Notting Carnival 2017 supplement

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Carnival Special

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16 | THE VOICE AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017

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JAM PACKED: Carnival trucks make their way through the crowd in Nottiing Hill

More security checks for trucks, drivers, entry and exit restrictions announced by organisers amid safety concerns

MAJOR CHANGES UNDERWAY FOR NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL BANDS

Lynda Jointo Ladbroke Grove or into Great Western Road. Moreover, all vehicles must seph, of the Mas be through the checkpoints by 08.30 on Arawak both Sunday and Monday, with no ex- band, is graveceptions to be made. ly concerned these Additional new rules call for drivers to about N THE wake of recent terror at- carry their driving licence at all times; on m o d i f i c a t i o n s tacks in the capital, Notting Hill entering the Carnival Zone, police will and told The Carnival’s mas and steel bands check the licence and issue a unique ID Voice: will see security inspections pass, that must be signed for and worn “We expected of trucks, face ID checks and at all times. The driver will then be re- changes beheavy entry and exit restrictions when the quired to park at a designated spot. Po- cause everybody wants to annual two-day Caribbean street party lice have advised that some vehicles will be secure. However, it would seem that gets underway this Bank Holiday week- be randomly subject to searches. the bands are being targeted because if end.

Masqueraders and steel pan musi- you’re going to put an incendiary device These changes have been recom- cians will enter the zone on foot, to join anywhere, it doesn’t necessarily have to mended by Street Event Co (SEC), an their vehicles. Each band will be told to be on a truck. So there’s pressure beevent management company which was move off from a specific location from ing put on us. We’ve no objection to the appointed by the carnival’s organiser, the 10.00 onwards and will be accompanied trucks being searched, and so on, but London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises by a steward. Between 20-30 bands will to change the entry points, and disrupt Trust (LNHCET), in January 2017. what we’re doing, is unnecessary. be allocated one police officer.

A statement issued by SEC reveals “What they’re trying to put in place These adjustments are anticipated to that band vehicles will only be able to ac- inconvenience those participating in Eu- isn’t going to work. And when it goes 31/07/2017 17:20 cess the routepmp_MG_17-02884_BackToSchool2017_English-Caribbean_Front from Harrow Road, either rope’s biggest street party. page strip_268x60mm_v01.pdf wrong, who’s1going to take responsibil-

By Nadine White

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FOLLOW THE FLOATS: The Notting Hill Carnival route outlined in purple ity? Is it going to be the Met police? We accommodate them, all the time, and have always complied. Yet still, we’re the ones to suffer.

“My concern is it’ll look as though the incompetence is down to us, the Carnival committee and the bands; and it’s not. The authorities are trying to make it look as though the black community can never do anything right so it’s just to make us look ridiculous again. They won’t put their hands up.

“Is it really about security or is it about putting us in a bad light? What is the ultimate goal? You hear talk about them wanting to stop the carnival – they don’t want to. It generates a lot of money for them.

But what they would like to do is gain control of it. In the end, what’ll happen is, they’ll end up charging the bands to take part. So, there’s a much bigger agenda here and, because they bamboozle you with the minor things, nobody asks about what the real implications are.”

Sonny Black, an original member of the first carnival committee launched in October 1968, echoed some of Joseph’s thoughts on the matter.

“These changes are completely disgusting. It is the plan they have been making for years and they were looking for the opportunity to curtail and control

the carnival. I realised the game that was being played three years ago, when I had a meeting with the council and predicted that they want to stop the carnival, as we know it, in conjunction with the police. Now they are using terrorism as an excuse, following the recent terrorist attacks. It all adds up.”

Shak Callender, founder of the Candy Mas band has adopted a self-professed ‘positive’ stance, saying: “With the threat of terrorism, the police have to be seen to be doing something or else there’ll be a big uproar. I suppose, we don’t like change, and I think the issues have been how the changes have been communicated and its speed.

“In terms of what they are asking for: entry points, knowing who the drivers are, I think it’s quite good that they are checking. We don’t normally staff the drivers ourselves, as bands; we just basically book a company and it sends them.

At least, this way, we as the bands can say that we provided the information and did our best. If these are the changes to be make our people safer – so be it. We just have to make sure that it is just for safety and not controlling what we do.”

