Soca News Magazine - August 2023

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

facebook.com/socanews

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.

WORDS | MICHAEL LA ROSE + KATIE SEGAL

RHAUNE LASLETT CLAUDIA JONES LESLIE PALMER

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.

• MICAL TEJA

ARTISTS HEADING TO LONDON FOR NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2023

COMPILED BY | VANESSA FELIX + RADEYA OSMAN

ANIKA 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 MAHAGWA

MUSIC

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

CHILDREN ADULTS DUTTY BRAZILIAN

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