Written by Seani B
Where would carnival be without the sound of wood on metal? So let Pepe Francis MBE fill you in on the secrets behind those steel pans
OVER THE last few weeks, I’ve been talking to different people that make up the components of Notting Hill Carnival, the biggest street party in Europe.
You can have all the sound systems, mas bands and costumes, but if your parade doesn’t have the sound of wood hitting metal to a fine tune then something is missing in your recipe.
Because steel pans are a foundation and fundamental part of carnival culture. Originating in Trinidad and Tobago, these steel containers turned into musical instruments still have their place in the modern carnival.
In reality, they have their place in modern music. Last year there was quite a few hit songs with the “ping pi ding ping” sound. Just listen to Kodak Black’s club smash Zeze for proof.
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Let's just hope they have addressed and taken care of the poor audio evident at last year's panorama inside the park. The sound was barely audible and left a lot to be desired, which they promised to address. So is this year's event, inside EHP Park or on the outside on Kensai Road???