Bands and music will come to a halt at 3 pm on Monday 28 August, to observe a one minute’s silence in honour of the Grenfell Tower fire victims. At least 80 people are confirmed to have died in the blaze last June.

Chairman Pepe Francis said the oneminute silence would allow people to “show proper respect for our grieving friends and neighbours”.

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AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017 THE VOICE | 17

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HAVE YOU EVER JOINED A MAS BAND? Vibrance offers the chance for a unique experience where revellers can feel ‘confident and majestic’

By Joel Campbell

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RINGING THE streets of Notting Hill Carnival to life with feathers and jewels of contrasting bold colours a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to produce costumes for what is known as ‘’pretty mas’’.

A number of designers, wire benders, costume makers, feather specialists have been working all year to make carnival the spectacular event it’s been since 1966.

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Joel Campbell speaks to Vibrance band designer Cee Bolakee about her second year designing and producing costumes for one of the worlds biggest street party.

Tell me a little about VibranceMas? Vibrance is a new band, this is our second year on the road at Notting Hill carnival and we are collaborating with Candy Mas. I design and produce all the costumes, this includes all the jewellery. I also wire bend to make all the wings and collars.

How did you become a designer?

I have been playing mas in Trinidad for many years from the early band Poison to more recent bands like Yuma and Fantasy. I always went with a costume I liked, even if it meant being in a different band from my friends. I would accessorise add my own touch to costumes. Then two years ago Cocoyea London’s Dexter Khan found me.

Initially I came on board as a guest designer, but directly after seeing my work, Dexter quickly helped me to become a collaborator which means I’m officially a registered band now.

What are your influences?

Designers Minshall, MacFarlane and Darlene Beddoe, traditional mas.

I’m also passionate about tribal people

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and upholding cultural identity regardless of where people are from, I think this shows in my designs such as the Kayapo costume and the African fabrics i.e. Kente, that feature in many of my designs. My background is art and design, I studied environmental studies at degree level so I probably also incorporate these things into my projects.

There are many designers out there, what makes your designs and band stand out?

I aim to design for people that feel carnival isn’t for them, maybe the woman that thinks costumes are for those with a smaller chest size or the older masquerader. I tailor costumes to the individual needs, so a band member feels confident and majestic when she or he steps out on the road.

Carnival preparation takes a long time to plan and orchestrate what makes you do it?

I do it for the love of it, Carnival made me feel confident about my body and I can express myself freely. It’s happy music and seeing people join my band on their own having fun and feeling part of a family really makes it worth it for me. I love that for that magical few hours everyone feels beautiful and part of one big family regardless of age or what island your repping.

Find the full range in the world foods aisle

Carnival Special

18 | THE VOICE AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017

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CHILD’S PLAY AT NOTTING HILL If you’re planning on taking little ones to London’s biggest street party on Children’s Day, here are 12 top tips to make the experience a doddle

By Davina Hamilton

A

T NOTTING Hill Carnival, kids literally come first. The annual two-day festival kicks off with Children’s Day on Sunday (August 27), allowing youngsters to take centre stage (well, street), as they don their flamboyant costumes in a stunning parade.

It’s a day for family fun and there’s plenty of enjoyment for you and your little ones to have if you attend. Check out our top tips to ensure you have minimal fuss and maximum fun with your kids on Carnival Sunday.

1. Noise control If you’re going with very small tots, it’s worth investing in a suitable pair of headphones to protect their little ears. Between the sound systems and the steel pans, the noise levels may well be overwhelming for little ones, so come equipped to shield those tiny ear drums.

2. Arrive early, leave early If the thought of spending the whole day at carnival – with kids – causes you to break out in a

sweat, just don’t do it. Instead, arrive early, spend a couple of hours taking in the action – and make those hours fun for your little ones – then call it a wrap.

It’s family day so make it work for your family.

chicken drumsticks, etc – and that don’t need to be contained in plastic containers. That way, rubbish can be discarded easily (in bins, of course), allowing you to lighten your load along the way.

3. Bring snacks Kids can be notoriously impatient, so avoid the stress of waiting in long queues for food by bringing your own. Go for food items that can be wrapped in foil or cling film – sandwiches,

4. Find your spot Don’t feel obliged to trawl the entire carnival route or get in a tizzy trying to get yourself (and your young’ns) through the crowds. Seek out a nearby park or find a suitable spot along the route, where you can take in the action as it passes by – while you stay in one place!

