SOCANEWS Free
i108/july 2014 ISSN 1464-7087
socanews.com
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editor’s letter WELCOME “Hello Hello, hello hello, hello, hello. Hello Hello, hello hello, hello, hello. Meeting people is so wonderful, it’s true. I can hardly wait to meet someone like you.” Those are the opening lines of Blue Boy’s (Superblue) 1985 classic, Hello, and I think they sum up the season of carnival, a time when new friends (and sometimes enemies) are made. But all in all, it’s about having a good time. What could be better than jumping up in the London sunshine, covered from head to toe in feathers and beads, with something strong in your glass? Nothing, I say nothing. The official Notting Hill carnival season starts from the opening night of the ABC Calypso Tent on Friday 25 July, and continues until Bank Holiday Monday 25 August 2014. For a comprehensive list of what’s happening when and where, visit socanews.com/events. The next UK Soca Monarch competition will be in 2015. If you wish to receive Soca News magazine direct to your door, sign up for a free 12 month subscription now by visiting socanews.com/ subscriptions and filling out our short survey. Notting Hill Carnival 2014, roll on…… Yours in soca
Joseph Charles The Editor
CONTACT US + 44 (0) 3452 577 622
TWITTER | TWITTER.COM/SOCANEWS FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK.COM/SOCANEWS INSTAGRAM | INSTAGRAM.COM/SOCANEWS WEBSITE | SOCANEWS.COM
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SOCA NEWS i108 - JULY 2014
Cover Picture Mas Band Bacchanalia Mas Band Photographer Darren Woolway
THIS ISSUE OF SOCA NEWS WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Editor Joseph Charles Sub-Editor Katie Segal Layout & Design Joseph Charles Contributors Katie Segal, Natasha Ofosu, Nicole-Rachelle Moore, Michelle Gederon and Stephen Spark Photographers Response Photography, Big Truck, Peter Hogan, Victor Morris, Stephen Spark and Chris Boothman Advertising Sales + 44 (0) 3452 577 622 sales@socanews.com Published By Joseph Charles Publishing 86 - 90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE
contents
108|JULY 2014
07 NEWS
10 FEATURE
12 MUSIC
15 FEATURE
FOR ALL OF THE LATEST UK AND CARIBBEAN BASED NEWS STORIES
SOCA MASSIVE: THREE DECADES ON
TOP 10 CHARTS MUSIC REVIEWS SOCA ON THE AIRWAVES
19 EVENTS
23 FEATURE
24 MAS BANDS
28 CARNIVAL
FUNATIK BACCHANALIA MANGROVE TEARS
CROP OVER SPICE MAS ANTIGUA LEEDS NOTTING HILL
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO
SUNDAY: THE NEW MONDAY
THE ABC STARS
FEELING LEFT OUT? If you’re a promoter, artist, producer, carnival organiser, mas band, steelband, soca sound, community group or other participant who’s feeling left out because we didn’t mention your event, music, band or just something about which you think the world should know, the remedy is in your hands. Use them to pick up the telephone now: dial + 44 (0) 3452 577 622 and tell us about your plans; or write to us at: Soca News, Joseph Charles Publishing, 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE; or email us at: info@socanews.com. Remember, Soca News is the only magazine dedicated to the music and culture of Carnival. Our readers include soca-lovers, band-leaders, promoters, DJs and carnival arts funders. If you don’t tell Soca News, we can’t tell our readers.
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. JULY 2014 SN 5
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news
sparrow flies again
THE MIGHTY SPARROW
WORDS. NICOLE-RACHELLE MOORE
The legendary Mighty Sparrow recently received the Carlos Lezama Lifetime Achievement Award at a grand reception in Brooklyn, New York. The award was granted by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) which was founded by the late Carlos Lezama in 1967. No stranger to awards, citations or honours, Sparrow, real name Slinger Francisco, has received Trinidad and Tobago’s Humming Bird Silver Medal (1969), the Chaconia Gold Medal (1993) and, earlier this year, the twin island republic’s highest award: the Order of Trinidad and Tobago. The national recognition came when the highly esteemed singer was in recovery, having slipped into a coma months before. The ‘Calypso King of the World’ has also been the recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies and the Order of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Born on 9 July 1935 in Grenada, Sparrow moved to Trinidad at the age of one with his mother, and grew up in the island’s capital, Port-of-Spain, where he began singing as a small boy. Despite being
discouraged from singing calypso as a youth, the artist scaled the heights of the art form and has delighted audiences worldwide for decades with classics including Jean and Dinah, Yankees Back Again, Congo Man, I’m A Slave and Together We Aspire. The WIADCA said in its reception statement that the Mighty Sparrow, “Challenged all with his antics and stage presentations,” and that he had “Upped the ante by delivering clearly articulated lyrics with a velvet voice.” New York State Assembly member Nick Perry, in praising the calypso legend, said that, “There is no way to over-indulge in expressing his contribution to Caribbean culture. He’s blessed, and is still standing.” The man himself, in accepting the award, simply said, “I’m indeed very pleased, and I accept this award with great humility.” A note to his British fans: the ‘Calypso King of the World’ is due to perform in London at The Tabernacle, Carnival Village on August 16. You read it here first, folks! JULY 2014 SN 7
