After a year away from the madness, Rampage are returning to Notting Hill Carnival to celebrate the 50th year of music, brilliant energy and dancing in the street. The largest static sound system at the carnival, and one of the most important in the world, past years have seen them feature performances from the likes of Ms Dynamite, Wiley and Sean Paul, and entertain packed streets of over 15,000 people. It’s big. This weekend their stage will be broadcast live on Boiler Room – part of an initiative with the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, Guinness and the British Association of Sound Systems – that aims to give what is arguably the biggest celebration of black music globally, the attention and uncensored global coverage that it deserves.
“For 2016 we will be delivering the best line up of artists and stage production ever, playing the best in black music past and present.” Rampage told us. “As a sound system, carnival is what we live for; it’s a celebration of our culture and of the culture our forefathers.” With that in mind, we asked nicely for a mix to get us warmed up for the carnival weekend and boy did they deliver! Stick this on and read their top five carnival tips below. Learn from the masters…
1. Comfort is key
“If you’re doing the full on carnival experience, by the end of the day you’ll have easily carried a good few miles, so you need to make sure the shoes you’re wearing are super comfortable. Trainers are best, preferably not your brand spanking new white Jordan’s – as cool as you might think they look. The carnival route pretty much looks like a rubbish dump by the end of the day so expect to be stepping over discarded drinks, the odd chicken bone and maybe a reveller who’s enjoyed one drink too many. Similarly, make sure what you’re wearing is adaptable for all the elements – it’s been known to piss it down in the morning only for the sun to come out by midday – so an umbrella in the bag, a little jacket to cover the arms and a nice t-shirt and sun glasses for the sunshine!”
2. Don’t be afraid to dance
“The great thing about the carnival is there’s something for everyone. So if you’re into soca you can follow the floats and shake ya bum bum. If you want to get down to some US garage rock and blue grass you can check Gary’s Rockin Shack. You can get dub wise and meditative with Aba-Shanti. Hear some real roots reggae at Saxon and Lord Gelly’s. Bass music at Toddla T. And with us you can expect everything from basement, hip-hop and UKG to the latest house anthems. There’s always some exciting acts to be caught – in 2014 we had a young Stormzy before he became a massive star, same with Tinashe, Sean Paul, Shaggy and so many more. And as it’s carnival, don’t be scared to slide up to someone you don’t know for a likkle dance, it would be rude not to!”
3. Try all of the food
“As soon as you hit the streets of Notting Hill your senses will go into overload; there’s so much to see, hear and the smell drifting from the hundred of jerk pans. When we arrive at 6am on the Sunday to set up, we’ll always take a break to go and eat in Makan – a Malaysian café just under the Westway. It’s our little tradition. Then for the rest of the day, one by one we’ll all drift off to go and find something to eat. There’s always so much to choose from – from grilled corn on the cob, to the chicken, BBQ burgers, patties, Trinidaian ‘doubles’ (roti and curry) , as well as joloff rice, and maybe even some cow foot for those feeling adventurous!”
4. It’s fun for all the family
“Sunday is traditionally family day and it’s a great day out for the kids to hear some great music and see all the bright colours of the parading dancers following the floats. Go early while it’s still pretty quiet. The floats start at Westbourne Park tube so you can catch them as they start there then head into the carnival to sample the food and find a good spot to chill out with your family. Have a dance in the street with the babies!”
5. Bring good vibes only and stay safe
“Carnival started as a celebration of Caribbean culture and the music of our homeland. It’s all about fun and no bad attitudes are wanted. It’s important to come with a good attitude, smile at everyone, be polite, let people pass you with ease, be cordial to the police (maybe even offer them a dance!), make sure your money and phones are all tucked away safely, stay with a group of friends, don’t over indulge, and pace yourself – it’s easy to get carried away!”
Can’t make it down this weekend? Watch the Rampage stage live at Notting Hill Carnival on the Guinness & Boiler Room broadcast from 12-7pm Sunday.
Credits
Image via Flickr