August Bank Holiday in London just wouldn’t the same without the Notting Hill Carnival and its celebrated soundsystems form an integral part of the two-day event.
But where to start and where to go? Allow Gigwise to guide you, dear reader, through the eight of the best of them and what you can expect to see and hear from each…
Remember to download the official app and use the map to find a recommended soundsystem.
Aba Shanti-I
Born Joseph Smith in Hackney, east London, Aba’s soundsystem has made its indelible mark across the UK and Europe for the last 30 years. More importantly, he’s been a fixture at the Notting Hill Carnival since 1993 – the same year that DJ Magazine voted him No. 1 DJ in the world.
He took over the running of Jah Tubby’s soundsystem in 1990 and he made his debut at the Leicester Carnival. A respected producer, he’s also released material with his band The Shanti-ites. Expect plenty of righteous vibes and bone shaking bass heading your way. This is the very stuff of carnival.
Channel One Sound System
Formed in 1979 by brothers Mikey Dread and Jah T and celebrating what’s about to be their 36th appearance at the Notting Hill Carnival, Channel One Sound System are promising two days of pure vibes. A selection of roots classics, steppas and dubplate classics from the 70s through to modern day will be the order of the day. A variety of guess will also be joining regular MC Ras Kayleb. This’ll be deep but it’s just what you’ll be needing to get into the heart of the event.
Disco Hustlers
Formed in 2006 by club veteran DJ Giovanni and drum’n’bass enthusiast Mister Hustler, Disco Hustlers always wanted to become a fixture at the annual Notting Hill Festival. They achieved their ambition just three years later when they given the opportunity to do their do on the east side of Powis Square – and they’ve been there at every carnival ever since. Making up the team are engineer Andrew Furlong, the Euro tech house of Michael Chin and the reggae selections of DJ and all overseen by MC Cheeky Checky Banten. This lot are utterly merciless and they’ve got one of best spots of the entire carnival.
4 Play Sound System
A regular fixture at the Notting Hill Carnival since 1994, 4 Play Sound System have also made their presence keenly felt at the Birmingham Carnival. Influenced in part by their parents’ record collections, this collective is dedicated to creating memorable parties by playing a broad range of sounds including R’n’B, Rare Grooves, Jazz-Funk, Old Skool, Jungle, Funky House, Reggae, Ragga, Dancehall and Revival music. So pretty much all bases covered with something for everyone. If you’re up for dancing this, is absolutely the place for it.
CMC Matrix Sound System
Having evolved from the Trojan 7 sound system of the 1970s that specialized in playing reggae and soul at house parties, CMC Matrix Sound System is now one of the dominant forces in drum’n’bass. A continued presence at the Notting Hill Carnival for 20 years, CMC Matrix Sound System is made up of a combination of long-term members and newer talent and they’re going to be blasting out the rhythms over two days on Talbot Road. This is just what you’re going to need to get yourself cranked up.
King Tubby’s
Helmed by Cecil Rennie and named after his greatest influence, King Tubby's is the Carnival's oldest sound system. Growing from its origins in Brixton in the early 1970s to become one of the most popular soundsystems in the UK, its weighty legacy comes a combination of righteous sounds to live up to that name, which includes a mash up of reggae, dancehall, bashment and R’n’B. And they’re not far off their half-century either, so you know they’re doing something right. This soundsystem will take you into the very soul of carnival so be sure to swing by.
Latin Rave Street Jam
Having DJ’d since his schooldays, Latin Street Jam’s DJ Sylvester teamed up with DJ Giles Peterson at the Electric Ballroom in Camden as well as starting regular sessions in London night spots such as the 100 Club, the Scala, Dingwalls and the Wag Club. That’s quite some pedigree. A unique proposition, Latin Rave Street Jam is the only sound system at the Notting Hill Carnival to cover Latin music. Little wonder that they’re such a popular draw year after year after year.
KCC & the Rockin Crew
As any veteran will tell you, it’s not all righteous and rootsy vibes at the Notting Hill carnival. Located over at Warnington Road under the shadow of Ernő Goldfinger’s iconic Trellick Tower, you’ll find KCC & the Rockin Crew’s banging soundsystem. Specialising in House anthems both old and new, this soundsytem is an oasis for those seeking smoother beats and sounds with the added bonus of euphoric bursts to keep your feet moving. Sorted!