5. Bring a backpack Carnival is not the place to be fashion forward with your clutch bag or handbag. Your hands need to be free to hold onto your kiddies – or grab them if they attempt to break loose! Put all your essentials in a rucksack and find an uber-trendy bumbag (yes, unleash the bum-bag) to store your phone and money.

Speaking of money…

6. Bring cash!

Please spare yourself the unnecessary stress of trying to seek out a cash machine along the carnival route. It’s just not worth it! Arrive with a suitable amount of money and make sure much of it is loose change.

No vendor is going to thank you for handing over a £20 note to pay for one whistle! Speaking of whistles…

7. Get in the carnival spirit There’s no sense in going to carnival if you plan to behave like the Grinch who stole Christmas. Let your little ones blow horns and whistles or buy them a flag to wave. Better still, get them a costume for the occasion – or make one if you’re creative! If they’re old enough, assist them to make or decorate their own mask or headdress in preparation for the day. In other words, let them have fun!

8. Arrange a meeting point If you go with teens who are keen to cut you loose from the

BTMI UK_The Voice Newspaper_Press Ad_Aug17_V3_PRINT.indd 2

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FUN TIME: Sunday is traditionally Children’s Day at the Notting Hill Carnival when the kids dress up in various costumes minute you arrive in Notting Hill, make sure you agree on a meeting point, should anyone get lost. Also, decide on a departure time and agree to meet in a designated spot at that time.

9. Make sure phones are charged If your teenyboppers have phones, make sure they’re fully charged when you leave the house. Granted, at such a large event, phone signal may not be great. But give yourself a fighting chance of being able to communicate with your kids by making sure their phones – and yours – don’t succumb to a dead battery.

10. Check the weather August should suggest summer fun, but this is England. Check weather reports before you leave your house and if rain is predicted, don’t step out without a raincoat or hooded jacket for your child/children. In fact,

there’s no harm in bringing a brolly even if rain isn’t predicted.

Again, this is England – you just never know!

11. Wear sensible shoes Make sure you and your little’uns wear appropriate footwear for the day. Your cherub may insist on wearing her sparkly dolly shoes, but trainers are probably a better bet if you plan to do lots of walking. Similarly, pick comfy, durable shoes for yourself; avoid flip-flops to spare your toes getting trampled on if you brave the crowds.

12. Keep calm and carry on Attending a large festival with young children might seem daunting. So go with a positive attitude and do all you can to keep stresses to a minimum.

Take deep breaths in any moments of mayhem and remember you’re there to have fun!

Enjoy!

Carnival Special

AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017 THE VOICE | 19

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STAY ORGANISED AND HAVE FUN!

By Joel Campbell

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VERY YEAR we head to Carnival but few of us know what to expect.

For some of us that might be ok but for the rest, who like to have some semblance of what’s occurring throughout the weekend, here are a few pointers.

LONDON CALYPSO TENT The Association of The British Calypsonians welcome all to the London Calypso Tent to engage and be entertained by the fantastic performances of UK Calypsonians and visiting international artists. An electrifying showcase of storytelling, poetry, political commentary, humour and much more creatively presented by the sweet Calypso or Soca rhythms of the Caribbean.

• Time: 8pm to 11pm • Venue: Carnival Village, Tabernacle, Powis Square, off Portobello Rd, W11 2AY. 26th August 2017 PANORAMA A fabulous, free open air evening for the entire family, steel band lovers, general music lovers or anyone looking to enjoy a great evening in a Caribbean style atmosphere.

The evening consists of a competitive performance by national steel bands and other entertainment.

• Venue: Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park, Bosworth Road, W10 • Entry: Free • Time: 6pm to 10pm 27th August 2017 SUNDAY PARADE | A FAMILY DAY A jubilant Children Parade as they showcase their flamboyant costumes dancing along the carnival route to the hypnotic rhythms provided by the mobile sound systems or steel bands.

A fabulous display of vocals, on the “World Music Stage” at

Powis Square. Features calypso and soca performances by the Association of British Calypsonians, visiting international calypsonians, emerging artists of other genre and various other performances.

A haven for a range of music styles and astounding stage performances exhibited by the static sound systems. Over thirty systems are strategically located around the footprint of the carnival. Family workshops at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance, a variety of tasty Caribbean foods, drinks and lots more.