news
malta comes to notting hill carnival
SABRINA SPITERI - MALTA CARNIVAL QUEEN
WORDS. NICOLE-RACHELLE MOORE
As a result of a rewarding creative partnership between the various carnivals in Malta and a number of groups linked to London’s Notting Hill Carnival, the Maltese are heading to Europe’s biggest street carnival in August. Elimu Paddington Arts Band, Genesis Mas Band and Xtreme St Lucia Band all participated in carnivals dotted around various cities and towns in Malta, and now individuals from the overarching Malta Carnival have been invited to come and experience London’s annual carnival showcase. The visitors will arrive under the patronage of Malta’s High Commissioner in London, Mr Norman Hamilton, and will include that country’s National Carnival Queen, Sabrina Spiteri, who was crowned in March; Ansel Wong of Elimu Paddington Arts Band was amongst the judges at the contest in Valletta, Malta. Miss Spiteri will parade as a special guest at Notting Hill Carnival. Maltese students in the UK will also form part of the group during the carnival weekend in London. Chairman of Malta Carnival, Mr Jason Busuttil, who will accompany the delegation in August, said that the, “Main objective is to promote Malta as a tourist destination, to share our experiences with our host and strengthen the partnership with the London Carnival.” 8 SN JULY 2014
up hill down hall Saturday 23 August, 3 to 6pm, will see the colour, creativity and genius of Carnival at the iconic Tate Modern in London. Up Hill Down Hall in the Turbine Hall will translate the phenomenon that is Carnival into contemporary art. Carnival’s core modes of being - as a ‘festival of otherness’, as ‘performance art’ and as a ‘ritual of resistance’ - all coalesce to offer a multi- performance which will also showcase the talents of various artists who use Carnival as a conduit. These include the London based interdisciplinary artist and research group Dubmorphology, Carnival designer Marlon Griffith, royal portraiture artist Hew Locke, curator and writer Claire Tancons and architectural designer Gia Wolff. The rich history of London’s Notting Hill Carnival provides a backdrop to Up Hill Down Hall. Included is the seminal work of Linton Kwesi Johnson’s Forces of Victri dub album of 1979, Isaac Julien’s 1984 experimental documentary film Territories, and live masquerade from Elimu Masquerade Band. Up Hill Down Hall is free; part of the series of BMW Tate Live events. For more information call the Tate Modern on 020 7887 8888 or email visiting.modern@tate.org.uk.
TOBAGO CRUSOE
Kaiso showcased in true Talk Yuh Talk style WORDS. MICHELLE GEDERON
leicester Caribbean carnival to charge For the first time in its 28 year history, the organisers of Leicester’s Caribbean Carnival have decided to charge an entry fee of £3 to the city’s Victoria Park on 2 August. Under 12s and over 60s will not be charged, and the parade through the city will remain free to attend; tickets will be available in advance and at the park gates. Dennis ‘Sugar’ Christopher, one of the organisers of the event, explained that the decision to charge a fee was as a result of funding cuts. In 2013, funding from the council fell to £80,000, from £100,000 the previous year, and was again decreased this year, to £60,000. Mr Christopher went on to say that, despite this, he was not worried that people would be put off from attending the celebrations: “If we normally have 20,000 people at Victoria Park, I think we will get at least 15,000. We will still put on a great show with great acts on stage, performers and refreshments. It will be another great event.” This year’s carnival will showcase a Nelson Mandela theme in honour of the former South African icon who passed away in 2013, and some of the celebrations will be held in the city’s Nelson Mandela Park.
Talk Yuh Talk has burst back onto the cultural scene with ‘Kaiso Lime’, a spectacular free series of calypso shows that will run on the first Saturday of each month, until November. The series kicked off in fine style with a Mighty Sparrow tribute show on Saturday 7 June, where well known and respected London calypsonians such as Tobago Crusoe, De Alberto, Alexander D Great ran through some of the musical maestro’s extensive catalogue. Perhaps no other calypsonian in London knows more about Sparrow’s music than Tobago Crusoe, especially as he has graced the genius’ tent as a kaisonian for 25 years. Michael La Rose, joint Talk Yuh Talk event organiser said, “Talk Yuh Talk events have existed for five years, and been extended by myself and Dexter Kahn to include London parang events at Christmas time. This year, we decided to put a fresh spin on Talk Yuh Talk in order to present this cultural form to an even wider audience.” Kaiso Lime returns to the Tabernacle, Carnival Village, Powis Square, London W11 2AY on Saturday 2 August from 7pm to 10.30pm, and will feature the reigning London Calypso Monarch, Sheldon Skeete. This is a free event, so you’re advised to reach the venue early to secure a good seat. JULY 2014 SN 9
feature
Soca Massive Three decades on WORDS. NATASHA OFOSU
Standing outside a high street cafe one rainy June
spectators and masqueraders. The road was really made to walk on Carnival day. Massive recollects: “We probably had about 5- or 600 people [following the music truck]. When we started at the carnival we went around the route three times. There were hardly any sounds on the road. The police used to beg me, "Please don’t turn off, just keep going," because we had the crowd.”
