Soca News Magazine - May 2023

SOCANEWS

23.

COVER IMAGE: Flowers of the Amazon Just InCarnival's Notting Hill Carnival 2023 Theme.

EDITOR'S LETTER

Hello Soca People

Wow, where has the time gone? And where is the sunshine we should be basking in around about now? These are questions I ask myself all the time, but it feels even more pressing when it’s almost carnival - somewhere.

In just over six weeks, Soca News will touch the shores of St. Kitts for the 25th edition of the St. Kitts Music Festival. You can see the full artist line-up on page 23, and find more updates at socanews.com/ st-kitts.

We would like your help - so that we can further help you - by taking our reader survey. You'll find it on page 22, and on completion you’ll be eligible to win an Amazon voucher. Look out for our June issue, where you'll find a full list of mas bands and their portrayals for Notting Hill Carnival 2023.

As always, we're looking for new writers. If you'd like to put pen to paper and see your words in print, please email jc@socanews.com.

YOURS IN SOCA

Joseph Charles

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Joseph Charles jc@socanews.com

CREATIVE

Joseph Charles Lawson Lovell

SUB EDITOR

Katie Segal katie@socanews.com

CONSULTING EDITOR

Stephen Spark stephen@socanews.com

MARKETING marketing@socanews.com

SALES sales@socanews.com

WORDS

Dunstan Creavalle, DRM Jones, Goss Malone, Katie Segal, Latoya Jones, Radeya Osman, Stephen Spark & Tracey Kadenyi

PICTURES

Limin Southbank, Luton International Carnival, Miss Guyana, RFX & Stephen Spark

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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.

SAINT LUCIA JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL 2023

After a three-year absence due to Covid, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival opens on Friday 3 May and will feature live performances from Shenseea, Kes the Band and DYP and Friends.

Since its launch in 1992, St. Lucia’s Jazz Festival has grown to become a regional staple. It's one of the longest-running Caribbean music festivals, and showcases the island’s music, performing and fine arts, culture, cuisine and artisan craftsmanship, as well as world-renowned international music acts.

Lorine Charles-St. Jules, SLTA’s CEO said, “This year, we are focusing on creating even more experiences around the destination.” The festival’s line-up of headline performers will include iconic, multiple Grammy award winners as diverse as Sting and Shaggy. It will also comprise globally recognised stars of jazz, gospel, soca, reggae, zouk and pop music, including two-time Latin Grammy winner Gustavo Casenave, 16-time Grammy winner Kirk Franklin, Jamaican dancehall stars Barrington Levy and Buju Banton, Saint Lucian artist Luther Francois and Nigerian artists Rema and Ayra Starr.

For more information and the full schedule of events, visit www.stlucia.org/en_UK/jazz.

NAILAH BLACKMAN LAUNCHES SWIMWEAR BRAND

Trinidadian princess Nailah Blackman continues to reveal new creative talents. The Calypso Baby crooner has designed and launched Sokah Galor, an earthy but glamourous swimwear brand intended to celebrate her Caribbean heritage.

The first piece from the collection, Bacano, is available for sale in limited quantities.

Visit @sokahgalor to purchase Bacano, and to stay updated with Nailah on her fashion journey.

DAVID RUDDER TO PERFORM AT HIS LAST EVENT

David Rudder has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and that 'Rudder 7.0', held on 6 May 2023 - also his birthday - was his last major event.

HARRY BELAFONTE PASSES AWAY AT 96

The singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte died on 25 April, of congestive heart failure, at his home in New York City. He was ninety-six.

Belafonte was born in Harlem in 1927, his father hailing from Martinique and his mother from Jamaica. He lived in Jamaica from ages 8 to 13, then returning to the U.S. to continue high school before serving in the navy during World War II.

When RCA Victor promoted Belafonte as the ‘King of Calypso’, he was denounced as a pretender in Trinidad, the acknowledged birthplace of calypso. However, Belafonte never claimed to be a purist when it came to calypso, or any of the other traditional styles he embraced, let alone billing himself as the ‘king’ of calypso. He and his song writing collaborators loved folk music, he said, but saw nothing wrong with shaping it to their own ends.

