This weekend in London is set to break records as the hottest ever Bank Holiday weekend on record with temperatures set to reach up to 33 degrees Celcius. The news will be welcome to the group of over one million people who will flock to the streets of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Kensal Rise and surrounding areas to listen to music, watch the floats and take in the music of over 32 sound systems.
With this year’s music climate being dominated by afro-bashment, dancehall, afrobeats and drill; we have compiled a list of seven tracks we think you’re bound to hear at this year’s event.
9) Chip featuring Red Rat “My Girl”
Chip always brings his A-game to dancehall tracks and this link up with dancehall legend Red Rat is no different. Taken from Chip’s latest album Ten10, the track’s visuals are as carnival ready as the track itself. You are bound to hear this one a few times during the day.
8) WSTRN, Wretch 32 and Kamille “One More Night”
WSTRN are bound to get several plays of their tracks “Txtin” featuring Alkaline and of course “Ben Ova” but the track “One More Night” which features on our mixtape Let’s Work Vol.1 is a slow dancehall track that will encourage chilled vibes, a cool down from the warm weather and slow whines. Check out the visuals below.
7) Stylo G “Dumpling”
Stylo G has been making waves this year with consistent releases, flashy visuals and dancehall rave dominating tracks. Dropping a few weeks ago, “Dumpling” is already close to a million views on YouTube and with its infectious instrumental and yardie vibe, “Dumpling” is sure to be blasting at several sound systems this Carnival weekend. Look out for his hits “Touchdown”, “Call Me a Yardie” and “Yuh Zimmie”.
6) Ding Dong “Gas”
Although the official track was released in 2015, “Gas” has been a playlist staple at parties and Carnival for a few years running now thanks to its high energy and group dance choreography. Expect this track to be played multiple times at Carnival this year and make sure you go in the right direction when the crowd goes with the road.
5) Mr Killa “Run Wid It”
Soca at Carnival is essential; ignore what Twitter tells you. This track by the Grenadian artist is arguably the biggest soca track out at the moment. Its high energy, crowd igniting lyrics and fun theme is sure to make it a favourite track on sound vans and floats.
4) The Rara “Elegance”
This track is the perfect slow bashment track with the essential tempo for catching a whine. When you hear this track at carnival, enjoy the vibes and let The Rara soundtrack your dance. Also, look out for The Rara’s track with Trillary Banks “Stop Chat” which samples “Virginity” by dancehall King Vybz Kartel.
3) Alicai Harley & Kojo Funds “Rushing” (Remix)
Alicai Harley continues to put out dancehall-inspired hits that set the perfect vibe for summer motives and dancehall parties. This track featuring Kojo Funds mixes dancehall with afrobeats and with Carnival also representing the celebration and unification of all aspects of black culture, the track is sure to be hugely popular this carnival season.
2) Koffee “Toast”
The song of the summer from Kingston hailing young artist Koffee has taken over the world. This track is all about positive vibes, celebration and giving thanks for life- one of the key themes of carnival. Be sure to sing along to and enjoy this track when you hear it a thousand times at the carnival festivities.
1) Wiley, Sean Paul & Stefflon Don “Boasy”
This list wouldn’t make sense without his track. “Boasy” is another contender for track of the summer and with Notting Hill Carnival being the ultimate summer climax, the track is sure to be echoed across all 32 sound systems multiple times throughout the day.
Honourable mention: Beenie Man “Who Am I”
Debatably one of the most prolific reggae and dancehall songs in history, this track by Beenie Man catapulted the artist to mainstream stardom. The track is iconic and is played on every soundsystem at carnival multiple times; why would Notting Hill Carnival 2019 be any different?