August 24, 2023 |
It’s that time of year again. The sequins are out and the sound systems are in for a tremendous celebration of Caribbean culture, African tribal dance and music, and the Black British diaspora at the largest street party in Europe: Notting Hill Carnival. With less than three days to go, the festivities unfolding across Sunday August 27 and Monday 28 are looming large. And with the sun coming out to play this summer, it looks like some two million attendees are forecast to turn up and turn out.
Parading down almost every street of W10, over 36 sound systems are expected to hold down the fort, alongside showcases of the best of mas, soca, calypso and steel bands, and with more extraordinary female talent changing Carnival Sound System culture each year, it’s finally starting to spread its wings. This is where Guinness comes in: “From the traditional Guinness punch drink, to Sound System sponsorship, Guinness has been part of Notting Hill Carnival for many years,” says Neil Shah, head of Guinness Great Britain. And indeed, the cherished Irish dry stout brewery has been bringing good booze and good vibes to Carni for decades, becoming a flamboyant fan-favourite along the way. This year it’s tapping into the stellar talents of future female change makers, establishing the Original Sounds Collective in a team-up with Sound System DJ and Notting Hill Carnival board director and pioneer, Linett Kamala.
In 1985, Kamala became the first woman to ever perform at Carni, and she did it just a year after she’d first discovered the decks at only 15-years-old – no easy feat. Kamala is a power woman walking; but she’s also a philanthropist; her socially engaged creative practice typically engages with thousands of people each year and ranges from mentoring emerging creatives to taking up space through festival culture. There’s no one better to helm the collective than her.
So, bidding to bring about positive change – particularly to inspire more female talents to enter the scene and to enable more extraordinary women to push Carnival culture forward – the Original Sounds Collective is a progressive grassroots mentorship programme created specifically for women in sound systems and for those trying to break through in the Carnival space. From up-and-coming sound system operators and DJs, to producers behind the decks, it looks to address the imbalance in a historically male-dominated Sound System space. “Women have paved the way within Carnival culture in the U.K. since it began, but we just weren’t at the forefront and haven’t always been given the flowers we deserve! In fact, Notting Hill Carnival was founded by a female community activist, Rhaune Laslett in 1966. Yet, within sound system culture we still see a disparity between men and women when it comes to opportunities and exposure, as the leading figures are predominantly male,” Kamala explains. “That’s why initiatives like this are so vital to changing the narrative and wouldn’t be possible without Guinness’ shared culture and commitment to supporting the past, present and future women of Carnival.”
Alongside Kamala, legendary Sound System icons Dubplate Pearl – who boasts a well-watched Boiler Room – and Ella’D – who currently co-manages and represents Killerwatt, an official Notting Hill Carnival Static Sound System – are leading the mentor lineup, and with support from Guinness, will offer bespoke training, experiences, mentorship, funding and access to new equipment to collective members.
Three women were selected as the community-first initiative’s inaugural beneficiaries: SHVN – an autodidact DJ – Gin – who’s a number of collectives championing underrepresented groups in sound systems and the music industry, including Faggamuffin Block Party (which they co-founded), amongst others – and Chlxxe – who made her debut as a Carni DJ just last year and is already a facilitator for Pioneer DJ, regularly training other female mixologists. “I’m so inspired by everyone who is a part of the collective – all have such varied skills, experience and stories to share,” Kamala relays. “I believe it’s a group of women that will learn so much from each other ,and about themselves, their sounds, and their ambitions as we grow together over the next year.”
Over the weekend – between some juicy, marinated jerk chicken and a Red Stripe of course – the women will immerse themselves in the moving and grooving, before taking to a stage at Carnival 2024 and other Guinness events as a culmination of their training and development.
Born from Guinness’ continued commitment to championing women, such as women’s rugby’s Never Settle initiative (an ongoing programme which celebrates diversity in rugby), the formation of the Original Sounds Collective serves as another stop forward in Guinness’ wider activation plan for the jamboree, including a partnership with legendary Sound System Disco Hustlers. “Through championing this new generation of women, we hope to inspire others and fulfil our long-term ambition of supporting even more women who are trying to make a name for themselves in this space,” says Shah.
Here, we chatted with Kamala about Carni and the Original Sounds Collective, also speaking with its mentors and beneficiaries about the best bits of the festival, the importance of community and what the programme means to them. So bam bam, what a bam bam – see ya Sunday!
LINETT KAMALA
What is it about Notting Hill Carnival that has been so significant for you over the years, personally, not just with regard to music?
Kamala: “It’s been incredible to see how Carnival has evolved over time. I’ve watched it grow from a more local London event, to the glorious, global celebration it is today.