BERLIN CARNIVAL WEEKENDER SAYS FAREWELL A

ter 15 years of organising a band on the road and a growing series of fêtes around Karneval der Kulturen in Berlin, Carnival Fever, the organisers of the ‘Berlin Carnival Weekender’ have announced in a press release their decision to draw the curtains closed.

After creating beautiful memories for many, including the Soca on the Beach fête and live concerts with many of the biggest names in soca, the carnival weekender will have its last lap this year, before closing doors to revellers. However, Carnival Fever will not be putting a band on the road this year.

The final installation of Carnival Fever Entertainment’s offering includes an impressive line-up of events, including Carnival Cruise and Soca on the Beach. Tickets are already on sale, and may be purchased via carnivalfever.ticket. io. Berlin Carnival Weekender is scheduled to take place from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 May 2023.

Of course, the carnival of the cultures, Karneval der Kulturen, continues in Berlin, this year on Sunday 28 May, with bands representing nations and cultures from around the world. And although Carnival Fever will not be on the road, Carnival Explosion will still be taking part, with a presentation entitled 'Road Again'. Due to the late confirmation of the carnival from authorities, the band are not creating their own costumes but allowing masqueraders to bring their own; no T-shirts allowed, though. See their website www.carnivalexplosion.de for more information.

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

AT THE REGENT'S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

WORDS | GOSS MALONE

Rosa Guy's My Love, My Love, or, The Peasant Girl (1985) has embraced its Trinidadian roots to inspire the riveting new Ola Ince -directed theatre piece, Once on this Island. The source novel was itself based on Han Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid (1837), and inspired the 1989 film adaptation as well as the more recent Disney remake.

It seems fitting that, in this tradition of adaptation and invention, the fabulous carnival costume designer Melissa Simon Hartman has charmed this "whirlwind story of romance and redemption" with extravagant island colours that bring home the oneness of the ocean as well as the fire of the fête.

Once on this Island will preview at Regents

Park Open Air Theatre on 10 May, before opening there a week later and running until 10 June. The epic tale will star Gabrielle Brooks, Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, and Anelisa Lamola, whose characters embark on a quest “to prove that love is more powerful than death”. Stephen Flaherty provides the musical landscape for a story that was a major Broadway hit in the US.

UK audiences will be blessed with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant, vivacious physical beauty that is conjured when expression and stage combine. On this epic stage, hearing the yearnings of the rebels, Asaka (mother of the Earth), Agwé (god of water), Erzulie (goddess of love), and Papa Ge (demon of death) will, once more, speak and come alive.

AJ'S CALYPSO TENT FORGES

AHEAD

WORDS | DRM JONES

AJ 's Calypso Tent returns to Reading, in Berkshire, on May 27. With the strapline, 'Celebrating The 20th Edition & The Crowning of King Charles III', the show boasts a stellar line-up of the UK's finest calypso and soca stars. Headlining will be reigning UK Calypso King, G String; current UK Groovy Soca Monarch, Ms Desire; former Monarch, Brown Sugar; 2018 UK Calypso Monarch, De Admiral (formerly known as Admiral Jack). Also appearing will be jab-soca artist, Music Man; UK born, Barbadosraised soca songstress, DeeVine; Dame Polly; Rev B; King Clivus. The singers will be backed by AJ's All Stars and the Kaiso Gems. MC on the night will

be Andre 'McGenious' Shepherd. The tent takes place at the Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 6AY and tickets are available on Eventbrite. Jeffrey Hinds, AKA De Admiral, launched the Tent in 2003, and last year's event paid tribute to the late singer Dave Batson. Hinds' powerful historical song The Windrush Generation earned him the 2018 UK calypso crown. Since 1982 he has played tenor pan in his spare time with Reading's Rhapsody Steel Band, and hosts The Real Caribbean Gold weekly radio show on unityliveradio.com, during which he plays the very best vintage music from across the Caribbean.

