Saloum N’Jie on Notting Hill Carnival’s 60th anniversary and the importance of documenting its history and legacy.
Notting Hill Carnival has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
I have experienced it as a performer, as a spectator and, most importantly, as a proud member of the community that brings it to life. When I was young, Carnival meant excitement, freedom and belonging. It was the music you could feel before you reached the streets, the extraordinary costumes, the dancing and the joy of seeing an entire community come together.
Today, Carnival still means all those things, but I now understand just how much more it represents. It is our heritage, our creativity and our resilience. It connects generations, celebrates identity, and gives our community a powerful voice.
Celebrating Notting Hill Carnival’s 60th anniversary this year, and witnessing Ebony Steelband, the band I grew up in, win Panorama was an incredibly proud and emotional moment. It was a powerful reminder of how far Carnival has come and of the many people whose talent, passion, and determination have made it what it is today.
Carnival may mean something different to each of us, but its importance to this community cannot be overstated. Behind the colour, music, and celebration are remarkable stories. Stories of struggle and triumph, of traditions passed from one generation to the next, and of people who have devoted their lives to keeping the spirit of Carnival alive.
Those stories deserve to be heard.
That is why I am delighted to be working with TSM on an exciting new documentary exploring the history, people, and enduring legacy of Notting Hill Carnival. We want to capture the voices of those who created it, those who continue to shape it, and those discovering its magic for the first time.
We were busy filming throughout August, getting close to the people, performances, and moments that make Carnival so special. What we have captured is only a taste of what is to come, and I cannot wait for you to see it. This documentary will be a celebration, a record, and a love letter to Carnival and the community at its heart.
‘From Bricks to Basslines the story of Carnival’ is coming, and it is one you will not want to miss!