Soca Massive, whose real name is Michael Olton, was the winner of the Soca on the Move competition at Notting Hill Carnival (NHC) for a record six consecutive years, from 1988 to 1993. And, at NHC 2014, he will celebrate a milestone 30 years of playing soca and calypso on the road.
Born in San Fernando, Trinidad’s second city, Massive grew up listening to his uncles playing steel pan and other instruments and developed a love for music. At the age of 11, when he joined his parents in London, he says he was shocked at how few Trinidadians there were, and at the absence of calypso. He says, “I found myself falling into the sound system and reggae music. I became popular as an MC and selector.” Massive says he was greatly influenced by reggae singers such as Gregory Isaacs, Delroy Wilson and Big Youth. He started honing his craft in school with his classmates, who went on to found such highly-rated sound systems as Jah Shaka and Saxon.
evening, DJ and promoter Soca Massive jokes that people who know only his name expect a big, burly man to show up when they meet him. They are often surprised that by contrast he is slim-built, with an unassuming air. He chose the soubriquet, he says, to be unique, and to assert the kind of impact he wanted to have on the music scene. Boy, has he delivered!
Until his bold move to bring a soca music truck into carnival in 1984, reggae sound systems ran the route, along with steelbands and an odd assortment of musicians, including the Metropolitan Police Band. “When we came out with that sound, nobody had ever heard anything like that on the road,” he recalls. “Quite up the road people heard us coming. The sound was heavy, it was loud and it was clean. Then we had everybody jumping up behind us.” Massive says youthfulness and excitement distinguished him and his team of friends from their contemporaries. They invested in good equipment to produce their distinctive sound and, in time, with the likes of Zoomer D and the Bambino on their twin turntables, pioneered the art of live mixing. Compared with today, the music of 1984 was, “Slower, and at a chipping pace,” he says. That year, the Mighty Sparrow had won his eighth Road March title in Trinidad and Tobago with Doh Back Back, while Feeling It by Baron and Gimme de Ting by Lord Kitchener were popular party tunes. Archive footage from the Notting Hill Children’s Day parade on 26 August, 1984, drives home the contrast between the festival then and now. There were no barricades hemming in the crowds and policing was low-key, with officers mingling comfortably with 10 SN JULY 2014
It was only when he visited Trinidad in his early twenties that Soca Massive re-discovered his love for soca, and began to incorporate more of the music into his playlists. He DJed at Caribbean nightclubs such as the Metro Club, Dougies, Tiverton and the Tabernacle in Ladbroke Grove. And after launching his carnival music truck, he played for a variety of mas bands including Cocoyea, 12th Century Carnival, Genesis, Dragons, Masquerade 2000 and Rough Diamond. Asked how he has managed to remain fresh after three decades, Soca Massive replies, “I don’t make it a business or a full-time occupation. It’s something I love doing. I love playing music.” He says he is focused now on continuing to enjoy what he does, and nurturing young talent for the future. As for his legacy, a concept which initially does not seem to sit well with him, he says simply: “Making people happy.” YOU CAN FOLLOW SOCA MASSIVE ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/SOCAMASSIVE
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music
top 10 soca tracks
The following top 10 chart is based on the songs most played throughout socanews.com.
1 VAGABOND
2
RICARDO DRUE
LIGHT UP (REMIX) SKINNY FABULOUS FEAT. KERWIN DU BOIS
3 SOCA ANIMAL
ALISON HINDS
4
BANG DEM
5
MUST BE IN DAT
6
JAMESY P
TRINIBOI JOOCIE
TREAD ON DE ROAD ALISON HINDS
7 CRUEL
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC To submit your music, send your tracks to music@socanews.com accompanied by a bio, high resolution images, and all of your contact details including social networking links.
ROYALL
8 RADICAL LAVAMAN
socanews.com/music
9 CAUSE COMMOTION
JAMESY P
10 NO DISCIPLINE
PROBLEM CHILD JULY 2014 SN 13
music Soca on the airwaves and web
music reviews BY MARTIN JAY
SUNDAY
Doh Tell Me That
We Drinking
This catchy song was produced by Soca Dennis in Sweden, and is sung by Trinidadian artist Flipo. Its popularity in the last couple of months has escalated dramatically, and it will definitely be a major tune in the 2014 UK carnival season. Flipo originates from Maracas in Trinidad, and his musical inspirations come from varied genres including R&B, hip hop. reggae and soca. What I love about this song is its simplicity and magnificent vibe. It’s one of those songs that will have you singing a line or two in the most unorthodox places. Flipo is definitely an artist to look out for in the future, and major props to Soca Dennis for the production of this soca hit; Sweden massive, stand tall. This one is a big one.