FEATURE

METRONOMES STEEL ORCHESTRA

CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF MUSICAL BRILLIANCE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

WORDS | TRACEY KADENYI

Metronomes Steel Orchestra, one of the most renowned steelbands in the United Kingdom, was formed in 1973 by Irvin Corridan and Phil Dubique. 'Metro' has developed into an integral part of the Caribbean community in West London; its 50th anniversary is the ideal time to examine the indelible influence the group has had on local society, since its conception.

For a musical group to attain widespread and enduring success, talent is only one part of the equation - which this band fulfils unequivocally. However, Metro has gained prominence primarily through its work initiating and sustaining positive social change in the local Caribbean community.

From its inception, Metronomes has been dedicated to supporting disadvantaged members of society. Today, they run multiple projects

designed to improve the lives of local people and promote Caribbean heritage. From alleviating social isolation amongst single parents and the elderly to advocating for the education of young people, Metronomes is part of the fabric of the local Caribbean community. The inclusion of marginalised groups such as the educationally disadvantaged, and ex-prisoners, is also another crucial aspect of Metronomes’ agenda to create a world that 'leaves no one behind'.

On 2 June, Metronomes will be celebrating its golden anniversary of musical brilliance and community development, with a concert at The Tabernacle, Powis Square, London W11 2AY. Whilst enjoying the sweet, stirring sound of pan, perhaps we can derive inspiration from Metronomes’ dedication to the service of others.

More information may be found at metronomes.org.uk.

• METRONOMES PHOTOGRAPHER | CARL GABRIEL

PREMIUM CHOCOLATE AND RUM

CARIBBEAN SPICES

LOW SUGAR AND CALORIES

LIMIN ON THE SOUTHBANK

WORDS | DUNSTAN CREVALLE

The ever-evolving progression of Limin’ continues, after a relaunch on 1 April. For those unfamiliar with the story so far, Limin’ started out at Spitalfields, London, as just a six table pop-up scheduled for a ten week residence at the end of 2018. Limin’ was a simple Caribbean rum shop, also serving food inspired by Trinidad and Tobago. However, such was the popularity of the venue that the ten weeks turned into ten months, and after that the owner found a site on the Southbank - where Limin’ Beach Club was born - which has now become Limin' Southbank.

Proud owner Sham Mahabir told Soca News, “The rebranding and

design of Limin’ Beach Club to Limin' Southbank was inevitable. When we reopened back in July 2020, it was under stringent COVID regulations and Limin’ Beach Club was created to fit the needs of the business, whilst offering our guests an unforgettable experience in our bigger, 60 table space. As time went by, we felt it was time to realise our vision and claim a space that truly represented our Caribbean culture (with Trinidad cuisine) in London's infamous South Bank.”

One of the features of the redesigned space is a retractable roof that covers the previously outdoor area. Sham said, “So, we are no longer a beach club - but we still have sand in areas. Our concept has changed from a beach concept to

what we call 'a Caribbean food and drink experience'.

“We have created a venue we can use 12 months of the year, where everyone is welcomed. A place where the next generation can say – ‘it can be done!’ As ever, for me and the team, showcasing the Caribbean is paramount and we are delighted to have created a space where corporate companies can come for staff parties and in the summer and Christmas. We look forward to welcoming your readers to Limin' Southbankand other venues soon.”

Limin’ Southbank is in Gabriel’s Wharf, 56 Upper Ground SE1 9PP. For daily opening times and menu options, see www.limin.co.uk.

MUSIC

SOCA NEWS PLAYLIST

HERE ARE JUST A FEW FAVOURITE TRACKS CURRENTLY ON OUR PLAYLISTS. THE TRACKS ARE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

1. COME HOME

NAILAH BLACKMAN X SKINNY FABULOUS

2. DAP (DRINK & PARTY)

VIKING DING DONG

3. PORT OF SPAIN PORT OF SPAIN RIDDIM SEKON STA

4. HARD FETE BUNJI GARLIN

5. ENGINE ROOM

OLATUNJI

6. MAS

MICAL TEJA X FREETOWN COLLECTIVE

7. LONG LIVE SOCA VOICE

8. TANTRUM

KERNAL ROBERTS & ZAN

9. SPIRIT ERPHAAN ALVES

10. EGO JAM GBM NUTRON

11. LIKE YUH SELF

PATRICE ROBERTS X MACHEL MONTANO

12. SHAKE THE PLACE

DESTRA GARCIA X MACHEL MONTANO

13. MENTAL DAY KES

14. BLIND HEY CHOPPI

15. LIFT UP OUTSIDER RIDDIM

NADIA BATSON

FOR MORE SOCA SOCANEWS.COM

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, BUT WE’VE LISTED ONLY THE MORE PERMANENT SOCA SHOWS.

