWRECKED SCORCH SUMMER CRUISE SOLD OUT
REAL EVENTS MIDNIGHT MAS
@ Hanworth Park, TW13 6PP. Time 7pm-3am. Price £17
DREAMLAND ENTERTAINMENT KES DREAM CONCERT
@ Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, E1 0HX. Featuring Live
Kes The Band. Time 7-11pm. Price £67.
DON'T STOP THE BEAT PRODUCTIONS AN EVENING OF SOCA
CARNIVAL – LIVE!
@ Theatre Royal Stratford East Bar, Theatre Square, E15 1BN. Featuring Live Triniboi Joocie. Time 7-11pm. Price £10-£22.
CARIBBEAN'S IN LONDON
ZOUK LOVE LONDON
CARNIVAL EDITION: TROPICAL BLOSSOMS
@ Gigi’s Hoxton, 11 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU. Time 9pm4am. Price £15-£30.
D.A CONNECTIONZ TOU TOUNI
@ The Mix Dalston, 588A Kingsland Road, E8 4AH. Time 10pm-4am. Price £15-£20.
VINCY ALLIANCE MAS BAND NO RULES
@ Jungle Bar and Grll, 133 Stockwell Road, SW9 9TN.
Music By 2 Kool Kris, DJ Hot Head, DJ King Kofi, DJ Q & DJ Tate. Time 10pm-4am. Price £30-£40.
SOCA FRENZY ACTIVATE – NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL STARTER
@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Time 11pm-5am. Price £10-£25.
BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS BACCHANAL FRIDAY
@ Electric Brixton, SW2 1RJ. Time 11pm-5am. Price £26£31.
THE ONLY PLACES TO BE THIS LONDON...
CARINIVAL WEEK
FRIDAY 25TH
SATURDAY 26TH
H
TICKETS ARE CLOSE TO SELLING OUT
SCAN HERE, GET INVOLVED, LET'S PARTY
SAT 26/AUG
RUK-A-TUK PROMOTIONS RUK A TUK BREAKFAST CRUISE SOLD OUT
MINGLEUK MINGLE BREAKFAST FETE
@ Ditton Manor, Ditton Park Manor, Slough, SL3 7JB. Time 10am-4pm. Price £100-£125.
LIVE IN LOVE EVENTS
STRUT NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL CRUISE SOLD OUT
REAL EVENTS BLUE MAS
@ Kingsbury, NW9 9AT. Time 12-8pm. Price £25-£125.
DREAMLAND ENTERTAINMENT DREAMLAND JOUVERT
SOLD OUT
CANDY MAS GET SOAKED
@ Byron Hall. Hosted By Majah Hype. Featuring Live Lyrikal, Lavaman & Asa Bantan. Time 1pm-12am. Price £35.
ABIR
OUI FETE
@ 26 LEAKE ST., 26 Leake Street, SE1 7NN. Featuring Live Mical Teja & Nailah Blackman. Time 2-9pm. Price £30.
THE UK NATIONAL PANORAMA COMPETITION 2023
@ Emslie Horniman's Pleasance, W10 3DH. Time 4pm-12am. Price £7-£20
EVENTS
FOR MORE EVENTS
CARIBBEAN'S IN LONDON ZOUK LOVE BOAT 2 –CARNIVAL EDITION
@ Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PN. Music
By DJ Doubi, DJ Gatress & DJ Zoxy. Time 5-10pm. Price £40-£50.
VIBE LDN LTD. SIP ‘N SOCA
@ The Joiner Shoreditch, EC2A 4JH. Time 9pm-2am. Price £5-£15.
BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS TRIBE IGNITE LONDON
@ Steel Yard, Allhallows Lane, EC4R 3UE. Time 10pm-4am. Price £20-£25.
PAPARAZZI
OLATUNJI’S ENGINE ROOM
@ Ruby Blue, Leicester Square, WC2H 7BP. Featuring Live Olatunji. Time 10pm-3am. Price £20.
SUN BAILANTE CARNIVAL ENERGY
@ Beduin Bar, 57 - 57 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HA. Time 10pm-4am. Price £22.
GET MAD ENT SCANDALOUS SATURDAY
@ 229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street, W1W 5PN. Time 10pm-4am. Price £15-£30.
SUN 27/AUG
SUN BAILANTE THE HOT CARNIVAL PARTY
@ Heaven Night Club, 17 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NG. Time 11pm-5am. Price £15-£25.
MON 28/AUG
RELEASE D RIDDIM NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL QUENCHER
@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Time 10pm-5am. Price £12-£45.
SAT 02/SEP
TALK YUH TALK
KAISO LIME 2023
@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 7-11pm. Price Free.
DOMILUCIAN PROMOTIONS
A TASTE OF DOMINICA & ST LUCIA – AFTER CARNIVAL PARTY
@ Tereza Joanne, King George V Dock, Woolwich Manor Way, E16 2QY. Time 10pm-3am.
SAT 23/SEP
Q DANCE
@ Oakington Manor School, Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley, HA9 6NF. Time 2-9pm.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS, CARNIVALS AND FESTIVALS VISIT SOCANEWS.COM
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
ADULTS' DAY
@ CARNIVAL ROUTE. TIME: 10.30AM
And so, somehow, we reach the climax of it all: Carnival Monday. Feel the underlying impending-earthquake rumble of bass from 100 sound systems, static and revolving around you. Hear the first notes start up as they gradually build up to a confusing crescendo from every direction. Smell the aroma of 10,000 jerked chickens grilling.
Taste the powerful kick of someone’s rum punch sliding down your throat. Watch the illegal wine in that bikini-and-beads band in front of you. All your senses are bringing you that unmistakable feeling that normal life, with its cares and distractions, has been suspended for a few heady hours, when just about anything could be possible.
MON 28 AUG 2023
CARNIVAL TIPS
• Preparation
Make sure you are familiar with some of the top carnival tunes.
• What to wear
For masqueraders, your costume is all you need. Everybody else – comfort is the order of the day.
• Love your feet!
Trainers/Sneakers. Protect your feet from all the dancing and foot mashing throughout the day! Avoid high heels, open-toed shoes and flip flops.
• Stay hydrated
Drink lots of water throughout the day. Drink alcohol in moderation it will dehydrate you!
Coach Rho's 5 Fitness Tips
Carnival is coming, and Coach Rho is here with some top tips for ensuring your stamina and waistline are at their all-time best this season!
1. First things first: Stay hydrated. Ensure your body is getting the hydration it needs by drinking at least 2.5 litres of water a day.
2. (Cheat sheet: if you're peckish for a treat, drink 10 sips of water first, then wait 15 minutes before grabbing that snack to see if you're really hungry, or just dehydrated).
3. A side of vegetables is always possible. Always grab or cook some veggies to go with your meals, to get those extra nutrients.
4. Get ready to chip down the road by hitting at least 10,000 steps a day. (A quick trick: whether shopping or off for a stroll, walk for 30 minutes daily).
5. Soca music = guaranteed movement. Whether you're cooking, cleaning or getting ready to go out, get some soca on and you'll find yourself pelting that waistline around the house and burning some extra calories.
Give yourself that extra push! Check out www. rockitwithrho.com, and come and rock it at one of our workout classes before Carnival.
With just a matter of weeks to go, these top five tips are both realistic and achievable. Give them a spin, and let me know how you get on.
Yours Truly,
Coach Rho
Rockitwithrho Rhona994