Joel Hamilton-Mills, aka Big Bad and also known as Tubbs to the soca community, has just released his new offering, entitled We Drinking. This young man has matured from a teenager into a funloving, bubbly personality, and should feel very proud of his achievements despite all obstacles. An active member of Metronome Steel Orchestra and a pan lover extreme, Big Bad has always been at the heart of the carnival community. We Drinking is produced by the very talented Darren ‘Socachild’ Skerritt, and the song has a real vibe about it. When you follow the lyrics you can’t help but laugh and smile at some of Big Bad’s explanations to his imaginary other half; who can’t hold up a hand and say that they’ve been in that situation once or twice? Fresh music from fresh artists is what we like to hear, and Big Bad definitely falls into that category with this tune. Watch this space.
FLIPO
socanews.com/ music 14 SN JULY 2014
BIG BAD
1-4pm
Smokey Joe’s Soca Beats: Smokey Joe & Danny D, Bang Radio 103.6. wearebang.com
5-8pm
Mega Mix Show: DJ Cris, www.vibesfm.com
5pm
Highnoon Showdown. DJ Lone Ranger, The Frontline Radio, thefrontlineradio.com
6-8pm The Caribbean Affair: Martin Jay, Bakahnal Radio, bakahnalradio.com 7pm Soca Session: DJ Soca Flex, The Frontline Radio, thefrontlineradio.com 8-10pm
Bakahnal in ‘D’ Junction: DJ Toro, Bakahnal Radio, bakahnalradio.com
8-11pm
The Calalloo Show: Digga D, largeradio.com
9pm Soca Stop: DJ Soca Junkee, The Frontline Radio, thefrontlineradio.com
MONDAY 8-10pm
Soca Jam Show: DJ Ratty, largeradio.com
8-10pm
Soca Therapy: DJ Toro, Passion Radio, www.passionradiouk.com
10-12pm
Bacchanal Vybes of Soca: Soca Devil, RJR 98.3FM, www.radiorjr.com
TUESDAY 7-9pm
Soca City: Mz Tiny Winey, Supreme FM 99.8, supremefm.com
FRIDAY 9-11pm
Caribbean Sessions Showcase: DJ CJay, Bakahnal Radio, bakahnalradio.com
SATURDAY 2-2pm
Caribbean House Party: Feminine Touch, Supreme FM 99.8, supremefm.com
1-4pm
Soca Mixx Show: Trevor Davis Hot 96, hot96.co.uk
3.30pm
Drive Time: Mr Hype & D’Mighty Hitman, The Frontline Radio, thefrontlineradio.com
10-1am
Hypa Mix Show: QT 2Hype & DJ Bones, Bang Radio 103.6, wearebang.com
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THE ABC’S STARS GETTING READY TO SHINE AGAIN
AT THE 22ND LONDON CALYPSO TENT Preparations are underway once more for what has long been hailed as London’s ‘premier cultural precursor’ to the annual Notting Hill Carnival. The London Calypso Tent (LCT) is a rich cultural powerhouse of live and original artists, hosted by the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC) each year in the five weeks preceding Europe’s largest street party.
2014 sees the ABC’s line up of calypsonians as strong as ever, and many calypso lovers are gearing up to attend the LCT just to see their favourite singer in performance with fresh, new material. For those of you who may not be au fait with the who’s who of the London Calypso Tent, Soca News would like to get you ready for the rich cornucopia of calypso in 2014 by introducing to you the calypsonians. 16 SN JULY 2014
Alexander D Great
A professional arranger, composer, musician and longstanding member of the ABC. A two-time Calypso Monarch (2010 & 2011), Alexander D Great is always one to watch with his pithy, thoughtprovoking lyrics and unique melodies.
Brown Sugar
One of the ABC’s most successful female members, winning both the inaugural Groovy Soca Monarch title and the Calypso Monarch title in 2006; a first in the history of calypso and soca in the UK. She is one of the LCT’s most exciting performers.
london calypso tent 2014
@ carnival village, w11 britishcalypsonians.com
Cleopatra
This lady oozes sensuality, and her vocal skill is never in question as she bends and shapes any calypso to her will. A former Groovy Soca Monarch, Cleopatra remains at the top of her game, and continues to delight audiences wherever she performs.
Clivus
One of the ABC’s newer members, he is consistent in his gentle brand of calypso. His quiet charm, as he delivers messages of everyday experiences, makes Clivus one of the LCT’s most warmly appreciated performers.
