Kemp Town Carnival Extravaganza was a sensory experience. Held in Concorde 2, the lights and performers were visually exciting, colourful and imaginative. The music was an innovative mixture, from orchestral psy-Drum and Bass with Carnival Collective, to african tribal beats, and more, with Kalakuta Millionaires in room one, and gypsy, “Carnivalesque”, Dub Step and Drum and Bass (including Djs such as Afrobase), to heavy Dub with Roots Garden in room two. It was an Extravaganza in all senses of the word!

Carnival Collective are a truly spectacular spectacle. They are as much a visual experience as well as a musical one, and, after having listened to there music on their myspace before going to see them, it is clear that this is a band that must be seen as well as heard. They are a group made of 30 to 50 musicians and dancers and it was something in itself to see that many performers fit on the stage! Originating from the Sussex Coast, the group began as mainly percussive but now also include a large brass section, guitars, bass, several vocalists, and synths. Besides being a collection of serious musicians who are evidently skilled, they are also fun. Fun to watch, fun to listen to, fun to experience!

Headlining the event, Brighton-based Kalakuta Millionaires took the place by storm. Their energy was magnetic. Their dynamic front (wo)man’s performance was strong, her powerful voice and presence was infectious. She bounced around the stage, her expressive personality dancing her songs. The group comprise of 16 musicians, brass, percussion and vocals. A fusion of Latin-American sounds with traditional African beats, the group have recently surged in to the lime-light with a session for Mark Lamarr’s Radio 2 show ‘God’s Jukebox’ and exposure on ‘Craig Charels Funk & Soul Show’ on BBC 6 Music.

Set up in 2005, Roots Garden is a label which represent UK artists and producers who focus on traditional Reggae and Dub. Their presence at the event fused brilliantly with the highly varied, yet thematic, other acts. Bringing bass and beats that ripped through the dancers in room two, contrasting nicely to the faster tempos of Carnival Collective and Kalaktua Millionaires. 

Also in room two, the imaginative selection of Dub Step and Drum and Bass from Carnivalesque Djs added to the atmosphere of fantasia. From circus inspired gypsy, balkan beats to  disco, to asian, global beats, this collective brought an added creative element to the already varied mixture of sounds and vibes.

The event was put on by Cook-the-Rabbit events as a fundraiser for the Kemp Town Carnival to help bring it back to George Street this June. The Kemp Town Carnival usually takes place annually to celebrate the area, drawing attention to its unique energy.

“The event is expected to draw an audience of up to 10,000 people, with attractions on the day including; The Parade of Flowers (very large samba parade), 3 /4 live band stages with...... a robot parade, a small army of street performers, Capoeira displays, choirs, dance troupes, graffiti workshops, break dancing, a fashion event, art and book fairs, community market, a children’s area, magicians, creative workshops....and more!”

http://www.visitbrighton.com/site/whats-on/kemp-town-carnival-2011-p713881