• Time: 9am to 8:30pm JOUVERT A fun, fun time to mark the opening of the carnival be adventurous. Get dirty or even come along with a carnivalesque or comical presentation. Dance along the streets to the pulsating rhythms of steel bands, riddim bands and African drummers.

Procession begins and ends at Canal way, Ladbroke Grove W14 next to Sainsbury’s car park.

• Time: 6am to 9am 28th August 2017 MONDAY PARADE / THE GRAND FINALE The Grand finale showcasing a sea of vibrant colours as 60 bands in magnificent costumes dance to the tantalizing rhythms of the mobile sound systems or steel bands.

Enjoy the magnificent continuation of vocals on the “World Music Stage” at Powis Square.

Come and be entertained by UK Calypsonians, soca artist, visiting international artists and other emerging acts.

See how many of the 38 static sound systems you can visit as they entertain you with diverse genres of music and stage performances which contribute to the Carnival’s vibrant atmosphere.

Sample the diverse attractions of food, music, and additional activities.

• Time: 9am to 8:30pm

Courtesy of: thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com

PLENTY TO DO AT CARNIVAL: Make sure you plan your day

Carnival flavours on your doorstep

35p

£1 80p

£3.99

£1

35p

In participating stores only.

Subject to availability.

Offer valid from 09/08/17 to 29/08/17. Old Jamaica Diet Ginger Beer 330ml, was 49p now 35p. Nurishment Vanilla 400g, was £1.29 now £1. Encona WI Hot Pepper Sauce 200ml, was £1.59 now £1. Ting 330ml, was 49p now 35p. Supermalt Multipack 6X330ml was £4.99 now £3.99. Tropical Sun Coconut Water Natural 330ml, was 99p now 80p.

Varieties as stocked. Subject to availability. Participating stores only. See coop.co.uk/Carnival for details.

Carnival Special

20 | THE VOICE AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017

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ORE THAN 2,500 people attended the free Notting Hill Carnival Pioneers Festival in Portobello Green and Acklam Village, west London on Sunday, August 13 to pay tribute to those who have played a part in the success of the Notting Hill Carnival as well as enjoy the day’s festivities in the runup to Carnival itself this coming August Bank Holiday.

The Festival is now in its fifth year. The theme was ‘Tributes to the Heroes and She-roes of Ladbroke Grove, Latimer and Harrow Road.’

The festival’s creative director Leslie Palmer MBE, who is recognised for his contribution to Carnival, started the event to honour those who helped shape the Notting Hill Carnival as we know it today.

Since the first event in 2013, the festival has grown and become an important annual event for the community and a spectacular prelude to the main Bank Holiday event.

Celebrating its Caribbean roots, the festival was colourful, full of energy, costumes, live music, food and glorious sunshine. This year also paid tribute to Dominica and St. Lucia, with a dedicated stage at Acklam Village.

Speeches were given by the High Commissioners from both Islands and performances and special videos were shown to visitors. Caricom High Commissions for other Caribbean Islands also attended the festival.

The event took place half a mile from Grenfell Tower and throughout the day

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PIONEERS HONOURED AT FESTIVAL

tributes were paid to those who died in the fire by different performers. To set the scene. Portobello Green was decorated by the 24hearts, a community project run

by Sophie Lodge.

Performances on the day included a mix of live soca and reggae performances as well as DJ sets. A performance from Queen of Lovers Rock Janet Kay, who is also celebrating 40 years in the

music industry, was a highlight.

The festival also celebrated the talent from the local community with performances from the Portobello Choir; the under-12s soca dance group Empress *1 and many more local acts.

For more information on the Notting Hill Carnival Pioneers Festival, visit http://www.nhcp.co.uk/

CARNIVAL ROOTS: Carnival Pioneers Festival director Leslie Palmer MBE (left); part of the crowd which attended the Festival in Portobello Green

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TATE LATES

Carnival Special

FREE ENTRY 2 5 A U G O N LY

TATE MODERN 25 AUG 2017 18.0 0 –22.0 0

This month Uniqlo Tate Lates celebrates Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power through a mix of art, music, talks, films, and workshops.

Enjoy free entry to the Soul of a Nation exhibition, available on a first come, first served basis.