Dave B
The ABC’s gentleman of the LCT, he is a quiet fire on stage every year, with an obvious delight in performing for calypso fans. Dave B’s approach always elicits wonderful engagement with the audience.
De Admiral
One of three original members of the ABC, De Admiral (formerly known as Admiral Jack) remains a vibrant part of the annual LCT showcase with his sharp social commentary and unabashed style.
Giselle
One of the ABC’s strong queens, she is a former Calypso Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch. Giselle is an engaging performer, who knows how to ‘work’ the stage and have the audience calling for more.
G-String
Music Man
Helena B
Nikisha
Always able to keep his audience laughing, he delivers his brand of calypso with warmth and clever wit. G-String has remained a favourite every year, and never fails to garner strong appreciation from the crowd. A former Calypso Monarch, she possesses a powerful voice that can belt out a heartfelt social observation or a sweet and spicy soca groove on the LCT stage. Helena B is part of the ABC’s strong coterie of calypso queens.
Lord Cloak
An original member of the ABC, he is a multiple Calypso Monarch (winning the title more than 10 times), and always a crowd favourite with his laid back but mischievous performance. Lord Cloak’s sartorial style always adds to his contribution on stage.
Master Link
One of two calypsonians to join the ABC in 2013, he is already proving that he can hold his own with the LCT audience. This second season shall see Master Link competing with other more established calypsonians. Watch this space...
Mighty Tiger
An original member and founder of the ABC, he remains the organisation’s president and has held the title of Calypso Monarch at least eight times. Mighty Tiger has bowed out of performing in recent years, but continues to work hard on behalf of the ABC and the LCT.
Consistently preaching a calypso sermon of love and unity which blends seamlessly with his life ethos, he is liberating to watch as he walks the line between calypso and reggae on the LCT stage every year. A more recent member of the ABC, she is a consummate performer who completely commands the stage with her combination of unapologetic lyrical strength and sexy delivery. Nikisha continues to grow in the arena, and is the ABC’s current Groovy Soca Monarch.
Rev B
The voice of conscience in the LCT showcase, he is a master wordsmith who never fails to impress the audience with calypso messages that provoke thought and debate. Rev B is always welcomed with open arms by the LCT audience.
Santiago
He joined the ABC in 2013, and burst into the LCT with a refreshing mix of calypso and rapso which saw his performance become an anticipated part of every week’s show. Santiago will be competing in 2014, which will add to the interesting competitive mix.
Sheldon Skeete
He is a two-time Calypso Monarch, who currently holds the title, and a solid performer who always seems to keep the crowd asking for more. Sheldon’s ability to convey sombre messages with just enough humour means that he can keep up the tempo every time. JULY 2014 SN 17
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events
Fri 11th Jul 2014
(Dame Du Show) & Shep Beats. Price £15 + BF. Time 9pm - 3am. 21+
SOCA MASSIVE & ZOOMER D
Sun 13th Jul 2014
@ Island Arts Studio, 278 Milkwood Road, SE24 0EZ. Music By Soca Massive & Zoomer D. Price £5. Time 10pm - 3am. Tel 07958 319 954.
STEEL PAN FUSION
@ Charlie Wrights, 45 Pitfields Street, N1 6AD. Price £5. Time 8pm - 11pm. Tel 07712 429 586. 18+
@ South Norwood Lakes/Grounds, Auckland Road Playing Fields, Auckland Road, SE19 2DH. Featuring five of London’s top Steel Orchestras - London All Stars, Croydon Steel Orchestra, Southside Harmonics, Pan Nation & Endurance. Price Free. Time 2pm - 6.30pm.
PSV AND SOCA FRENZY RADIO
Sat 19th Jul 2014
Sun 20th Jul 2014
@ The Scala, 275 Pentonville Road King´s Cross, N1 9NL. Price £8 & £10, £15 VIP tickets. Time 11pm 5am. Tel 07950 949 932. 20+
2014 COSTUME BAND LAUNCH
BIG PEOPLE PARTY
SOCA FRENZY - SUMMER OF COLOURS & SHORTS
Sat 12th Jul 2014 WYCOMBE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
PEOPLES WORLD CARNIVAL BAND
@ The Old Brewery, 676a High Road, N17 0AE. Price £3. Time 3.30pm. Tel 07710 642 029. BARBADOS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (READING)
FAMILY FUN DAY, FISH FRY & LIME
@ The Rye Park, London Road High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1BJ. Price Free. Time Midday - 8pm. Tel 01494 459 449.
@ Thameside Promenade, Richfield Avenue, Reading, RG1 8EQ. Price Free. Time 10am - 9pm. Tel 07836 210 529.
BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS
Sun 20th Jul 2014
@ The Drift, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY. Music By DJ Markee, DJ Cinde Rella
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF STEELBANDS (BAS)
LADIES NIGHT
SOUTH LONDON STEELBANDS
BLOCK-O-RAMA + FAMILY FUN DAY
WAYNE CALLENDAR
19TH ANNUAL ISWETING FAMILY DAY
@ Trent Park, Cockfosters Road Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN4 0PS. Price free. Time 8am - 8pm.
