The 4 Musical Traditions That Define Notting Hill Carnival
BY Isaac Eloi
Where do the vibrant sounds of Notting Hill Carnival originate? We dive into the music that makes this celebration a powerful expression of culture and unity.
Notting Hill Carnival stands as a symbol of British Caribbean pride, pulsating with music that connects historic struggles with contemporary strength. Each year, over two million people fill the streets of west London, united by a shared celebration of Caribbean culture. In a year where far-right ideologies are on the rise and gentrification continues to displace communities, Carnival’s powerful rhythms offer a space for joy, solidarity and cultural defiance. The sounds of steelpan, soca and sound systems reverberate through the streets, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Caribbean diaspora.
This year, the Carnival Sounds hub on Spotify offers a new way to experience these powerful rhythms, with playlists, podcasts and audiobooks that capture the essence and legacy of Carnival while helping you get ready for the big weekend. Birthed from a continued commitment to celebrating Caribbean culture, Spotify’s Carnival Sounds brings these dynamic sounds to life, immersing you in the music and spirit of Carnival.
“We’re excited to bring back Carnival Sounds to celebrate the rich heritage and music of Carnival and to support and elevate Caribbean artists, voices and communities,” says Safiya Lambie - Knight, Spotify’s Head of Music, UK & IE. “It’s great to help people discover and engage with the culture ahead of Carnival weekend.”
The genres that define Carnival carry deep histories—each one rooted in the traditions of the Caribbean. From the rebellious energy of J’Ouvert to the rhythmic call of steelpan and the infectious beats of soca, Carnival’s music draws from the past while continuing to inspire the present. So, put on your headphones, turn on the Carnival Sounds 2024 playlist and let’s uncover the traditions that keep the spirit of Notting Hill Carnival alive below.
01
J’Ouvert
In the Caribbean, J’Ouvert signifies the start of Carnival at dawn—a wild, unrestrained ritual where participants cover themselves in paint, oil and powder. Emerging from the tradition of Canboulay in Trinidad, J’Ouvert is rooted in the enslaved Africans’ practice of burning sugarcane fields, transforming their labour into an act of defiance. Despite colonial efforts to suppress it, this ritual survived, representing the endurance of Caribbean culture.
J’Ouvert celebrates our ancestors’ fight for freedom, commemorating their struggle through colourful street processions. Caribbean people honour Emancipation Day by remembering the Canboulay Riots of the 1880s, where colonial authorities attempted to stifle these celebrations. My grandparents would recall hearing bands march through their villages in Dominica at dawn, announcing the arrival of Carnival. In London, this rebellious spirit is channelled through soca tracks that reference J’Ouvert, encouraging revellers to embrace the chaos. After all, "yuh cya play Mas if yuh fraid powder", a phrase still echoed today as paint and powder fly through the air in an expression of liberation and celebration.
While J’Ouvert is officially cancelled at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival due to the absence of formal bands, its spirit remains the ultimate commemoratory opening of Carnival. That spirit lives on through Spotify’s Soca Classics and Carnival Sounds 2024 playlists, bringing the essence of J’Ouvert into homes and streets around the world, even as London takes a temporary pause.
02
The Steelpan
The sound of the steelpan has become inseparable from the spirit of Carnival, embodying a history of resilience and innovation. The instrument was invented in Trinidad during the mid-20th century after colonial bans on African drumming attempted to control the enslaved population. Our ancestors, refusing to be silenced, transformed discarded oil drums into the melodic steelpans that now produce the unique, echoing sounds synonymous with Carnival.
Steelpans first became part of Notting Hill Carnival in 1964, when Russell Henderson’s steelband played at a children’s event in west London. Their music sparked an impromptu parade, laying the foundation for the modern Carnival. Since then, the storied tradition of steelpan music has flourished at the event. Iconic steelbands such as Ebony Steelband, London All Stars Steel Band and Southside Harmonics Steel Orchestra have helped keep this heritage alive, frequently competing at Panorama—Notting Hill’s steelpan showpiece and the largest competition of its kind outside the Caribbean. To experience these iconic sounds that have become a defining feature of Carnival, the Summertime Steel Drums playlist on Spotify offers a perfect window into this rich musical legacy.
03
Soca
At Notting Hill Carnival, the sound of soca surges through the streets, setting the pace for the day’s festivities. Born in Trinidad in the early 1970s, the genre was created by Lord Shorty as a modernisation of calypso, blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms with Indian musical influences. The result was faster, more distinctive and designed to get people moving. As soca spread through the Caribbean and its diaspora, it became a symbol of heritage and freedom.
By the time it reached London, soca had established itself as a core part of Carnival culture, bringing together communities from across the Caribbean. Revellers in bright costumes wave their flags and follow the trucks blaring the latest soca hits, eager to see which song will become the defining anthem of the year. For many, the song that captures the spirit of the year’s Notting Hill Carnival can reflect the sound of a particular island, showing how different rhythms and styles shape the event.
Today, tracks like "Split In De Middle" by Freezy and "Danger" by Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child have become firm favourites at Carnival. These songs, alongside others, can be found on Spotify’s Massive Soca Hits playlist, offering a taste of the soca tunes that fuel the streets of west London every summer.
04
Sound Systems
The sound systems at Notting Hill Carnival are more than just a fixture—they are its heartbeat. Emerging in Jamaica during the 1940s, sound systems became essential for Caribbean communities in the UK, offering a space to celebrate their music in a country where radio stations rarely played it. These mobile music hubs quickly became the lifeblood of the British Caribbean community, turning Carnival into a space of joyful resistance.
During the 1970s, sound systems brought new energy to Notting Hill Carnival, particularly for the children of the Windrush Generation who were drawn to reggae, ska and dancehall. Pioneering sound systems like Aba Shanti-I, Channel One and Rampage Sound have since become iconic features of Carnival, attracting crowds with their heavy basslines and electrifying rhythms. Today, over 30 sound systems offer festival-goers an immersive experience, connecting the roots of Caribbean culture with evolving sounds, ensuring that Carnival remains as dynamic and vital as ever.
As Safiya Lambie - Knight, Spotify’s Head of Music UK & IE, explains, “Notting Hill Carnival is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful expression of Caribbean identity and a testament to the global impact of its culture.” This sentiment echoes the essence of Carnival itself—a powerful celebration of Caribbean culture, rooted in a long history of struggle and triumph. Spotify’s Carnival Sounds Hub captures this spirit, curating the diverse musical traditions that define the event—from the deep, resonant pulse of the sound systems to the energising energy of soca and the soulful calls of the steelpan. The hub invites listeners to immerse themselves in the essence of Carnival, whether you’re part of the crowd on the streets of west London or celebrating from afar.
