Killerwatt x Deviation: The Top 10 Tracks From Carnival

There are few events around the world that can match the electric energy of carnivals. From B arbados to Trinidad and Tobago, each iteration has its own unique stamp on the sprawling celebration of Caribbean culture. In London, Notting Hill comes alive in the summer, filling the city’s tube carriages with effervescent colours, laughter and music. Londoners are known for their reserved approach to public transport – no one talks to each other – but it’s during an event like Notting Hill Carnival that this demeanour fades, with conversations between strangers unfolding across the journey to the west London district.

Killerwatt x Deviation: The Top 10 Tracks From Carnival

The death of Kelso Cochrane in 1959 formed the impetus behind Notting Hill Carnival. Created to ease racial tensions in the capital, this is the effect that Notting Hill Carnival has on London today: loosening the barriers between strangers, while painting the streets with a feathery, extravagant display of Caribbean culture. Carnival has left an indelible mark on UK sound system culture, and this year 36 static systems were dotted around Notting Hill. With spine-rattling bass and riddims echoing across the roads, each of the systems had their own flavour: some were vinyl-only or strictly reggae; some were family-run affairs passed down through generations; some specialised in platforming emerging selectors. Notting Hill can seem like a maze, but this year Trippin teamed up with Carnival to bring people the official map, accessible even in offline mode. One particular highlight on the map was a collaboration between two revered institutions: the Killerwatt sound system and club night Deviation, backed by Relentless as part of the brand's ongoing efforts to support music communities.

Killerwatt has been in operation for over 40 years. Founded by selector George Shaw – otherwise known as DJ PoppaShaw – and brother Derek Shaw, the system began as a Caribbean food catering business on London’s Streatham High Street. Deviation, on the other hand, was formed by Benji B and Judah Afriyie in 2007 and began at an east London pub called Gramaphone. Benji B sought to fill a gap in London club culture, and Deviation reflected the adventurous, genre-agnostic ethos of his BBC Radio 1 show. The pair began hosting Carnival afterparties in 2007, and in 2016 they joined forces with the Killerwatt crew.

“The collaboration with Deviation has been a game changer for us,” George Shaw told Trippin.

“It’s about a shared vision for making Notting Hill Carnival unforgettable, year after year. The community and residents look forward to seeing us annually, and the feeling is mutual.”

The Carnival highlight on St Luke’s Road began from noon this year with the DJ Aqwea, and unfurled with sets from a roster of local and international selectors; London’s Charisse C and Shy One headed up the decks, along with the ‘Goddess of Rhythm’ – aka Karen Nyame KG – and dubstep pioneer Mala. “Carnival to us is the time to pay homage to the rich history and influence of the sound system culture,” Deviation said, “and present it to the new generation.” The Killerwatt and Deviation linkup was the go-to spot for ravers, bringing an intensity that kept the party at a peak-time high. There were brief moments when the sound stopped – Judah asked the audience to make space for a pram at the back – and 72 seconds of silence was held in remembrance of 2017’s Grenfell tragedy. The latter served as a pertinent reminder that Carnival is inherently political as well as cultural.

When the day drew to a close, the sound system ended with a raucous set from east London selector AAA, filled with Carnival classics and whine-inducing tracks. London had certainly turned up. Carnival is simultaneously a celebration of fashion and aesthetics in addition to the food, dance and sound. Nearby, I spotted a matching red tracksuit with lips patterned across; a denim bucket hat frayed at the edges. A Carnival-goer with the punk-goth stylings of Siouxsie Sioux danced by the barrier and in front of me, two couples began whining, dressed in cotton crop tops and cargo pants – or a sheer black dress. Amongst the mosh pit and the throngs of dancers were the greens and yellows of the Jamaican flag. Smoke from the food stalls continued to disperse into the air as the sun set. Queues of people gathered by the grills. A green and black ombre windbreaker, with the Aries logo, flickered past as groups searched for their members, gathering each other for the journey home – or to a secret afterparty.

Crystal Murray blows a Deviation x Relentless whistle

It’s been a milestone chapter to remember: 50 years of Carnival that paid homage to the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation. Grenfell remembered by Killerwatt and Deviation. We caught up with the two crews to highlight their favourite tracks that were played at this year’s edition. Scroll down and relive it below.

Masters At Work – Work

Selected by Deviation