Portobello Wall

Hip Hop in the Grove Part 1

[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10%” bottom_padding=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][split_line_heading animation_type=”default”]

The First Of A Series

From Around The Wall

Hip Hop in the Grove.

[/split_line_heading][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]This piece, written by Matin Abel, AKA DJ Lews,, is the first of the series.
Offering a unique personal insight into the times and the energy surrounding Hip Hop in The Grove.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1608236590901{padding-right: 10% !important;}”]The foundation of Hip Hop in the UK came about through the most abstract means: Hip Hop’s grand appearance in the UK came through one particular video – ‘Buffalo Gals’ by Malcolm McLaren, which appeared on Top of The Pops in 1982. Being an adolescent, you can imagine the impact of seeing similar aged kids spinning on their heads, backs and elbows, it would seem impossible not to want to be a part of it. This accompanied by the sounds of a DJ’s scratching of the drum breaks within the record while MCs rhymed over them made it impossible to resist.

As illustrated on the Hip Hop panel “Hand Scratching’ the LP, part of the Portobello Wall public art installation, (the image has a scannable QR code), the first, second, and third Hip Hop recordings that graced the UK were all recorded by artists local to the Ladbroke Grove area. This gave London another remarkable piece of history unique to this bizarrely magnetic artistic haven. But that is only if Buffalo Gals was recorded in the US, otherwise, that would make them second, third and fourth to the Buffalo Gals LP. ‘Christmas Rapping’ by Dizzy Heights, ‘London Bridge’ by Newtrament, followed by ‘The Hip Hop Beat’ by Whizz Kid and the Rapologists, were the foundational Hip Hip tunes in the UK.

It appears that Dj’s such as Mono Man, Newtrament, Froggy, Nelly Hooper, Miles and Mushroom from The Wild Bunch, and Krew, were very much paralleling what was happening in the Bronx. These two sets of DJ’s from different parts of the UK (Notting Hill/ Ladbroke Grove, London, and Montpellier, Bristol) naturally found each other and played many sets together in London since there were so few others around. Ladbroke Grove and much of West London became the Mecca for Hip Hop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom” delay=”100″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1608236654310{padding-right: 10% !important;}”]This was evidenced by the frequent visits to the area by The Rocksteady Crew, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, The Jungle Brothers, Brim, Futura 2000 and a host of other New York artists from as early as the late ’70s. Ladbroke Grove was certainly an attractive force for Hip Hop.

The fact that Rough Trade Records sold weekly mixtapes of New York’s WBLS and Kiss FM Hip Hop radio shows featuring Marley Marl, Afrika Islam’s Zulu Beats show, and Mr. Magic’s Hip Hop show helped integrate the two cultures with the US borrowing from its second cousin Punk Rock. At the 1983 Carnival Vivian Goldman, a Punk journalist, compared Acklam Road and Ladbroke Grove with ‘Brooklyn and the Bronx’. This is the avenue in which graffiti artist Futura 2000 came to record the single ‘The Escapades of Futura 2000’ with The Clash.

If you cast your minds back to the 90’s you will have seen, while traveling on the train between Westbourne Park Station and Ladbroke Grove Station, breakdance crews BreakJam, Krew, Cosmic Rockers, and graffiti artists, Chase, The Chrome Angels, Kane, Foam, 1UP, Demo and Skam One’s work, surrounding the Futura 2000 shrine. This was before it was desecrated then covered up by the Sony BaySixtysix skate park that, along with the Subterrania club, capitalised on the young energy that the street had created to officialise the Acklam walk.

It aids the point to mention that an early Hip Hop DJ, Whizz Kid, graced the Acklam Hall club in the eighties, further schooling the young local kids on the culture.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”20″ text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-left”][vc_gallery type=”nectarslider_style” images=”2270,2223,2222,2221,2220,2219,2213,2214″ image_loading=”default” bullet_navigation_style=”see_through” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_gallery type=”nectarslider_style” images=”2215,2216,2217,2218,2212,1287,816,617″ image_loading=”default” bullet_navigation_style=”see_through” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Images By
Victor Novais, AKA Dj Kuku
Matin Abel, AKA DJ Lews, Angel,[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Rhythm and Sound Tour 2019-20

