Spotify launches microsite in celebration of Notting Hill Carnival

Artist Bokibas mural in the heart of Notting Hill celebrates the Carnival

Spotify is partnering with the Notting Hill Carnival for the second successive year. As part of the collaboration, Spotify has created an all-new Carnival Sounds experience, in collaboration with NHC, with a virtual curation of popular Carnival features. The Carnival is taking place again virtually this year, after the organisers took the decision to cancel the physical event in June.

Spotify’s Carnival microsite, launching today, features a host of new content including original pieces from some of the UK’s bestselling authors; all-new playlists from artists including Billy Ocean; and a suite of bespoke podcasts. One way to access the microsite is via a scannable mural artwork in the heart of Notting Hill, created by multidisciplinary artist Bokiba. The piece captures the movements and sounds of Carnival, and incorporates emojis as a nod to the virtual element of this year’s event.  

New for 2021 will be exclusive essays on the theme of Carnival from some of the UK’s most renowned Black writers and creatives, including Candice Carty-Williams, author of the Sunday Times bestselling novel, Queenie; poet, spoken word artist and musician James Massiah, and Lava La Rue, the visual artist, rapper and founding member of NiNE8 COLLECTIVE.

The Carnival Sounds microsite for 2021 will once again give fans a chance to explore 42 of the official Notting Hill Carnival sound systems and DJs playing a mixture of dub, reggae, soca, soulful house and more. These include King Tubby’s; Rampage Sound; Seduction City Sound; and Martin Jay.

Playlist selectors this year include British soul icon Billy Ocean, who makes his selections for The Gold List; Protoje who takes over the Irie playlist; and Harry Pinero and Henrie, the hosts of  Who We Be talks, who are curating Who We Be, the UK’s biggest hip-hop, Afrobeat, dancehall and R&B playlist.

“We are committed to supporting the Black community and elevating Black voices,” said Leroy Harris, Spotify UK and Ireland Artist Marketing Lead. “Notting Hill Carnival is a monumental part of British and Caribbean culture: Spotify’s online platform and curation of Carnival provides an avenue for existing fans and those new to the experience alike to continue to experience some of the utter joy of the weekend’s celebrations and what makes Carnival so special.”

You can access Spotify’s Carnival microsite here.