Notting Hill Carnival pioneer Selwyn Baptiste dies

[Pan Times]

Tributes paid to Notting Hill Carnival pioneer

England, U.K. - Tributes have been paid to one of the pioneers of the world famous Notting Hill Carnival who died of cancer.

 

Selwyn Baptiste was credited by some with bringing steel bands to the streets of west London for the first time.

After helping to establish the carnival, which is now Europe's biggest street festival, he remained a chairman on its committe.

 

Mr. Baptiste, who was 75, died on 5 January.
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[hollis clifton]

God bless his soul. As a former pannist with Ebony steelband I recall days upon nights meeting at Selwyn's basement in the 1970s to strategise the Ladbroke Carnival. He made a massive contribution to the development of the present Notting Carnival. His biggest bug was the many stationary rastablasters which attracted thousands of youths with no respect for the passing steelbands which were not amplified. RIP soldier.

Hollis Clifton  

(fly) Ebony Steelband

[Richard Bailey]

Selwyn was the conga player in Ojah the first band I played with in London we also played together on the road

for Notting Hill Carnival,we often spoke of the calypso/shango in whatever style of music we were playing as being important.RIP.

Peace

Richard.

[brenda hosang]

Silver Stars USA would like to extend our condolences to the family of the late Selwyn Baptiste.

Selwyn's contribution to having steel bands playing on the streets of London paved the way for hundreds of others to play in the streets of the world.

Selwyn, we thank you.  May you rest in peace.

[aldwyn jones]

Selwyn was my Cousin  there were two Baptiste responsible for pan on the road and in schools in london Selwyn and Raldolph. both are now decesed and both were members of the Sundowners Steelband from south Trinidad

Selwyn Placed Second (2nd) in the 1956 or 58 Music festival ping pong solo competition before migrating to England

RIP selwyn.