WHAT’ S ON MUSIC & VISUAL S PRO GR A MMED BY NTS R ADIO FIL M DISPL AYS BY ARTIS T S K AH LIL JOSEPH, Z AWE A SH TO N, CECILE EMEKE AN D AN DY MU N DY- C A STLE U K L AU N CH O F SHY LIGHT, A N EW ZIN E BY SA MPHA

ART IN THE AGE OF BL ACK POWER

DE SIGN YO U R OWN BL ACK SU PERH ERO WITH C HAR AC T ER CRE ATO R WAY N E ‘ HARD -WIRED’ RILE Y E XPLORE SP O KEN WO RD AN D P OE TRY, A P OWERFU L TO O L IN T H E BL ACK P OWER MOVEMENT

Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power is supported by

With additional support from Tate Patrons, Tate Americas Foundation and Tate Members Barkley L. Hendricks Icon for My Man Superman (Superman Never Saved any Black People – Bobby Seale) 1969 (detail) Collection of Liz and Eric Lefkofsky © Estate of Barkley L. Hendricks. Courtesy of Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.

Superman S-Shield © & ™ DC Comics. Used with permission

SOU THWARK u

TH E GUARDIAN

TIME OU T

CIT Y A M

Carnival Special

22 | THE VOICE AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017

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CARIBBEAN FOOD WEEK FESTIVAL RETURNS TO BRIXTON HOT FROM THE GRILL: A chef checks the food on the barbeque grill

BACK AGAIN: Carmen’s Caribbean Kitchen will be serving up some delicious food

T

HE SECOND annual Grace Foods UK sponsored Caribbean Food Week Festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 25 and 26 in Windrush Square, Brixton, London SW2 starting at 11 am to 7pm.

The two-day event, which celebrates all things Caribbean and takes place during Caribbean Food Week (August 21 – 28) will bring Caribbean culture to Brixton, with live cook-

ery demonstrations, authentic street food, a Caribbean market, and live music to complete the Caribbean vibe.

Caribbean chefs will be on stage with live cookery demos, and will be on hand to share top tips with visitors looking to cook Caribbean at home.

For the first time, visitors will also be able to make use of a bespoke Snapchat filter, custom made for Caribbean Food Week 2017; giving visitors the chance to share their experience with friends in a fun and

unique way.

The event will also be supported on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with followers being encouraged to share their experiences and photos via the official Caribbean Food Week channels, and the chance to win prizes via exclusive giveaways.

Nyree Chambers, Head of Marketing at Grace Foods UK is excited about the return of the Festival to Brixton. She said: “Following the success of last year’s first annual Caribbean Food Week Festival, we can’t wait to return to Brixton with a taste of all that the Caribbean has to offer.

“Caribbean Food Week is all about experimenting with new flavours, and enjoying the authentic taste of Caribbean cooking from your very own kitchen.

We’re hopeful that this event will give confidence to home cooks looking to try out Caribbean cuisine for the first time, or even looking to pick up new skills from our live demonstrations.

“We’ll also be offering mon-

ey-off coupons for Grace and Dunn’s River products, so visitors can stock up in store on all they need to cook up a storm.”

Here are some of the stall holders who will be taking part in the Festival: CARMEN’S CARIBBEAN KITCHEN Serving up authentic Caribbean cuisine, Carmen Richards launched Carmen’s Caribbean Kitchen in 2003. Catering to all kinds of occasions from weddings and christenings, to festivals and world food markets, Carmen’s Caribbean Kitchen has featured on TV and in local press, building a reputation in St Albans and the surrounding area.

Exhibiting at the Caribbean Food Week Festival following the success of last year’s event, their speciality Curried Goat and Mutton makes it a stall that’s not to be missed.

NANNY OUTARS London street food vendor Nanny Outars will be offering deliciously fresh rotis on the day, filled with authentic Guyaneseinspired ingredients. Inspired

by Nanny Outar herself, one of 13 siblings born in Guyana and known as the cook of the family, grandson Chris Hogan has taken her culture, recipes and personality to create a legacy that warms the hearts and stomachs of food lovers all over the UK. Since 2014, Nanny Outars have run successful weekly street food concepts at two busy London locations and festivals such as Field Day Festival and the Lambeth Country Show.

Nanny Outars cuisine takes influence from several different sources, most notably the Caribbean and India, meaning that unique flavours are always guaranteed.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ nannyoutars Twitter: @NannyOutars

ITAL VITAL: Poppy and Dan from Ital Fresh, leaders in natural food

THE VOICE Multi award-winning newspaper The Voice will be in attendance promoting their African & Caribbean Food & Restaurant Guide which was launched last year.

