Saturday saw the launch of new mas band Bacchanalia, this new addition to Notting Hill Carnival presents Alter-Ego Through the looking glass. A theme which encourages you to delve into your Alter-Ego.
Bacchanalia was formed in 2005 as a fun mas band, we then saw them re-enter into Notting hill carnival alongside Bachanal Mas. Kelly and Andrew Rajpaulsingh are dedicated to keeping carnival culture alive here in the UK.
"We want to raise the profile of carnival and all the elements associated with it- from what carnival is to making the mas, the history of carnival and the true mas men of our generation, costumes and more"
We arrived at the venue after 11 and was please to see that the show had not started yet, the crowd was friendly and not clicky. The 4 front line sections had us in ore from the moment we stepped in. The oversize feather head pieces, back packs and jewelled bikini lived up to the teases they had been feeding us through Facebook.
The show started with a poetic introduction dissecting the historical elements and creativity to carnival which was a nice personal touch.
This band captured a new vibe and energy which we had not felt in a while, this is essential to creating a great carnival road experience. As long time Notting Hill masqueraders for over 14 years we liked that the band is medium with a capacity of 200, and focuses on good customer service.
On a negative side we felt that the costumes did not have any literal relation to the theme and therefore we could not make any connection to costume and section name (however this is true off so many carnival bands). The biggest deal breaker for us is the price, with Premium Leaders coming in at £295 and £350, Premium section Female £225.00 and males £195.00, which so far makes this band the most expensive for Notting Hill Carnival.
Overall the band gives you stunning costumes and looks very promising for the coming years.
We would like to say thank you to Kelly and Andrew for making us feel welcome.
Last Friday saw Poison uk kick off the start of their season events for Notting Hill Carnival. Starting at Zero degrees the band launch at the The Cobden Club in the heart of the Carnival route
We headed down to the band launch not sure what to expect but as the models skank there way on stage we were very impressed at the standard of the costumes. We have played mas with Puk before but wasn't really feeling the imported costumes. But this year we can tell you the costumes are 100% made and designed in the UK.
The theme for this year is That's Amore with sections such as Jungle Fever, Tempest, Desire, Erotica, Black Magic, and as always their fun mas section 'The Gondoliers'. Also Dynasty entertainment presented Tribal Love to go along side the theme.
Jungle Fever This is the wilder side of Amore...Love. This costume depicts sensuality in the open jungle – feel at home with nature. The lovely headpiece represents the outdoors in Love’s natural surroundings.
This has to be our favorite section and the one we would probably go for. We love the different shades of lime and emerald green which complements the gold.
Tempest Tempest portrays the thin division between happiness and tragedy, and uses fantasy and magic to explore love and hatred… The temptation is wrong but feels so right!
Another hott section, love that the belt is made up of rhinestones.
Desire This section was designed to show rawness and carnality. That under-lying sexual instinct that we all possess.
This is our least favorite, the head piece is really basic but the bra is well balanced and loving the use of tassels
Erotica This creative piece has been designed to represent European erotic desire. Erotica was created to transcend the areas of style, fashion and carnival.
We really like the corset on this costume and the fact that it gives you more coverage. However with a name like Erotica a darker, stronger colour could of been considered.
Black Magic As we all know all’s fair in love and war and what better way to execute this than in the form of Black Magic. The hands on the bra reach for the star. Black is beautiful, black is magic
Over all a very nice costume but would of liked to see more black for maxim presence.
The Gondoliers Is the fun mas section for the guys and girls who would like an alternative to beads and feathers.
Tribal Love by Dynasty entertainment This year's theme was chosen to highlight the similarities in the richness of the culture of Caribbean people and Native American Indians. Our diverse and colourful cultures are both influenced by music, dance, rhythm and a love for nature and life.
We really like the colour combination of this costume but it was a bit too much beads for us. But we love the one shoulder and the deep purple design.
Poison UK present 'Togetherness' for the kiddy mas and we have always love the creativity and freedom they put into the kids costumes. No miniature adult costumes instead they give you sculptural forms with hand painted fabric.
Poison UK have definitely stepped up their game with these costumes. Although not groundbreaking they are contributing to the creativity and craftsmanship of mas in the UK. We look forward to hopefully playing mas with PUK this year. Much thanks and ReSpecs to Catharine and the other Puk girls who made us most welcome.
All 2 piece costumes packages are from 125.00 make sure to sign up for a Puk card this will entitle you to a 10% discount. click here for more details.