[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”7%” bottom_padding=”7%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”straight_section”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInLeft”]

Portobello Wall Rhythm and Sound Tour 2019/20

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]As part of the Portobello wall project Rhythm and Sound remit was to engage with the local community in actives around the theme so before the lock down we were on tour bringing the Portabello Wall to wider communities. Please visit and see our story on our Instagram page here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”7%” bottom_padding=”7%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”straight_section”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” column_margin=”none” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][image_with_animation image_url=”2053″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-4″][image_with_animation image_url=”2054″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” column_margin=”none” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/12″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-3″][image_with_animation image_url=”2042″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”x_large_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-4″][image_with_animation image_url=”2043″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”x_large_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-4″][image_with_animation image_url=”2056″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”x_large_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_custom_heading text=”Supporters and Partners” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text][show-logos orderby=’ID’ category=’supporters’ activeurl=’new’ style=’normal’ interface=’grid4′ tooltip=’false’ description=’false’ limit=’0′ padding=’0′ filter=’false’ img=’200,200′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The wall on tour 2019

[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” full_height=”yes” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” column_margin=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”padding-6-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#0a0a0a” background_color_opacity=”0.6″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”461″ enable_bg_scale=”true” font_color=”#ffffff” column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Leaving
a community
Impression.” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][nectar_cta btn_style=”underline” heading_tag=”h5″ text_color=”#ffffff” link_type=”regular” alignment=”center” button_color=”default” display=”block” link_text=”Explore” url=”#tour”][/vc_column][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” overlay_strength=”0.3″ column_link=”#workshops”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-6-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#ffedf1″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1589126625745{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

Workshops

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1589131473850{margin-bottom: 35px !important;}”]Discovering sound Tech.
with Rhythm & Sound[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”2034″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”75%” hover_animation=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width_mobile=”default” margin_bottom=”40″ img_link=”#workshops”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-6-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#dde3ff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” overlay_strength=”0.3″ column_link=”https://portobellowall.soundartsmedia.com/rhythm-and-sound-tour-2019″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1589126709868{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

Out and About

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1589131353513{margin-bottom: 35px !important;}”]Portobello wall project
Rhythm & Sound
On Tour .[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”2053″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”75%” hover_animation=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width_mobile=”default” margin_bottom=”40″ img_link=”https://portobellowall.soundartsmedia.com/rhythm-and-sound-tour-2019″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” id=”workshops” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInLeft”]

Portobello Wall Rhythm and Sound workshops

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

As part of the Portobello wall project Rhythm and Sound remit was to engage with the local community in actives around the theme so before the lock down we were on tour bringing the Portabello Wall to wider communities. Please visit and see our story on our Instagram page here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”7%” bottom_padding=”7%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”straight_section”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInLeft”]

Rhythm and Sound Music Tech

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”bottom” column_margin=”none” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-6″][image_with_animation image_url=”2046″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-4″][image_with_animation image_url=”2028″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top” column_margin=”none” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/12″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-1″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-3″][image_with_animation image_url=”2024″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”x_large_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-4″][image_with_animation image_url=”2025″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”x_large_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-1-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-4″][image_with_animation image_url=”2019″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”x_large_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_custom_heading text=”Supporters and Partners” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text][show-logos orderby=’ID’ category=’supporters’ activeurl=’new’ style=’normal’ interface=’grid4′ tooltip=’false’ description=’false’ limit=’0′ padding=’0′ filter=’false’ img=’200,200′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Images from the wall

Framed prints of the iconic images from the wall.

[/split_line_heading][vc_column_text css_animation=”bottom-to-top” css=”.vc_custom_1588986677452{margin-top: 15px !important;}” max_width=”500″]You can now order your own framed copy of the original images from the Rhythm and Sound installation.