A unique publication featuring a list of restaurants, takeaways and food suppliers around the UK, as well as a combination of mouth-watering recipes from Africa and the Caribbean, 2017 marks the second edition of this yearly guide taking readers on a journey from Africa to the Caribbean.

The Voice Director, Paulette Simpson, said: “We at The Voice are proud of this development and believe we need to play our part as Britain’s leading black newspaper, in supporting our communities by promoting our culture and cuisine.”

Website: www.voice-online. co.uk/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ voicenews/ Twitter: @TheVoiceNews ITAL FRESH Showcasing their Caribbean inspired, vegan street food will be Ital Fresh. Run by partners Poppy and Dan, Ital Fresh works to represent the beautiful fruit and vegetables of the Caribbean as a change from the norm of jerk chicken and barbecued meats.

Following the principles of living prescribed by the Rastafari culture, everything Ital Fresh rustles up will be entirely plant based, grown from the earth and free from any meat, dairy or fish, with

the aim of connecting people to nature.

Having been covered by a number of vegan food blogs, the BBC, and as a favourite of reggae band The Wailers, their next exciting venture will see them catering for reggae royalty, Julian Marley.

Poppy said: “I definitely have an affinity with this culture and my partner Dan has grown up with it. We have travelled around Jamaica and I just loved the honesty and flavours of the food, I wanted to bring it home and add my own spin on it.”

Website: www.facebook.com/ italfresh/ Twitter: @ItalFresh PEMPAMSIE Brixton-based trader Pempamsie will be showing their range of fashion and African goods. Trading for a total of 19 years, and aiming to unite Africans worldwide through “culture, business and pleasure,” the company uses a number of suppliers based in Africa and dedicated to fair trade. Pempamsie have partnered with Blaque Ribbon fashion designers to offer their complete range of male and female fashion, all made with natural fabrics. Visitors will find many traditional African delights on offer, with fashions, jewellery, arts and crafts on sale.

Website: www.pempamsiecom/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Pempamsie-242618265819080/ Twitter: @pempamsie

Carnival Special

AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017 THE VOICE | 23

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The ultimate pre-carnival event set for London

By Claire Clottey

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ARNIVAL SEASON has finally arrived here in the UK and things are about to heat up despite the unpredictable British climate, as the Buss Head Tour arrives in London.

The build up to Europe’s largest cultural street celebration, Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place between August 26-28, continues to get bigger and better year after year.

Just before we become entranced by the sounds of the steel pan at Panorama, or get covered with paint/ powder/chocolate/oil at J’ouvet, or be mesmerised by the array of colourful costumes adorned by children and adults on the streets of Notting Hill, or get sucked in by the base and into the crowds surrounding the sound systems, many carnival revellers are

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GET READY TO BUSS HEAD building up their stamina by attending a number of events, pre-fetes aka pre-parties and concerts.

The Buss Head Tour launched earlier this month and was well received in Toronto for Caribana and Barbados for

Crop Over Festival and is an event bound to set the pace for the UK ahead of Notting Hill Carnival, London.

Hailing from Trinidad, home of one of the world’s largest carnivals, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin, two of the biggest Soca artists in the world, will appear together making history at the iconic Troxy in Limehouse on August 25.

Montano who has won International Soca Monarch five times over the past seven years and Garlin who has held the title four times, both know exactly how to bring the energy t o

Machel Montano

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the mass audience eagerly awaiting to ‘jump up on the road’.

Uniting on the stage alongside Montano and Garlin will be Ultimate Rejects, the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Road March winners for 2017. And if that wasn’t enough, Mr Killa, from Grenada, who knows how to ‘spice’ things up, will also be bringing the vibes on stage at this highly anticipated concert.

Expect to dance, sing and sweat as Garlin makes sure you ‘Whine Up Your Body’ (2017), Montano makes sure the speed of your ‘Fast Wine’ (2017) is on point, Mr Killa commands you to shake every part of your body including your ‘Bam Bam’ (2016) and Ultimate Rejects take things to the ‘Full Extreme’ (2017).

Get tickets for the ultimate pre-carnival warm at: www.tri-angels.com or www.troxy.co.uk

Bunji Garlin

Carnival Special

24 | THE VOICE AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017

The ultimate occasion to whine and wuk up is officially upon us.