One of us flaked out so didn’t make it, but for Bnn girls held up, we are true carnival veterans and mas had to be played.
We played mas with Lagniappe bird sanctuary in a beautiful red costume called Red Ibis. We were late as usual missed breakfast, but who needs food when you have a fully stocked bar. 1xrta truck was large, truly the sound of Black music. Dj’s were Two Face Int. Hi-Fidelity/Less Than Zero, Trendsetter, Gladiators, Slam, Soca Massive, Zoomer D, BBC 1XTRA (SEANI B). Zoomer D’s back in time selection was sweet for days.
Artist on the truck giving us live performances were Ghetto Flex, KMC, Fakekou, Anslem Douglas who had us barking up the road with his hits “Who let the dogs out” and "Ragga Pum Pum" We had an amazing rum fuelled time. We lost count of so many pictures we pose for but just like Zoelah "we did whine and say cheese". We would like to say big up to Lagniappe who made sure our cups was always full on the day. This was our first year with Lagniappe improvements definitely need to be made, but a very promising band.
We weren’t ready to go home so we found Poison UK / Mtv base/ choice fm truck and was just in time to catch Machel on the truck, he gave us renditions of his hits which was pure jammishness. However again the music had to be turned off, don’t know why but the next thing we see is Machel involved in some kind of altercation but that is another story.
Our carnival was totally safe we did not see any of the ugliness that went on and we can’t wait for next year.
Well Bnn just about recovered from carnival. We must admit we kind of flop with all the pre parties and the live shows, it must be our age. Also the fact that in the 13 years of playing mas major panic set in, when after two attempts to pick up costumes on Thursday and Friday they still weren’t ready.
They were finally ready for pick up on Saturday at 1.00 pm, so that put us back quite a bit. The rest of the day had us running around getting bits and doing minor alterations. This meant that we did not make it to panorama or Insomnia. We would like to say well done to Ebony you did it again, we have lost count of how many times they have taken the panorama title.
Panorama Results
1st. Ebony steel band 2nd.Real Steel 3rd.Southside Harmonics 4th.Metronomes steel orchestra 5th.Pantasia steel band 6th.Mangrove steel band 7th.Croydon steel orchestra 8th.C.S.I 9th.Stardust steel band
On to Sunday the day greeted us with rain we customise our tees, got the provisions ( fishcakes, salt fish, rum punch and Stella. Mahogany started the day rolling as their mas camp is in Harlesden the little children look so cute.
We walk up Ladbroke Grove to see the chocolate strong army chipping whining up the road. We were late so had to make up major drinking time and salvage what chocolate was left. We saw a few funny sights and a few of the network.
Highlights were definitely the original Grenadian Jovert jab jab Devil with his Anaconda scaring the crowd.
Excuse the decline of quality in the pictures "the rum had us tipsy"
So we are sooooooooo excited the count down to Notting Hill carnival is nearly over. All now so we here listening to Radio Tempo getting us in the mood. Yesterday we went down to Club4Climate (Surya bar) to pick up Tees for Pure Lime Chocolate mas. For year’s pure lime have distressed the streets of Notting Hill with their original Chocolate style Jovert band on carnival Sunday. Last year 700 of us crossed the stage and this year it is expected to be even bigger with 1000 people expected to play. This year the colour is hott pink which we love and come nicly package canvas bag with your wrist band.
Last year we had a liquid breakfast which continued to 8 pm, pissed and dutty with chocolate in places you would not even imagine we boarded London buses with strange looks from our fellow passengers.
Well its 2 weeks and counting to Notting Hill Carnival. By now you should know we love, ok maybe slightly obsessed with everything and anything carnival. We can not even describe the feeling we get when we hear sweet Soca music playing and the freedom of masquerading on the streets of Notting hill. Carnival for us is strictly Mas, Soca, Fetes, Pan and Rum.
So bands launch long time and the mas camps are in full swing. Here is a quick round up on some of the bands and their links.