Wednesday 9-11pm GMT

The RDR show

DJ CREDABLE

Bakahnal Radio

bakahnalradio.co.uk

11pm-1am 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

8-11pm GMT

Soca 2d World

DJ ROCKSHUN

I Chunes Radio

tun.in/se22k

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

8-11pm GMT

Soca and Cocktails

DJ LOKDWN

I Chunes Radio tun.in/se22k

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

5-7pm GMT

The Mighty Hitman Show

D’MIGHTY HITMAN

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

6pm GMT

JAKK RUSSELL

Bakahnal Radio bakahnalradio.co.uk

7-9pm 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

3-5pm GMT

Easy Sundays

NEIL MATTEI

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

4-6pm GMT

DJ TORO

Bakahnal Radio + Team Soca bakahnalradio.co.uk & Teamsoca.com

5-7pm GMT

Lush Soca Sundays

CHÉ IN THE MIXX

Robbo Ranx Radio

robboranx.com/listenlive

5-7pm GMT

Hightown Showdown

D'RANGER

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

7-9pm GMT

Sunday Skool

D'MIGHTY HITMAN

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

9-11pm GMT

Krooshal Factor

KROOSHALL

The Frontline Radio flrradio.com

NOT ON THIS LIST? SUBMIT YOUR DETAILS TO INFO@SOCANEWS.COM

2023 SURVEY

Soca News would like to express heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. As we continue to improve and evolve our services, we want to gain a deeper understanding of our readership. With that in mind, we are conducting a survey to gather information about your interests, activities, likes, and dislikes. Your responses will help us tailor our content to better meet your needs and preferences.

We kindly ask that you take a few minutes to complete the survey, below. As a token of our appreciation, each completed survey will constitute an entry into our £25 Amazon voucher prize draw.

Thank you for your continued loyalty and feedback. We look forward to serving you even better in the future.

Best regards,

The Soca News team

TO COMPLETE OUR SURVEY VISIT SOCANEWS.COM/2023SURVEY OR SCAN THE QR CODE

ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

FULL ARTIST LINE UP FOR THE 25TH EDITION OF THE ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL AND THEIR PERFORMANCE DAYS

Thur 22 June

• Mr. Bagnall

• Nicha B

• Stadics

• Akaiiusweet

• Kollision Band

• Small Axe Band

• Grand Masters Band

• Nu Vybes Band Intl.

• KES The Band

• Patrice Roberts

• Skinny Fabulous

• Nailah Blackman

• Ricardo Drue

• Preedy

• Dexta Daps

Fri 23 June

• 313 Family

• Byron Messia

• Govana

• Skillibeng

• Chronixx

• Koffee

• Anthony B

Sat 24 June

• Romain Virgo

• Erica Edwards

• Valiant

• Air Supply

• Burna Boy

• Teejay

• Gramps Morgan

UK travellers seeking to soak up the action in St. Kitts can enjoy free three-night festival tickets when they book with Sackville Travel. Prices start from £1,065 per person, based on travel 21-28 June 2023, including seven nights’ accommodation at Timothy Beach Resort on a bed and breakfast basis, return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways, and return transfers. To book, call 020 7274 2242 or go to www.sackvilletravel.com

PATRICE ROBERTS SKILLIBENG AIR SUPPLY

TO THE SUMMER BEAT Sway

FREE 3-NIGHT TICKETS

TO THE ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

22 - 24 June 2023

Over the years, the St. Kitts stage has welcomed global icons Lionel Richie, Ashanti, Aswad, Maxi Priest, Goo Goo Dolls, and more—and this year’s lineup is sure to be just as impressive.

