It features playlists, podcasts and audiobooks, coming ahead of the annual Notting Hill Carnival celebration this weekend.
Spotify has launched a new Carnival Sounds Hub for 2024, spotlighting the impact and legacy of Caribbean culture.
Accessible via its app, there are specially curated playlists featuring music from genres including reggae, dancehall and soca, alongside podcasts and audiobooks that put focus on the experiences of people from the Caribbean diaspora.
There are Caribbean artists spotlighted such as Trinidad & Tobago hailing band Kes, Alicaì Harley, Kranium and more, while audiobooks include Windrush: 75 Years of Modern Britain and The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano.
It comes ahead of the 56th annual Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place this weekend (25-26 August) in London. Its roots began in 1959 when Trinidadian-born activist Claudia Jones organised a Caribbean Carnival in St Pancras Town Hall, in response to racism and race riots. Its first official event took place in 1966 and has since grown to become Europe’s largest street party.
Announcing the Carnival Sounds Hub, Safiya Lambie-Knight, Head of Music, Spotify UK and Ireland said: “Notting Hill Carnival is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful expression of Caribbean identity and a testament to the global impact of its culture.
“We’re excited to bring back Carnival Sounds to celebrate the rich heritage and music of Carnival and to support and elevate Caribbean artists, voices and communities,” she continued. “It’s great to be able to help people to discover and engage with the culture ahead of Carnival weekend.”
Visit the Spotify Carnival Sounds Hub here.
