Hackney Carnival at Home weekender to take place September 12-13 online

The borough’s famous Carnival collectives will parade their creative spirit virtually

PRESENTER: Pax Nindi of Global Carnivalz

WITH THIS year’s Hackney Carnival on hold due to the coronavirus, the borough’s famous Carnival collectives will parade their creative spirit online at the Hackney Carnival at Home weekender.

Broadcasting live via Reel Rebels Radio on September 12, and on the Hackney Carnival Facebook page on the September 13, the weekender will mark the climactic finale to what’s been a summer-long season of films taking viewers around the world and behind the scenes of Hackney’s biggest party. Both days are programmed and presented by Pax Nindi of Global Carnivalz.

When we have asked carnival artists and participants to describe the spirit of Hackney Carnival, it has been a joy to hear about their memories and wonderful experiences over the years.

Carnival at Home and Spirit of Carnival curators Manuela Benini and Deb Mullins

Line up:

Saturday, September 12: Sound System Day. Reel Rebels Online Radio will dedicate its airwaves to the Hackney Carnival sound systems. Presented by Pax Nindi, they’ll provide sets from Soca Massive, Dubson Sounds, Solution Sound System, First Class Sounds, Jah Prophecies, Dj Green Papa, Faggamuffin Bloc Party, Community Hi Fi and special guest set from Hackney resident and world soundman Aba Shanti-I. Reelrebelsradio.com 12 – 8pm

Sunday, September 13: Virtual Carnival Day. Featuring films from past processions and live bands including jazz from Ray Carless, African music from Kasai Masai, ska from Stamford Hillbilly Street Band, toasting from Clapper Priest and a legendary performance from Ghanain Ata Kak. Winners of the Hackney Carnival Dance Challenge will also be announced and audience interaction will be encouraged throughout the day by Pax Nindi. Visit Facebook.com/hackneycarnival 12 – 8pm

Those who use Carnival as a time to show off their dancing skills can enter the Carnival Dance Challenge which invites you to create some moves to an exclusive soca tune. Entries will be put to a public vote with the winner announced this Sunday. Entries open until 9 September.

In the run-up to the weekender, the Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Cabinet Member for Planning, Culture and Inclusive Economy, Cllr Guy Nicholson will discuss the importance, health and wellbeing benefits of Carnival in a short film by Dogleap films curated by Marva Antoine of Tropical Isles, alongside interviews with key community partners.

Industry experts

Live from September 13 on Lovehackney.com, founder member of Emergency Exit Arts Deborah Mullins joins Marva Antoine to launch a new learning resource Spirit of Hackney Carnival which will delve into the artistry and origins of carnival via interviews and insights from industry experts.

Carnival at Home and Spirit of Carnival curators Manuela Benini and Deb Mullins said: When we have asked carnival artists and participants to describe the spirit of Hackney Carnival, it has been a joy to hear about their memories and wonderful experiences over the years.

“The audiences that line the route get a special mention. It really is a celebration for all the community to enjoy and is highly regarded by visiting carnival bands and audiences.”

Past editions of the films are still available to watch with new additions every Thursday at 4.30pm on the Hackney Carnival Facebook page as well as the Love Hackney website.

Reel Rebels Radio said: “As an intergenerational and intersectional community radio station, Reel Rebels Radio is honoured to reflect the diversity of Hackney, and none more so than when we are hosting the Hackney Carnival Sound System day on Saturday. We reflect the carnival and the carnival reflects us.”

Comments Form

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*

Support The Voice

The Voice Newspaper is committed to celebrating black excellence, campaigning for positive change and informing the black community on important issues. Your financial contributions are essential to protect the future of the publication as we strive to help raise the profile of the black communities across the UK. Any size donation is welcome and we thank you for your continued support.

Support Sign-up