On the 24th and 25th of August, 2014, the streets of London's Notting Hill will once again be transformed into a cultural melting pot, as two million people unite in one accord to party in true Caribbean style. One of the world’s biggest and most celebrated events, Notting Hill Carnival will be treating crowds to an array of colourful costumes, equally colourful (and pretty damn spicy!) food, and, most importantly, an eclectic selection of music throughout the parade route via 38 scattered soundsystems.
One person who is no stranger to the two-day spectacular, is DJ, producer, label head and all round club culture don, Toddla T. He’s no stranger to the culture it derives from, either: the BBC Radio 1 tastemaker has worked closely with top dancehall acts such as Gyptian, through his time recording out in Kingston, JA, as well producing for urban Brit-stars like Ms Dynamite, Shola Ama and Roots Manuva.
With him non-stop touring with his own soundsystem, Toddla T Sound, this guy sure knows a thing or two about what makes a good one. Complex spoke with Toddla T to find out which ones we should be heading to this year. Check out his expert picks, after the jump.
“The most important soundsystem of the whole of carnival is Toddla T Sound, obviously [laughs]. It's off Kensal Road and Alderson Street, in a big cul-de-sac and we run on the Monday from 12pm – 7pm. Loads of special guests come through and play all kinds of carnival music – it’s a complete and utter vibe! This year, we have Annie Mac, Maverick Sabre, Stylo G and friends, Meridian Dan, and I've just announced a reggae artist who's sold 40 million albums as our special guest. Who could this be? It wasn't me [laughs].”
“Southern Row is the weightiest soundsystem I’ve come across; real councious dub and reggae music. For me, their sounds are the heaviest. Check them out, man. You can grab some real good food down there, too.”
“Towards Westbourne Grove is the Digital Soundboy soundsystem, headed up by Seth. He invites lots of UK acts down, so it has a much more British flavour. Plus, members of his label – like Ms Dynamite – will be there. David Rodigan, Redlight and Benga have played in the past, acts who love heavy bass, so it’s always really good fun down there.”
“On the same strip as Digital Soundboy, there’s Channel One – which is original roots reggae. You can just walk right through there and have a proper great time.”
“I highly recommend going deeper down into Ladbroke Grove and checking the Rampage stage. Rampage is such a seminal soundsystem; it’s always a ram-jam affair and the vibe is wicked. It’s in a massive cul-de-sac and always exciting to be part of.”