The newest and most exciting band to join Notting Hill carnival is Bachanal Mas portraying PARADISE. What we like about this band is that they have managed to make and design all costumes in the UK. As some of you may know there is a lot of imported mas from Trinidad as well as wholesale bikinis are killing the art of mas making in the UK. Bachanal Mas
Mahogany is also a good band which used colour and textiles to create flamboyant sculptural costumes. They are popular with children and best if you want to avoid the typical beads and sequins. This year they are portraying Mosaic. Mahogany
Big band Poison UK is also one to look out for as they have paired up with Choice Fm and MTV Base, so expect performances on the road from Machel Montano, Shaggy, Busy Signal, Lloyd, Jasmine Sullivan, 3Canal, Shal Marshal, Olatunji and Ricky T. Costumes are quite nice (again not made in the Uk), but it seems most people will be in fun mas. Their children’s mas is imaginative, fun and not just a replica of adult mas wish this same creativity can be applied to the adult costumes. Poison UK
Dragons have made a come back this year and have teamed up with Soca Cartels Release de Ridim. So expect pure rudeness on the road. Dragons Mas band with RDR
Cocoyea now in their 26th year import their costumes from Masquerade band Trinidad. However if you looking for a good vibe, mature crowd at a good price this is your band. Cocoyea London
Lagniappe now in there 2nd year back as a full band have teamed up with newish band Trini Posse and Busspepper more known for their club nights to give you these.
Burrokeets UK this year are portraying ‘Symphony of Life' their costumes are quite nice and are made here. Music on the road is from Choice Fm’s Martin Jay. Burrokeets UK
Mash carnival Band is back this year with better and more creative costumes. A band that mainly promotes Guyana but have many supporters from all Islands. Mash carnival band
Jewels de la Carnival a separate section in the band Arawak, which this year presents VIVA LAS VEGAS . These costumes are designed and produced by the costume designer Big Mike from Trinidad band Legacy. Jewels de la Carnival
Costume prices range from £45- £200 see band websites for more info.
Please note BNN will not be partaking in or have any knowledge of the following:
1. Standing on the pavement watching from the sidelines at all the pretty mas 2. We do not recognise that Red Stripe as the official beer of NHC 3. We will not be whining on any policeman 4. We will not be at any Sounds System 5. We do not know where you can get ganja, jerk chicken or a coconut
Bnn will be:
1. Going to panorama in Hyde Park 2. Playing in full Pretty mas 3. Playing in chocolate mas with pure lime on Sunday 4. Whining and getting on stink on the road 5. Posing for pictures if you ask nicely 6. Getting security to chuck you out my band if your not in costume (we pay big money for we mas) 7. Drink the bar dry in our all inclusive band 8. Nursing our injuries the next day
As a designer I’ve seen the recent over kill of birds, in fashion, interiors, wall stickers, stencils, giftware etc. They can be seen perch on your shoulder, flying over your head adorning walls and window displays everywhere, but have you notice it’s the usual quaint English swallows, robins and wrens.
Its now time for the tropics, beautiful hummingbirds, parrots, scarlet ibis with vivid bold colours all native to the islands of the Caribbean.
So a few months back I was pleased to see in the Tiger shop in Hammersmith this £2.00 scarf. I loved the parrots placed among the oversized lush tropical leafs. Last week I decided to knock up this skirt.
Now that Grenada, Antigua Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad carnivals are out of the way London It's WE TIME.
In the beginning....
Claudia Jones the mother of Notting hill carnival
Perhaps this is the clue to Claudia Jones's role in the evolution of Carnival. Deported from America in the mid 1950's Claudia was sent to Britain, rather than to her native Trinidad where she had lived the first 8 years of her life. Her non stop advocacy forHuman rights, her prominence in a range of organisations that challenged inequality in the status quo (and particularly her membership of the Communist Party) made her 'a live and present danger' to the American state.After a year's imprisonment she was deported to England, the Mother Country of the colonized West Indian people.
Along with activists such as Amy Ashwood-Garvey (the wife of Marcus), Jones was central in defending London's black community. Understanding the unifying power of Carnival, she suggested London needed a similar festival.
The first indoor Carnival, held at the St Pancreas Town Hall in January 1959, was a masterstroke of Claudia's genius. Always aware of the power of Art and Culture to influence change, Claudia sought to reverse the disesteem, loneliness and alienation of Black people in Britain, people like herself who time and circumstance had washed up on foreign shores, far from their roots and origins. It was a response to the depressing state of race relations at the time; the UK's first widespread racial attacks (the Notting Hill race riots) had occurred the previous year.
In Notting Hill, the violence was especially vicious. A young West Indian carpenter named Kelso Cochrane was murdered there by six white youths.