Mon 21st Jul 2014 MACHEL MONTANO - POP UP CONCERT LONDON
@ The Scala , 275 Pentonville Road, King´s Cross, N1 9NL. Price £20. Time 7 - 11pm. Showtime 8pm. You are strongly advised to check with
the event promoter, as details sometimes change and cancellations may occur; all information was correct at the time of going to print. JULY 2014 SN 19
events
Fri 25th Jul 2014
Sun 27th Jul 2014
Road & Inner Circle, London. Price Free. Time 1pm - 7pm.
ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH CALYPSONIANS
GUYANA (UK) SPORTS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Fri 8th aug 2014
22ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE LONDON CALYPSO TENT OPENING NIGHT
@ Carnival Village, Tabernacle, Powis Square, W11 2AY. Price £10 adv., £12 door. Time 6.30pm. Q2 PROMOTIONS
QT 2HYPE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - A NIGHT OUT AT THE OSCAR’S - THE BLACK & GOLD AFFAIR
@ Silk Lounge, 7 Pratt Street, NW1 0AE. Price £7, £10, motd. Time 10pm - 4am. Tel 07961 850 344. 18+
Sat 26th Jul 2014 HOLIDAY INN BLOOMSBURY
TROPICAL RENDEZVOUS
@ Holiday Inn London - Bloomsbury, Coram Street, WC1N 1HT. Music by Martin Jay. Price £27; includes a glass of sparkling wine. Time 7pm - 12.30am. Tel 020 7923 6665 for enquiries and bookings. HOLIDAY INN LONDON KENSINGTON FORUM
CARIBBEAN NIGHTS
@ Holiday Inn London - Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road, SW7 4DN. Price From £39pp. Time 7.30pm - 1am. Tel 020 7341 3099 lonhi.caribbeanexperience.com www.hikensingtonforumhotel.co.uk FLAGZ SOCA FETE
DANCEHALL VS SOCA | THE ANNUAL BIKINI FOAM PARTY
@ Coronet Theatre (Elephant & Castle), 28 New Kent Road, SE1 6TJ. Price £10, £15.Time 11pm - 6am. Tel 07951 026 291. 8+ BAJAN RUM SHOP
I LIKE MUHSELF BEACH WEAR PARTY 2014
@ Euphoriom Night Club & Bar, 1-3 Acton High Street, W3 6NG. Time 9pm - 3.30am. 20 SN JULY 2014
GUYANA FAMILY SPORTS & FUNDAY
@ David Weir Leisure Centre, Middleton Road, Carshalton, SM5 1SL. Price Children free B4 2pm, £2 after 2pm, £6 children 5-16 & adults 17+ ID required for 15+), £3 senior citizen, £2 car park. Time midday - 7.30pm.
Sun 27th Jul 2014 GREAT BRITISH CARNIVAL
@ Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2ST. Local and international carnival artistes, costumed characters, giant creatures, performers, dancers and musicians. Price free. Time Midday - 9.30pm. SOCA FRENZY / RELEASE D RIDDIM / FLAGZ SOCA FETE
SOCA ON DE ROOF
@ The Prince Of Wales, 467 - 469 Brixton Road, SW9 8HH. Price Free with print of ticket B4 3pm, £5 without after 3pm, £10 after 5pm. Time 2 - 11pm. Tel 07946 634 747.
Sat 2nd aug 2014 CARNIVAL VILLAGE TRUST IN ASSOCIATION WITH TALK YUH TALK
KAISO LIME!
@ Carnival Village, Tabernacle, Powis Square, W11 2AY. Live Calypso Acts At the Tabernacle Bar - Sheldon Skeete and Giselle, MC Coco P. Price free. Time 7 10.30pm. Tel 020 7221 9700 NEXT LEVEL+POISONUK
WET FETE
@ Area Club, 67 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, SE1 7TP. Price £10. Time 10pm. Tel 03452 577 622.
sun 3rd aug 2014 REGENTS PARK FAMILY DAY PICNIC
@ Regent’s Park, Corner of Chester
SOCA MASSIVE & ZOOMER D
BIG PEOPLE PARTY
@ Island Arts Studio, 278 Milkwood Road, SE24 0EZ. Music By Soca Massive & Zoomer D. Price £5 Time 10pm - 3am. Tel 07958 319 954.
Sat 9th Aug 2014 D.A CONNECTIONS
PRE CARNIVAL SEWO JAM DOMINICA MEETS ST LUCIA @ Golden Palace, Hastingswood Trading Estate, Harbet Road, N18 3HT. Live acts Featuring Nayee (Dominica), Ricky T (St Lucia). Price £15, £20, £25. Tel 07740 105 488.
