Music
The artists of Red Bull Music Sound System celebrate the spirit of Carnival
The likes of Konshens, Lisa Mercedez and Maleek Berry felt the passion of the Notting Hill Carnival crowd.
On Sunday 26th August 2018, Red Bull Music returned to Notting Hill Carnival once again with a sound system celebrating contemporary dancehall, soca, bashment and UK Afrobeats for an undeterred crowd ready to wine in the pouring rain.
1 min
Red Bull Music Sound System at Notting Hill Carnival 2018
August Bank Holiday saw the return of the Red Bull Music Sound System to Notting Hill Carnival for two days of incredible events.
Read on below to find out the musician's thoughts on Carnival culture and to find out how they handled the unforgiving rain.
Konshens charms a fan
© Fanatic
Konshens on the wet weather and carrying the torch for Carnival culture
I’ve actually just finished up a tour of Europe, and Europe has been hot everywhere! So coming through to Notting Hill today, it was a big shock. But people are still out, gyal dem still out, music is playing. It’s all about the music and the good vibe – they get a chance to live the Caribbean culture, and they won’t let that opportunity pass.
As new artists are taking things in new directions and opening up a whole new market for our music, we still can’t forget the grassroots wave, because that’s what people really fell in love with. So Notting Hill, as a ting that’s been around for years, I think it’s definitely important that Red Bull invest in it and keep the legacy going.
Lisa Mercedez backstage at Red Bull Music Sound System
© David M. Benett / Getty
Lisa Mercedez on Carnival’s cultural significance
I think it’s so important for the culture because – for a Jamaican like myself – it gives us that opportunity to let loose, to be ourselves and be free and not care what people say about us. As a Jamaican, or a Caribbean, this is our chance to be ourselves.
Alicai Harley backstage at Red Bull Music Sound System
© David M. Benett / Contributor
Alicai Harley’s Carnival survival tips
I remember my first Carnival – it was raining, I had heels on and all sorts and at first I was trying to do pretty, but eventually no one cared, my make-up was sweating off. If you’re a female wear the most skimpy thing that you want, bring all that glitter bring all that feather, we love it here! Don’t wear heels and be prepared for anything. As long as your waist keeps on going, you’ll survive Carnival.
Maleek Berry performing at Red Bull Music Sound System
© Fanatic
Maleek Berry on the crowd’s energy
Normally, I’m a recluse so when the rain comes out I just want to get under the covers and watch TV. But today, I just said ‘nah I’m gonna give them the energy’. And the energy came out, they were turning up – they didn’t care about the rain. That’s what Carnival’s about. Can’t have good weather all the time, this is the UK, c’mon. I’m not complaining!
Scratch and IQ at Red Bull Music Sound System
© Eamonn M. McCormack / Getty
IQ on the unified spirit of Carnival
There’s loads of people from different countries, so it gives us a chance for all of us to come together and put all of those cultures into one and to just have fun. I feel like it’s so good that there’s two days of the year that we can all come together and rave on the streets and party.
Trillary Banks backstage at Red Bull Music Sound System
© David M. Benett / Getty
Trillary Banks on dancefloor etiquette
Be yourself, don’t be shy, make sure you’re looking cute and dress accordingly. Carnival’s a time when everyone’s dancing and wining on each other. It’s not anything personal, it’s just me sharing my vibe with you, and that’s what Carnival is: just vibes and energy – good energy.
Team Salut's Mr Wood at Red Bull Music Sound System
© Fanatic
Team Salut’s Mr. Wood on the Carnival sounds
It’s important man – there’s a lot of diverse sounds from a lot of different nations that come together and fuse, and when you come to carnival you get to hear everything. So it’s good for the culture [for people] to come out and hear what’s going on.
Check out more photos from the Red Bull Music Soundsystem
Alicai Harley performing
© Fanatic
Big Zuu
© Fanatic
Dancers
© Fanatic
Amy Becker in crowd
© Fanatic
Like Red Bull Music on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @RedBullMusicUK
Listen to Red Bull Radio for in-depth interviews, exclusive mixes, live broadcasts and more