Join us in St. Kitts for three irresistible summer nights of calypso, soca, R&B, and reggae. Travellers arriving for the music festival can enjoy free 3-night festival tickets, return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways, 7-nights accommodation from 21 -28 June with daily breakfast, and return airport transfers from £1,065 pp* when booking with Sackville Travel.

TO BOOK, CALL 020.7274.2242

OF FUN summer

Where summer’s warmth shines brighter, burns bolder—new and exciting adventures promise to spark an appetite for adventure. St. Kitts’ lineup of events offer the chance to explore and excite, from savoring the region’s cuisine to dancing to soca and reggae under the moonlight. Send your clients to St. Kitts this summer—where every day is a priceless memory, waiting to be made.

JUNE 22-24

St. Kitts Music Festival

JUNE 30 - JULY 2

Nevis Mango Festival

JULY 13-23

St. Kitts and Nevis Restaurant Week

JULY 27 - AUGUST 8

Nevis Culturama

AUG 31-SEPT 30

Caribbean Premier League Cricket

EVENTS

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 fete 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

MAY 2023

SAT 13 MAY

REBEL INTERNATIONAL REBEL SOS

@ The Fox Excel, 2 Western Gateway, E16 1DR. Time 2-8pm. Price £40.

HOLIDAY INN CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE

@ Holiday Inn London - Kensington High Street, Wrights Lane, W8 5SP. Price £45.

ONE THE BAND POP UP

@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 6-11pm. Price Free entry.

SUN 14 MAY

TERRI'S TERRI’S FOODS INVITATION

@ Artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, N12 0GA. Time 1-6pm. Price Free.

SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS

COLOURS CARNIVAL X ONE WORLD REBELLION COLOURS CARNIVAL X ONE WORLD REBELLION BAND LAUNCH 2023

@ Steel Yard, Allhallows Lane, EC4R 3UE. Time 7pm-1am. Price £25-£35.

FRI 19 MAY

BUSSPEPPER X ARIAPITA SOCIAL CLUB SUMMER STARTER

@ Revolution - Leadenhall, 140144 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4QT. Time 10pm-4am. Price £15-£25.

SPECIALIST ENTERTAINMENT SOCALICIOUS - THE SPRING JAM

@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Time 11pm5am. Price £15- £20.

ZOUK LOVE LONDON ZOUK LOVE LONDON KOMPA EDITION

@ Gigi’s Hoxton, 11 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU. Time 8.30pm. Price £12.

SAT 20 MAY

WOTLESS EAT • DRINK • SOCA – THE BRUNCH LIME

@ Natural Kitchen, 15-17 Nevill Lane, EC4A 3AP. Time 12-6pm. Price £25- £30.

WE LIMING CHUTNEY-TING

@ RnR Lounge, 221-223 Chingford Mount Road, E4 8LP. Featuring Live Terry Gajraj. Music By DJ Simply E & DJ Sonic. Time 8pm-2am. Price £20, children under 12 free.

SUN 21 MAY

CIRQUE PARTIES HOUSE OF VICE

EVENTS

FOR MORE EVENTS

SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS

@ Bubba Oasis, 57-58 Upper Street, N1 0NY. Time 9am-3pm. Price £5.

REMEDY EVENTS SUNSET CRUISE – 8TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

@ Festival Pier, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XZ. Time 5-10pm. Price £30.

SOCA MASSIVE FANCY SAILORS SOCA MASSIVE FANCY SAILORS 2023 BAND LAUNCH

@ Hibiscus Community Centre, . Time 6-10pm. Price £5, Children under 15 Free.

FRI 26 MAY

GLOW

@ Vuk Banqueting Park Place, Chiswick W38JY. Time 9pm-4am. Price £15-£25.

SAT 27 MAY

MINGLEUK JAM WEEKEND –HELLO SUMMER

@ Brook House Football Club Ground, Hayes, UB4 8DB. Time 12-8pm. Price £50.