Iconic DJ Natty, of The Official Reggae Chart Show, lists the top ten songs to get dancing to at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival

D N A L U HA !

P U L L U P

By Nadine White

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WEET SYMPHONIES are the cornerstone of every celebration.

From the weekly dance to annual festival, music always provides revellers with bass line to bruk out to; the perfect backdrop to memorable experiences.

With Notting Hill carnival just around the corner, DJ Natty B runs through some of the best tunes to look out for at Europe’s biggest street party. Have you spotted your favourite?

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DJ Khaled Ft Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild Thoughts Estelle & Tarrus Riley – Love Like Ours Konshens – Bruk Off Yuh Back Fayann Lyons – Girls Aidonia– Yeah, Yeah, Yeah Machel Montano – Fast Whine Shaggy Ft Omi – Seasons Shenseea – Whine Spice – Sheet Kranium Ft Ty Dolla Sign & Wizkid – Can’t Believe

Listen to ‘The Official Reggae Chart Show’, with DJ Natty B, on Mi-Soul every Saturday from 9-11pm (GMT) and catch up on his weekly Top 20 rundown in The Weekly Gleaner, on Thursdays.

Celebrating 21 years TropicalSunFoods.com

Carnival Special

AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017 THE VOICE | 25

@thevoicenews

voicenewspaper

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www.voice-online.co.uk

Africa on the Square Saturday 14 October, 12-6pm Trafalgar Square, Free Celebrate culture from across Africa with music, food and fun in the heart of London. london.gov.uk/Africa #AfricaLDN

Carnival Special

26 | THE VOICE AUGUST 24 - 30, 2017

@thevoicenews

voicenewspaper

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www.voice-online.co.uk

CANDY MAS…FIVE YEARS ON THE ROAD

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OTTING HILL Carnival 2017 marks the fifth year that Candy Mas, a group of hard working individuals assembled to form an experience out of this world, bringing to the streets an explosion of “our 5 senses transfused into 1.

Founded by DJ Shak Attak and his team who brought with them years of experience in culture, music, design, dance, business management, food and true understanding of service, this group set out to make an unforgettable lasting mark on the industry like never before.

Photos by: Trevor Raymond

Costume band extends carnival experience to J’ouvert and Monday Mas

DJ Shak Attak has this to say about this year’s theme: “As Sunday is branded as a family day, we decided to make the experience fun, colourful, interactive, expressive and most of all, we are pleased to now be able to extend this experience to Sunday Morning for J’ouvert and Monday Mas with its colourful explosion of costumes.”

Candy Mas took to the Streets of Notting Hill in style ‘Fogging-up-thePlace’ with Candy Fog, in an epic beginning of Candy Mas which infused the colour, flavour, feeling, sound and the sweet smell of Sunday Carnival.

In 2014 Candy Mas presented “A

Sweet World” and grew at a rate producing challenges that only confirmed that people really love the brand. To meet these challenges a new team was formed dedicated to taking Candy Mas #CarnivalCrasherZ on the Road for 2015 and beyond…

In 2015 Candy Mas was portraying the Theme MonsterZ… In 2016 Candy Mas presented 50 Shades of Colour Now In 2017 Candy Mas is presenting the theme “Bubble Bath” Cleaning Up The Act Revellers will be fully entertained over the two days by;

• Skinny Fabulous (International Soca Artist) • Mr Killa (International Soca Artist) • D’Transformerz (featuring DJ Shak Attack) • Almighty Sounds • Big Business featuring Cappa Chino • DJ Young Chow (New York City) •DJ Notorious (New York City)

This year Candy Mas have focused on the kids and have launched in association with the Venture Centre where there are fantastic opportunities to not just participate but to gain skills and qualifications within the culture, DJ Shak Attak said: “We would like to extend a massive thanks to Pattrina Quashie-Ferguson and the fantastic team at The Venture Centre for fully supporting this area of the program. It is a strong partnership and plans are already in full swing for 2018.

“At this point I would also like to extend special thanks to The Voice Newspaper; Jamaica National Money Transfer; Catalyst and Pulse88.co.uk Radio And all models and support-

ers of the brand “Candy Mas have a number of great events throughout the year.”

If you would like to keep informed about any of these please follow us on Instagram @carnivalcrasherz