In her childhood in Trinidad she had seen the power of Carnival to knit the many strands of a hugely diverse society in mass celebration. Here in EnglandCarnival could become a double edged sword, redeeming the pride of Black immigrants, while extending the hand of friendship to a 'stiff necked people', uneducated and misinformed about the culture of the darker races. As in its Caribbean roots, Carnival would embrace protest within Celebration, and replace conflict with understanding. It would express liberty and equality through its rituals of masquerade. Hers was a deeply humanising mission.
Rhaune Laslett. Laslett, who lived in Notting Hill, knew nothing of Jones or the carnivals when she spoke to the local police about organising a carnival early in 1965. With more of an English fete in mind, she invited the various ethnic groups of what was then the poor area of Notting Hill - Ukranians, Spanish, Portuguese, Irish, Caribbeans and Africans - to contribute to a week-long event that would culminate with an August bank holiday parade. Her motivation was "to prove that from our ghetto there was a wealth of culture waiting to express itself, that we weren't rubbish people".
Steel band player Russ Henderson was among those roped in. Laslett's partner, Jim O'Brien, knew him from the Colherne pub in Earl's Court - a favoured West Indian hang-out - and Henderson had played at the first event in St Pancras organised by Jones. At the Notting Hill event, he was playing alongside a donkey cart and a clown, and he felt things were getting flat. "I said, 'We got to do something to make this thing come alive.' " Henderson, , decided to walk his steel band to the top of the street and back. "People would ask, 'How far are you going?' and we'd say, 'Just back to Acklam Road' and they would come a little way with their shopping, then peel off and someone else would join in. There was no route, really - if you saw a bus coming, you just went another way."
By 1976 Notting hill carnival had changed . By that stage it had become a Caribbean event - the by-product of Jones's racial militancy and Laslett's community activism - complete with bands and costumes.
Black young people made their first massive and significant appearance at the Notting Hill Carnival in 1975, when for young people reggae was the idiom of cultural and social expression.
The Carnival organisers sought to accommodate this by installing sound systems playing reggae along the route of the procession as well as under the A40 fly-over. This cultural phenomenon became the heartbeat of carnival. According to police figures, carnival was attracting 150,000 people. It was also the first time most remember an imposing police presence.
In the following year of 1976, the riot took most people by surprise. "I just remember seeing these bottles flying," says Michael La Rose, head of the Association for a People's Carnival, which aims to protect and promote carnival's community roots; he describes it as like watching a relentless parade of salmon leaping upstream. The police were ill-equipped and ill-prepared. Defending themselves with dustbin lids and milk crates, they were also outmanoeuvred. "That whole experience made the police very sore," one policeman says. "They had taken a beating and were determined that it would not happen again, so when the next one came about, there was some desire for revenge."
From then on, thanks largely to the press, carnival moved from being a story about culture to one about crime and race. For years after, carnival stories would come with a picture of policemen either in hospital after being attacked or in an awkward embrace with a black, female reveller in full costume. Calls were made for the notting hill carnival to be banned.
As lord kitchener sang "The road made to walk on Carnival Day " and so we did. Notting hill carnival has become the biggest street party in Europe attracting over a 1,000 000 people the 3 days.
The FIVE DISCIPLINES OF CARNIVAL
Carnival tradition is based on these five elements. Together they give us the sounds and spectacular visuals that complete any carnival experience.
The 'Five Disciplines of Carnival' are:
1. MAS / COSTUME BANDS
Mas Bands (Mas is short for Masquerade) or Costume Bands is one of the five diciplines of Carnival. The competition for best Mas on the Road is hotly contested. On Carnival Monday the bands compete along the route and hope to pick up points as they pass the judgeing point.
2. STEELPAN
Notting Hill Carnival is the largest event showcasing the music and culture of Steelpan. The sound of Steelpanarrived in ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />London in the early 50's when the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra came to celebrate the Festival of Britain. Steelband, as a twentieth century art-form grew side by side in popularity with Calypso. The BestSteelband is decided on Saturday at the annual panorama competition.
Mangrove steel Orchestra at panorama
3. SOUND SYSTEMS
Static Sound Systems have become an integral part of Notting Hill Carnival with the sounds of reggae, roots, soca, calypso and hip hop. There are around fifty Sound Systems that can be found on most roads within the route.
Rapage sound system
4. Carnival Floats There are about 100 floats that participate over the two days of Carnival. Carnival costumes, colours and sounds including steel pan, Calypso and Soca Sound Systems travel the route, taking up to 8 hours.
