For the last few years, Channel One have held a residency at Village Underground in Shoreditch, and they still tour nationally and internationally, playing at venues in places like Bristol, Turin, Venice and Winterthur in Switzerland. It’s a punishing schedule. “I’ve seen sound systems blow out the place for two, three years and then they disappear because it’s too much hard work,” Mikey says.
So what does the future look like for sound systems? “The future is good. Everywhere in the world – whether you’re white, Black, Indian, Chinese – a sound system is being built, and they want Channel One to play on it, to endorse it. That keeps me going. I didn’t think I would ever reach places like Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Argentina. Channel One has now visited about 36 countries, playing songs that we love. I’ve seen people grow up with us, and now they’re bringing their kids. It’s very rewarding when you see people dancing to what you do and enjoying it.”
Mikey, who now lives in southeast London, is still softly spoken and mellow-spirited, his dreadlocks tucked as always into his rastacap. His beard may now be silver, but the passion still burns. How much longer does he see himself doing this? “I’m getting people from 18 to 70. There’s this one lady in particular who comes to Village Underground and stands at the front all the time. She’s 70-odd. Says she likes listening to the bass because it gives her energy and keeps her body moving. So she’s like me, you know? I think when it’s time for our bodies to give up, that’s when we stop.”
Other sound systems to watch out for at Notting Hill Carnival
Different Strokes
This South London outfit is led by Riper Don, who took over from his father (and founder), Daddy Noddy. Head here for fierce, high-energy Garage & Jungle, Reggae, Dancehall, R&B, Hip Hop. They occupy the junction between St Luke’s Road and Lancaster Road.
Aba Shanti-I
This dub producer, DJ and Carnival legend has blasted out dub and roots bangers on the corner of Powis Terrace and Colville Terrace for over 30 years.
Arts-A-Light
It’s mild and mellow vibes at this family-friendly sound system, whose Christian founder Angela Essien believes that Jesus himself would have attended Carnival. Arts-A-Light serve up Gospel, Afrobeat, Soulful House, Amapiano, Calypso, Soca, Classic Soul, Urban Gospel, and Garage tunes, and they even have their own costumed band, The Bride. Find them at the junction of Portobello Road and Bonchurch Road in North Kensington.
4Play
Since 1994, these guys have played R&B, Rare Grooves, Jazz-Funk, Old Skool, Jungle, Funky House, Reggae, Ragga, Dancehall and Revival music. Catch them on the corner of West Row and Kensal Road.
Latin Rave Street Jam
The only sound system dedicated to Latin music was founded by DJ Sylvester, who used to spin decks with the legendary Gilles Peterson in the ‘80s. Head to the corner of Portobello Road and Chesterton Road if you love jazz-funk, Latin jazz, and Afro-Cuban.