SUN 28 MAY

CARIBBEAN SUNDAY LUNCH EXPERIENCE

@ Holiday Inn London - Kensington High Street, Wrights Lane, W8 5SP. Time 1.30pm. Price £39.95, Children under 12 half price.

GUYANA (UK) SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (GUSDA)

GUYANA FOLK FESTIVAL

@ Oasis Academy, Shirley Road, CR9 7AL. Music By DJ Blondee, DJ Rmuni, DJ Royal, DJ Shogun, DJ Stylz UK, Mr Marlon & Selecta

A. Time 1-9pm. Price Free - £26.

TEARS MAS & CANDY MAS TEARS CANDY BAND LAUNCH

@ Trude Restaurant & Bar, 91 High Street, South Norwood, SE25 6EA. Time 2pm. Price Free.

HOLIDAY INN

CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE

@ Holiday Inn London - Kensington High Street, Wrights Lane, W8 5SP. Price £45.

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF BARBADIAN ASSOCIATION (UK) LIL BIT OF BIM

@ Draycott & Hanbury Cricket Club, Hanbury, Hanbury Woodend, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 8TH. Time 11am. Price £6-£12.50.

TUE 30 MAY

ASSOCIATION OF CALYPSONIANS & SOCA ARTISTS UK (ACASA)

YOUTH CALYPSO & SOCA WORKSHOPS – SPRING SESSION 2

@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 10am4pm.

THU 01 JUNE

ASSOCIATION OF CALYPSONIANS & SOCA ARTISTS UK (ACASA)

YOUTH CALYPSO & SOCA WORKSHOPS – SUMMER SESSION

@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Time 10am4pm. Price Free.

FRI 02 JUNE

METRONOMES STEEL ORCHESTRA METRONOMES STEEL

ORCHESTRA’S 50TH YEAR

ANNIVERSARY – CONCERT

@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Hosted By Martin Jay. Time 6-11pm. Price £8.

• POLONIA, LUTON INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL 2022

CARNIVAL CALENDAR

May 2023

28

|

PRESTON CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

PRESTON, UNITED KINGDOM

Founded in 1974 by local Prestonians with origins in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and other Caribbean islands, Preston Carnival gained momentum as an annual event from participants in the 1972 Preston Guild Community procession with a desire to create an annual cultural celebration featuring a processional and park based cultural event for both Preston residents and for visitors to the city.

Info: prestoncarnival.co.uk

28

|

LUTON INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM

Luton International Carnival is a large carnival in Luton, Bedfordshire. The carnival was commissioned by Luton Borough Council and is artistically produced by UK Centre for Carnival Arts, based in Luton town centre. Traditionally, it took place on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday every year, but since 2013 it has been celebrated on the Sunday of that Bank Holiday weekend.

Info: carnivalarts.org.uk

June 2023

10 |

NORTHAMPTON CARNIVAL

NORTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM

Northampton Carnival has two parts to it – the carnival parade of floats and troupes, and the stalls and stage performances at the venue.There is always a theme for the parade, providing opportunity for creative interpretations that make the parade a spectacular sight. Leading up to the event, organisers also run workshops to assist in bringing ideas to life. The parade usually leaves from the venue and travels into town, before returning to the starting point.

Info: northamptoncarnival.co.uk

King Andrea A MISS WORLD FOR TODAY

WORDS | GOSS MALONE

Miss World Guyana is as charming in real life as she is on screen and stage. We discovered this when we caught up with Andrea King after the World Literary Summit at Oxford University, where she spoke about financial literacy. In a warm, informal discussion, Andrea opened up about her inspiration, family life, business project and even a fashion secret.

Aged 9 she attended a beauty pageant with her supportive mother, who she describes as a friend as well as mentor, helping craft a “well rounded” woman - and there was a touching mother-and-daughter bonding moment immediately after Andrea won the competition. Andrea credits her parents with helping to shape her sense of purpose. Her mother, who had danced in the National Dance Company, also passed on a gift for dance. It was this same dance, later performed to Jackie Jaxx Guyana, that carried her audition.