“To me, Carnival holds so much weight. Born from quite tragic beginnings – the death of Kelso Cochran – it started as a way to bring the community together to stand up against racism. Now, over time, it still stands for this but has evolved into a real celebration and demonstration of unity.
What do you think we need to see more of to create a more equal space within the Sound System scene?
Kamala: “There is, sadly, still a lack of support and access for women, which means the work to change the game isn’t done yet – but it is wonderful to see more women jump into the sound system world, which has so much to offer. I really hope to see that continue, especially with the Original Sounds programme.
“We [just] need to have more women leading from the front. For me, it begins with access and encouragement. Jumping into the world of Sound Systems can feel overwhelming – where do I start? Who can support me? How do I find my sound? But those are all questions that can be easily answered once women are given access and know of the opportunities that are out there.”
What are your visions for the future of the Original Sounds collective?
Kamala: “The ultimate goal is to truly champion and support the incredible talent within the sound system scene. We also want to change the game for future women and open the door to those who want to get involved with the magic of the world of sound systems. It’s a world that has so much to offer and female visibility is such an important part of pushing the culture forward, which is what we want to do with the Original Sounds programme.”
ELLA’D: MENTOR
D: “I’m really looking forward to the vibrant and electric atmosphere of this year’s Notting Hill Carnival. My favourite part has always been the sense of unity and joy that permeates the event. There’s something truly special about how strangers come together, sharing smiles, dancing to the music and enjoying the mouth watering aromas of street food. It’s a celebration of culture and community that’s hard to beat.
“Community means everything to me, and that’s what makes the “Original Sounds” programme so significant. It’s a chance to foster even stronger bonds among those who share a love for music, food and culture. Being part of this initiative developed by Linett in partnership with Guinness is an exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to see the wonderful collaborations it will bring forth. It’s all about celebrating diversity and the power of coming together through shared passions.”
DUBPLATE PEARL: MENTOR
Pearl: “[I’m looking forward to] getting there very early and chatting to our friends, Saxon, Virgo International, Gladdy Wax and Channel One Sound Systems while they are setting up. [My favourite part is] Grenada Corner, St Charles’ Square – a year to year meeting point for family and friends which I attended with my parents from the early days.
“Keeping the community aware of the meaning and traditions of Carnival and its diversity [is so important to me]. [So] the Original Sounds programme is an opportunity for me to challenge the male dominance of sound system culture and the failure to recognise the substantial female support, financial and otherwise given from the outset, which is never mentioned.”
SHVN: BENEFICIARY
SHVN: “I’m most looking forward to being able to listen to good music from the sound system. One of my favourite parts of carnival is seeing the unifying power of music. Everyone is focused on the artist/DJ, stage and captivated by the same energy at the same time. I’m also looking forward to eating amazing food!
“To me, the Original Sounds programme is an amazing opportunity for me to be part of a community of amazingly talented women. All of the ladies have exceptional talents and achievements. Being part of the programme will allow me to learn, grow and be able to work towards my own goals being guided by a fantastic mentor (Linett). I’m super grateful and excited to be part of this programme with these amazing women. Women should be equally represented, visible and included within sound system culture.”
GIN: BENEFICIARY
Gin: “I’m most looking forward to being a part of Notting Hill this year, it’s been a long-time dream of mine to join in on the sound systems as a DJ or as a part of a collective. I’ve always looked up to the people who run the event, but also those who keep the legacy going. My favourite part is J’ouvert, I love the excitement of the crowd, the paint, the play – the sheer joy of the crowd is beautiful to be a part of. [It] starts the celebrations off in the right way.
“I am driven by a deep desire to foster a strong sense of community and by joining this collective I hope to develop long-lasting connections with like-minded individuals within the collective. I hope to explore the power of collaboration among women in sound system culture and discover new avenues for growth and positive impact. I want to learn from everyone, especially all of the mentors, who have deep insight and understanding into the legacy that is sound system culture, and to honour that legacy by preserving and evolving with the traditions that define sound system culture. I’m willing to remain open to new experiences, and create new connections.”
CHLXXE: BENEFICIARY
Chlxxe: “I’m looking forward to being back on the stage again. Last year was my first time playing and I’m excited to do it all again. My favourite part of carnival is seeing the floats as I love to admire the costumes and feathers.
“Community to me means support and family and the Original Sounds programme is about sharing our learned experiences whilst discovering new things ourselves. [It’s] about showcasing the talent of women within sound system culture and further pushing other women to find their voices within the space.”
Photography by Serena Brown. For those looking to sink their teeth into sound system culture, especially at next year’s carni, you can reach out to Kamala via her instagram (here) from August 28 for more information and sign up to be considered for a slot in next year’s programme.
