In 2002, I specifically left Australia for a few weeks, to take in the Notting Hill Carnival held annually In West London. This was full on party time for millions of people that travel from all over the world to take in this fabulous spectacle. I particularly enjoyed the procession of dancers and the musicians on the trucks. There were wonderful displays of colourful costumes that had taken months to design and manufacture. From very young to quite mature, everyone took part.

There was a vibrant atmosphere that engulfed all that attended. The main draw card for me was dancing to Channel One and Aba Shanti I’s super bass sound systems. Yes, I say this without any apology because I am totally addicted to bass that I can feel. It is the one thing that I desperately missed while living in Australia, (after family and friends!)

There is something mystical about dancing wild with like minded people to a heavy duty sound system playing my favourite Reggae Music, that gives us vibes and inspiration, can’t touch it. This gives me an instant high every time without fail. Fortunately Jah Trinity has his own heavy duty “Earthshaker Sound System” in Adelaide to reproduce the same effect! Phew I can’t function without bass midrange and treble.

There were numerous sound systems playing all kinds of music including Reggae, R & B, Drum and Bass, Garage, Hip Hop, Calypso and many other styles in between that I haven’t mentioned. I’m hoping to reach annually to the Carnival for my “ Reggae Rootikal Recharge.” I came back to Adelaide on a massive high, which lasted for months, boy that was great! Yes Yes Yes! More of dem style Iya.

Walking amongst the different systems with their own individual music styles, is an amazing experience.
(In Adelaide, I regularly go to different nightclubs playing various themes: Reggae, R&B, Drum & Bass, Garage/ Hip hop and so I have broadened my musical taste) This meant I automatically started to dance and didn’t want to leave from the R&B sounds. Then I forced myself away after a good while skanking to the Drum & Bass Sound Systems where there were very large crowds just rocking to the music same way. I also got hooked and had difficulty moving on, but I had to take in the variety of styles due to the fact, that I was filming and photographing each section. This was so that I could share it with friends in Australia and even more importantly, to put it up on this website for you all to see!

This was a powerful motivator. I also wanted to hurry up and get to see and hear my favourite sounds at the carnival… “ Come in Channel One Sound, playing RastafarI Music for years at the Carnival and all over UK and Europe”. Also Jah Observer Sound.

The next day (Monday) was a carbon copy of Sunday, filming and photographing everything and everybody! Followed by pure warrior style stepping to Aba Shanti I sound system “Sounds of Jah lightning and Thunder”. Yes both of these sounds had enormous systems that gave the expansive crowd a full body massage with their powerful 18-inch Sub bass speakers. This is what I really came here for!

“Yeahman Aba Shanti just tear down de rak bak neighbahood with Jah Muzik, you could ah never refuse it.
All crew just blow pon you whistle and blow pon your horn. Steppas till it done!” Jah Trinity just linked back up with Brethrens and Sisterens, what a celebration once again Jah RastafarI!

Here are the photos of the Carnival with the static sound systems on street corners. There were mobile sound systems that were being played on the back of semi-articulated trailer trucks. These can also be seen on my original website in the ‘HISTORY’ section under ‘Notting Hill Carnival’.