Kyron Akal

  Yaa Asantewaa produced a theatrical performance celebrating the bicentenary of the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade and masquerade costumes were displayed by Flamboyan, B’Dark Inspiration and Paraiso School of Samba. Poetry was provided by Red Head and there was a workshop to introduce young people to mask making, fabric painting and other elements of making mas.  The Association of British Calypso’s junior calypsonians gave rousing performances that had the diverse audience singing along – and, of course, pan was well represented by Kyron Akal, Justin Richardson and Caribbean Steel International, who had the audience limbo dancing well into the night. 
 
This year the organisation and staging of the Seven Dials Festival was undertaken by Fink Unlimited, led by Justin Nathaniel of London Notting Hill Carnival. Justin explained
 
“I’ve been working on setting up an events company that will take carnival into the hearts of major cities not only throughout the UK but around the world. For me, and the rest of the team at Fink Unlimited, Carnival is not just a once a year event – it is a lifetime commitment.  The event at Seven Dials showcased mas, pan and calypso and put Carnival firmly in the heart of London at a time of year when it was least expected. We even managed to bring out the sun! I am extremely proud of what we achieved and am working on creating more opportunities for carnivalists to display their talents. I want to thank everyone who participated in the festival and supported me with this event.”

Justin’s determination to integrate carnival arts into mainstream UK society is impressive. BAS has long promoted the positive impact the arts have young people and the way in which we bring diverse communities together. We provide thousands of training and employment opportunities every year and contribute millions of pounds annually to local and national economies. Any endeavour that places carnival arts front and centre of the world stage should be supported. BAS wishes Justin and his team every success.
 
For further information on Fink Unlimited visit www.fink-unlimited.com

Author : Debi Gardner

© Fink Unlimited/www.fink-unlimited.com

Saturday 29 September 2007 saw carnival brought into the heart of London and the capital’s theatre land as pan, mas and calypso were showcased at this year’s Seven Dial’s Festival. The festival is an annual event designed to highlight and promote this unique and quirky area of Covent Garden. MC and DJ for the event was Smokey Joe of BBC Radio London supported by DJ Damien. The ambitious programme opened with an inspirational and unifying performance by IMD Gospel Choir.