With customised speakers pumping out earthquaking bass, sound systems are the booming heart of carnival. A selection of operators talk about 50 years of playing records from reggae to grime. Plus: a map of the sounds at this year’s event
Rooted in Caribbean culture and introduced to the
UK by the Windrush generation, sound systems – static or truck-bound collectives of MCs and DJs playing
music through customised, bass-heavy speakers – have been integral to Notting Hill carnival since 1973. Organiser Leslie Palmer introduced them alongside live bands to appeal to a youthful audience, instantly creating the event’s unique vibe.
This year, 36 systems will operate simultaneously from Kensal Road right down to Westbourne Grove, playing an array of music stretching from reggae and ska through Latin and soca to house, drum’n’bass and grime. We spoke to a selection of sound system operators about their colourful beginnings, what they are playing this year, and why an event that began in 1959 is still unique and vital.