Sun 10th Aug 2014 BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF STEELBANDS (BAS)
BAS 2014 JUNIOR PANORAMA COMPETITION @ Hornimans Pleasance Park, Kensal Road, London, W10 5EH. Price Free. Time 2 - 8pm. WILDMEAT PROMOTIONS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BAKAHNALRA DIO.COM
THE BUNJI GARLIN SHOW VIKING FIFTEEN
@ O2 Academy Islington, N1 Centre 16 Parkfield Street, N1 0PS. Live acts Bunji Garlin with UK Support from Scrappy and Big Bad. Price £15, £20, £25. Time 6pm - midnight. 18+. No ID, no entry. PANECTAR
PANECTAR CURRY Q FUNDRAISING LIME @ Maxilla Social Club, 2 Maxilla Walk, London, W10 6NQ. Live Acts Live pan music by - Panectar. Music By DJ Miguel playing pan tunes, back-in-time, pan jazz, salsa and the latest soca. Price £6. Time 7pm. Tel 07411 774 905.
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feature
Sunday: the new Monday WORDS. KATIE SEGAL
Notting Hill Carnival Sunday used to be ‘Children’s Day’. In fact, if you read any official documentation or see articles in the national press, it is still referred to in that way. But we carnivalists know different. We know that times have changed. We also know that we have helped them change (not entirely selflessly). Because these days, when I’m out on Carnival Sunday there’s barely a child in sight. Admittedly, I don’t really leave my band (why would i?), so there may be hundreds, even thousands, of gorgeous little ones in cute costumes chipping (and occasionally scandalously and shockingly wining) down the road. I do really know that there are I’ve seen the costumes displayed by the mas bands - but now they seem like a figment of imagination. Because WE have taken over the road. WE are dirty and rude and dirty and loud and free and even dirtier. WE have turned Sunday into a daylong J’Ouvert, the best party there is. (If you need help with terminology, please refer to socanews. com.)
Pure Lime has been around the longest; 2014 will be their 18th year on the road. Join them to be smothered in liquid chocolate, but also overwhelmed with joy, freedom and wildness on the streets of London. There’s nothing like it. (Well, there is, of course, the aforementioned J’Ouvert, in the Caribbean or even here in Notting Hill. But this goes on longer…) Now, we also have UK Chocolate Nation. And if you prefer your sticky brown skin-covering to be inedible, you have the option of T&T Mudders; selfexplanatory I think. And there are also a range of paint bands to choose from, including ABIR, UCOM and Triniposse, as well as BNM UK, who do their colour dry-style with tinted powder. There are many who now prefer Sunday to Monday; some don’t even bother coming out on Monday. And the only children you see, as parents run to prevent their expensive child-mobiles being permanently decorated, are a few slightly shorter chocolate-covered bacchanalists.
socanews.com/masbands JULY 2014 SN 23
mas FUNATIK
BACCHANALIA
PHOTOGRAPHER PETER BRANCH
PHOTOGRAPHER DARREN WOOLWAY
Funatik will take to the streets of Notting Hill this year with the theme ‘Spreading Wings’. The band was designed by award-winning Trinidad mas duo Ronnie & Caro, and consists of three sections: Amazona, Birds of Paradise and Lovebirds. There is also a fourth, premium section, Blue Macaw, brought to you by Socaholic; this costume is designed and produced in Trinidad and Tobago by Samantha Ammon, renowned for her creations for one of the leading mas bands in Trinidad, Fantasy Carnival. Funatik Mas Band was established in November 2012, so this will be their second year on the road. They’re a fun-loving band, and one can expect a quality service from their team, who are dedicated to making sure your experience is first class. There is no t-shirt section in Funatik, so it’s mas all the way; costume prices range from £140 to £300, and they cater for both males and females.
Bacchanalia’s theme for 2014 is ‘Presence of the Past’. The band was incepted in 2005 as a fun mas carnival group, the principle objective being to bring together family and friends - a tenet that we still stand by and implement to this day. Their aim is to deliver the most exciting and wellexecuted carnival package to all their masqueraders. They’re looking to revolutionise the way carnival is viewed in the UK by introducing innovative new concepts to their masqueraders, and their door is open to everyone and anyone wishing to learn and be part of the experience. Bacchanalia is about a journey - from learning about where carnival comes from, who the mas men behind the scenes are, to what goes into a carnival production. Carnival has evolved considerably from its inception in the late 1700s, taking in world influences and celebrated spectacularly in many countries across all the continents, and is a cultural festival for all to participate in and enjoy.