These iconic pictures are available as a framed digital print. Each piece will come to you in a classic black satin-finish frame with a child-friendly, non-shatter pane Size 61 x 91 cm. The images have the spectrum border as displayed on the wall. The print itself will be produced from original digital artwork at the highest possible quality by our installation printing partners, Coloursonics. All proceeds will be donated to local charities. Priced at £80. You can order from the shop page here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_cascading_images image_1_url=”669″ image_1_offset_x_sign=”+” image_1_offset_x=”0%” image_1_offset_y_sign=”+” image_1_offset_y=”0%” image_1_rotate_sign=”+” image_1_rotate=”none” image_1_animation=”Grow In” image_1_box_shadow=”none” image_2_url=”1644″ image_2_offset_x_sign=”+” image_2_offset_x=”25%” image_2_offset_y_sign=”+” image_2_offset_y=”30%” image_2_rotate_sign=”+” image_2_rotate=”none” image_2_animation=”Grow In” image_2_box_shadow=”none” image_3_url=”669″ image_3_offset_x_sign=”-” image_3_offset_x=”15%” image_3_offset_y_sign=”-” image_3_offset_y=”30%” image_3_rotate_sign=”+” image_3_rotate=”none” image_3_animation=”Grow In” image_3_box_shadow=”x_large_depth” image_4_offset_x_sign=”+” image_4_offset_x=”0%” image_4_offset_y_sign=”+” image_4_offset_y=”0%” image_4_rotate_sign=”+” image_4_rotate=”none” image_4_animation=”Fade In” image_4_box_shadow=”none” border_radius=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”1967″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Soca & Calypso

[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInLeft”]

Soca & Calypso

in North Kensington Part 1

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]

The Portobello Wall ‘Rhythm and Sound’ Installation features Calypso and Soca in North Kensington.

Part 1 of our feature includes a free digital download of the book, Calypso in London by Stephen Spark, which includes an excellent essay by renowned historian John Cowley on the story of the music’s arrival in Britain. Get your e-book here for free, but only for this month. If you would like to purchase a hard copy, it can be obtained online at https://www.acukheritage.co.uk/product/calypso-in-london/

Calypso and Soca are Carribbean cultural artforms. They form part of the wider celebrations of The Notting Hill Carnival in West London. For calypso-lovers, there’s only one place to be on an August Friday evening: the London Calypso Tent. The ‘tent’ is now the stage of The Tabernacle in Powis Square in W11. The term harks back to the days when calypso was the Caribbean’s rebel music played in a ‘hall’ of bamboo poles roofed in palm leaves.

Pinning down the music’s origins more precisely is challenging, but it’s likely it developed in the Caribbean as a creolised hybrid of different traditions from various parts of Africa. Some Africans freely migrated to Trinidad after Emancipation, and these arrivals would have been able to retain more of their own language and culture, including music and dance. Other musical influences reached Trinidad from neighbouring islands, particularly Martinique, and Venezuela.

The music’s very name is a clue to its complex history. ‘Calypso’ dates only from the late 1890s, before which it was known as cariso or caliso, a Spanish word for a topical song. Earlier still, many researchers argue, it was kaiso, derived from a Hausa word meaning ‘bravo!’ The word lives on, as people still call out “kaiso” at the London Tent after a particularly fine performance.

Today the London Calypso Tent remains the only one in Europe. From the moment the Divettes take to the stage and the ABC Band strikes up, the atmosphere in the hall crackles with anticipation. Britain’s talented calypsonians keep alive this marvellous artform that for more than two centuries has been pricking pomposity, mocking the powerful, challenging injustice and making the audience laugh.

Part 2 will feature the local artists and their music, as well as interviews and videos, and a winners of the London Calypso Tent timeline for more than 25 years, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latests news and events.

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_image=”1800″ bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” overlay_strength=”0.95″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_position=”left-right” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Calypso in London” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:52|text_align:center|line_height:52px” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Free digital download” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:28|text_align:center|color:rgba(255%2C255%2C255%2C0.7)|line_height:36px” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”see-through-3″ color_override=”#3452ff” hover_color_override=”#3452ff” hover_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”fontawesome” url=”https://portobellowall.soundartsmedia.com/product/calypso-in-london/” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-long-arrow-right” margin_top=”25″ text=”Download Now”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][show-logos category=”supporters”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Through the Wall

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]The Portobello Wall installation Ryhthm and Sound is accompanied by a rolling programme of musical events and participatory opportunities from 2019-20. A fantastic variety is on offer, from informative digital sound engineering sessions, to steel-pan music workshops. and free digital downloads. With the Month of October fast approaching there’s no better time to let you know what’s through the wall

To celebrate black history mornth we will be making available a free digital e-book titled, Calypso in London by Stephen Spark. The book is a great record of the history of Calypso in North Kensington. Just head over to our Calypso and Soca in North Kensington page here to get your free copy.