Yet it is her culture that has shaped her as a person. Andrea explained, “Guyana is on the cusp of major transformations right now,” and she expressed her pride in “a country that’s on the rise”. The prominence of Letitia Wright (Shuri in 2018 film Black Panther) has also contributed to Guyana’s presence on the world stage.

IMAGES @ANDREASCKING

This 'hidden gem', the fertile Caribbean bread basket, rich in minerals and other resources, has a culturally diverse population. Andrea herself is a blend of five of the six ethnicities prevalent in the country. The Guyanese are “compassionate” and “welcoming”, she says, but also resourceful.

Resourcefulness underscores her Beauty with a Purpose initiative, Project FLO. The acronym stands for Financial Literacy Orientation. It is her dream to bring “robust financial literacy education” into the curriculum. The activist and ambassador will be leading workshops, both online and in the classroom, to bridge the gap between theory and practice that so often exist in schooling.

Education is something we can use to our advantage, she insists. Whilst not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur, we should at least try to apply our skills, beginning with our passion, Andrea believes. She speaks of, “A skill that you have within you,” that can be harnessed, pointing out that, “Opportunity exists where gaps exist”. Rather than lowering their ambitions, ordinary people can be trained to identify gaps in the market, and to fill them. It is fitting, then, that the government, having sponsored her trip to the UK, is also sponsoring enterprising spirits, offering grants and providing other kinds of support to turn creative vision into reality.

In her gentle voice, Andrea recalled, “My family really played a pivotal role, in that they were with me every step of the way.” The activist and ambassador believes she must use her influence and connections to champion worthwhile causes. One is the issue of representation. While she felt at home amongst the academics at the World Literacy Summit, she is rather disheartened that so few Caribbean people were at the event.

In her words, “education is so easily available these days,” that people can easily get started wherever they are. For this reason, she emphasises that it is not just books - ones her dad would have encouraged her to read - that she would

recommend to her young followers, but also websites and YouTube channels - such as MoneySense.

Naturally, we moved on to the subjects of music, beauty and fashion. After asking about her dress, she replied that it was about feeling: “I like to be comfortable but also to maintain my presence.” Although she confessed to once being tomboyish, she revealed she nevertheless always had time for heels and make-up, knowing how to “blend or be noticed”, forever conscious of the image she puts out.

This seemed the right time to ask Andrea for her views about social media, so often criticised for its potentially harmful impact on impressionable young people. Young girls, in particular, want attention and “always want to make sure that [they] look good”, she noted. But as people seek likes and validation there’s a risk they can cease being true to themselves. Perhaps that’s why she chose to disconnect; “I like to be genuine”, she explained.

Having come from a strict household, Andrea praised the 'soft skills' her upbringing gave her. She was conscious of 'protocol' when growing up, and even before her formal victory she understood she represented a brand.

This led to our final foray into the mind of the lovely Miss King, where we asked her, “What does beauty mean to you?” Her answer was as sweet a blend as the caramel texture complementing her glowing skin and radiant smile; she said, "Beauty is who you are as a person and how that comes through and how you carry yourself. It’s more than how you look – it’s your presence.”

Andrea closed by taking the time to thank her government sponsors and other supporters who helped with the summit and engagements, along with her many family members, friends and fans.

Miss World Guyana, Andrea King, may be found on instagram @andreascking; her business website is www.projectflo.gy.

"Beauty is who you are as a person and how that comes through and how you carry yourself.

It’s more than how you look – it’s your presence."

FOIRE DE PARIS 2023

WORDS + IMAGES | STEPHEN SPARK

Soca News paid its annual visit to the Foire de Paris at Porte de Versailles, and was not disappointed. Slight rain didn’t dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm for the lunchtime parade of mas bands, and the aisles of Hall 4 –devoted to the food, drink, crafts and music of French overseas territories such as Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guyane – were far busier than last year. Once again, the stage performances were a highlight for any lover of the infectious rhythms of zouk, compas and bouyon. SN caught Orlane from Réunion singing the delicious ‘Chokola’, Jimmy Ramasami, Gladys Cabarrus – whose powerful voice and energy are reminiscent of Lima Calbio – and Jocelyn Deloumeaux.