CONTACT DETAILS WWW.FUNATIKMAS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/FUNATIKMASBAND TWITTER.COM/FUNATIKMAS
CONTACT DETAILS WWW.BACCMAS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/BACCHANALIA.MASBAND TWITTER.COM/BACCHANALIAUK
SPREADING WINGS
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PRESENCE OF THE PAST
MANGROVE AMAZONIA
PHOTOGRAPHER JOSEPH YOUNG
One of Notting Hill Carnival’s most iconic mas bands brings you their 2014 presentation, ‘Amazonia’. Inspired by the beauty of the Amazon Rainforest, be prepared for a sensory overload as they take you on a journey straight from the Amazon to the streets of London. Mangrove has two children’s sections for Carnival Sunday, with prices starting at £25; adult sections for Monday start at £65, with T-shirt packages from £15. The band is all-inclusive, starting the morning off with a light breakfast, and then providing alcoholic and soft drinks throughout the day, plus lunch on the road. Masqueraders can expect to have a fun-filled day. The band’s mas camp is at the Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Mangrove Steelband will also be practicing in the run-up to Panorama on All Saints Road, W11, on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August, from 7 to 11pm. CONTACT DETAILS FACEBOOK.COM/MANGROVESTEELBAND TWITTER.COM/MANGROVEW11 INSTAGRAM.COM/MANGROVEW11
TEARS NOBILITY
PHOTOGRAPHER RICHARD BURNETT
Nobility, the embodiment of opulence; this year’s costume theme depicts the wealth of Mother Africa with rich purples, diamanté encrusted gold trimmings, and fine iridescent jewels. The green connotes the rich vegetation of the land, while the combination of gold and rose conjures up visions of rose petals being strewn before the royal party. Make way and be humbled at the presence of nobility. The body of the costumes consists of purple metallic Lycra with the bra and belt pieces adorned in diamanté encrusted trim, fine gold beaded trim, and purple gems encased in a gold metal base. Dark blue and purple iridescent tear-drop gems run throughout the whole section. As a full service masquerade band, they also offer comprehensive security settings, high end drinks, VIP treatment, and our quality breakfast and lunch menu. CONTACT DETAILS INFO@TEARS.CO.UK TWITTER.COM/TEARSCARNIVAL
for more mas bands visit
socanews.com/masbands JULY 2014 SN 25
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carnival sat 2 august
mon 11 august
LEICESTER, UK
GRENADA
LEICESTER CARNIVAL MORE INFO
www.leicestercarnival.com
mon 4 august
BARBADOS CROP OVER BARBADOS
Visitors to Barbados between May and August can experience the magic of the island’s culture and heritage through the annual carnival known as ‘Crop Over Festival’. Named to celebrate the end of the harvest during the slave years, Crop Over has become one of the premier carnivals in the world. Patrons are treated to activities including pageants, community events, parades, concerts, competitions and exhibitions. Enjoying traditional food, drink and culture, festival goers can also sing along and dance to the soca or calypso music which has been specially produced for the annual event. MORE INFO
www.barbados.org/cropover.htm
mon 4 august
ANTIGUA CARNIVAL ANTIGUA
Antigua stages a colourful and spectacular street party. They display their creativity in song, dance and pageantry via a series of exciting steel band and calypso competitions featuring the island’s best musicians and performers. Other highlights include the colourful Parade of Costumed Bands, the Miss Antigua Pageant and the Caribbean Queen Competition. MORE INFO
www.antiguacarnival.com 28 SN JULY 2014
SPICE MAS
A celebration with pomp and pageantry like the mother of carnivals. Grenada’s carnival is indeed a celebration of the artistry, uniqueness, and vibrancy of the nation’s people. Colourful costumes, competitions and an outpouring of talent go along with the celebrations. The feeling of emancipation brings together peoples from all walks of life, celebrating to the intoxicating sights, sounds and tastes of music, dance and food. The display of colourful costumes, talent shows and parades takes the breath away. MORE INFO
www.spicemasgrenada.com
mon 25 august
LEEDS WEST INDIAN CARNIVAL LEEDS, UK
One of the oldest Caribbean carnivals in the UK, the festival is run by the local people of Leeds. Sunday is dedicated to the procession, and on Monday the park hosts a live stage featuring the best in reggae music. Leeds Carnival Committee was the first in the UK to start carnival day with the traditional J’Ouvert in the early hours of the morning, before Carnival officially starts in the afternoon. Although sound systems line the streets on the route, only traditional instruments are allowed on the three-hour procession itself as it snakes its way through Chapeltown and back to Potternewton Park. MORE INFO
www.leedscarnival.co.uk
sun 24 - mon 25 august
NOTING HILL CARNIVAL NOTTING HILL, UK
From its modest roots in the 1960s as a local event intended to bring some fun and togetherness to what was then a deprived and sometimes troubled area, the carnival has grown to become Europe’s largest street festival, attracting thousands of masqueraders and over a million visitors. Notting Hill Carnival blends the traditional Trinidad Carnival elements of mas, calypso/soca and steelpan with Jamaicanstyle static sounds and hundreds of food and craft stalls. MORE INFO
+ 44 (0) 3452 577 622 www.socanews.com/nottinghill
for more carnivals visit
socanews.com/ carnival
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