In the Community in the Mix Sound Arts Media in partnership with Carnival Village Trust have been running music and sound technology workshops since 1999 in London and have been doing a series of drop-in workshops at the Yaa Centre in London for all ages since 2013. Drawing on the network of producers musicians and engineers, the workshops focuses on all aspects of sound technology using Apple computers looking at software such as Ableton Live, Avid’s Pro Tools, and more. The work shops will be informing participants about the availability of different creative software and hardware used in today’s technological artistic environment.

The Workshops will be an open/drop-in work shop on Thursday the 24th Oct and Friday 25th from 11am till 2pm than 3pm till 5.30pm this is mainly for young people from 8 to 16. years old last class of the day will be from 6.30 till 9pm and this will be for adults.

Adobe software, photo shop, illustrator, Adobe premiere and apples Final Cut Pro. Music software logic pro, Ableton live and Pro Tools will all be on show with Master sessions from leading artists and DJ’s such as Tony Gab Robinson from Aswad, Guitaris Cameron Pierre, and Greg Hunter, digital electronic guru. You can register for a place on our Event page here or on Eventbrite.com. Please register early as places are limited. For all our up coming events and workshops please sign-up to our newsletter or drop us a email

Partners & Supporters

[show-logos orderby=’ID’ category=’supporters’ activeurl=’new’ style=’normal’ interface=’grid7′ tooltip=’false’ description=’false’ limit=’0′ padding=’10’ filter=’false’ img=’200,200′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

First Post!

Welcome to our first post.

The Portobello Wall Public Art Project

The Portobello Wall Public Art Project is an annual commission for a 100m stretch of brick wall linking two of the most vibrant and well-known market areas in London: Portobello Road and Golborne Road. 2019 marks the twelfth edition of the Portobello Wall Public Art Project. Proposals were invited via open submission that responded to the theme of Rhythm and Sound:

‘From the dance-steps and steel-pan beats of Notting Hill Carnival to the bustle and banter of Portobello and Golborne Road markets; from momentous performances at the Tabernacle to the original Rough Trade Record shop; Rhythm and Sound is woven into the rich cultural heritage, identity and place of North Kensington.’

2019 Commission Winner – Tony Thomas

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Arts and Culture Service was delighted to announce Tony Thomas as the winner of the twelfth edition of the Portobello Wall Public Art Project. His winning proposal embraces technology to make digital links between historic and present day images representing ‘Rhythm and Sound’. Using QR codes and augmented reality Tony brings the sounds of Portobello Road and the surrounding area in North Kensington to life.

In Tony’s words, “The commission has allowed me to connect to many different communities in West London. Each one makes and enjoys different music from around the world. This includes leading London jazz players, Steelpan from the Caribbean, punk, and digital music. Portobello Road reflects the richly diverse community of London and it has been great to be welcomed by all and engage them in my work. Rhythm and Sound in North Kensington is a community-wide positive thread that runs through the history of the area and is worth celebrating. As John McLaughlin says, ‘The mathematics of rhythm are universal. They don’t belong to any particular culture’.”

With Thanks: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Arts Service, Carnival Village Trust, Certain Blacks, The Audio Engineer Society, Portobello Radio, The British Association of Steel Bands, Coloursonics, Shannon Ribbons, and Jean-Paul Pirie for technical direction. QR Code illustrator: Martin Abel.

Photographers and illustrators: Stephen Spark, Wayne Crichlow, Jason Garcia, Benjamin Salmon, Carl Gabriel, Peoples Sound, Tara Hobson, Kevin Joseph, Nick Anthony Fiorenza, Moose Azim, Bread and Shutter, Collin Hill, Jim Linwood, John Joe Coffey, Oxford Gardens Primary School, Benjamin Salmon, and Victor Novais.
Special thanks to Janet Kendall, Greg Hunter, and Emelia Thomas.

Outreach

The installation is accompanied by a rolling programme of musical events and participatory opportunities from 2019-20. A fantastic variety is on offer, from informative digital sound engineering sessions, to steel-pan music workshops. So for all the latest news and evevnts subscribe to our news letter or just check back.

Partners & Supporters