IN PAID PARTNERSHIP WITH RELENTLESS ENERGY

TRENCH teamed up with Relentless Energy and Deviation at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival to capture the raw passion and undeniable power unleashed when communities are given the freedom to express themselves unapologetically and live without limits. This activity forms part of the Relentless Freeform Music platform, an ongoing commitment to support subcultural scenes and champion creative freedom.

Sunday 25th August, 2024: As midday approached and the grey clouds floated over London, rain began bellowing down across the West of the capital. However, as if by some divine intervention (or the bass from Killerwatt's soundsystem), the sun pierced through and within minutes, the clouds had cleared. Nothing was going to get in the way of Notting Hill Carnival’s glorious, uplifting spirit and its much-needed celebration of the beauty and influence of Caribbean culture on this country.

TRENCH headed down on Sunday to witness the traditional opening of Notting Hill Carnival by local residents and organisers of this iconic 58-year-old, two-day event. Before we headed to the soundsystems, we witnessed the Mas Bands brighten up the gloomy streets of West London with their carefully crafted costumes. It was important to kick-start the celebrations with traditional soca anthems and see new generations fall in love with the beautiful sounds of the steel pan drum.

In no time, the streets of Notting Hill were filled with small businesses selling tasty Caribbean cuisine and island merchandise for everyone to join in, gearing everyone up for the big party that was about to unfold. It was officially soundsystem time. Deep bass echoed through the convoy as a large crowd grew around the legendary Aba-Shanti-I and Channel One Sound; Rampage delivered their yearly dose of Caribbean flavours (old and new), jungle, UK garage and grime anthems from their legendary high tower. As we walked further, we managed to catch YeahItsRenee’s set at GT Flex’s soundsystem, and just as she did last year, her fusion of UK bass bangers and dancehall gems never misses.

For the second year in a row, renowned London-to-the-world club events group Deviation partnered with Relentless Energy to turn the up voltage to new heights—and they didn’t disappoint. The solid foundations of Killerwatt’s powerful soundsystem meant that within an hour, St Luke’s Road became full of carnival-goers ready for this year’s most anticipated returns to Notting Hill: Nicky Summers and Charisse C were back for an epic b2b set fusing Amapiano and warming worldwide bass and, soon after, grime/rap legend Bashy made his return to NHC for the first time in 15 years. With vibes support from super-producer Toddla T, they cranked up the thermostats and got the crowd moving with UK garage classics like Zed Bias’ “Neighbourhood” and Exemen’s remix of Sia’s “Little Man”.

Bashy treated spectators to a hype session of his latest single, “Blessed”—taken from his brilliant new album, Being Poor Is Expensive—and as he broke into the lyrics from his recent Daily Duppy freestyle, Toddla T switched up the beat and Bashy ran for the crowd to drop bars over Musical Mob’s timeless “Pulse X” riddim. The packed crowd were craving more, so when Toddla T unleashed Rebound X’s “Rhythm & Gash”, it was whistle and horns galore.

Next up was Supa D and Coldsteps, who expertly transformed the hype energy into dancing with solid elements of UK funky and crossover refixes of recent hits like Muni Long’s soulful “Made For Me” and Cleo Sol’s “Know That You Are Loved”. Newham Generals’ Footsie was passed the baton right after and represented King Original Sound with traditional-meets-experimental reggae, dub and bass-heavy UK sonics. Grime icon and Más Tiempo don Jammer also passed through and went b2b with Foots, giving us all some of that early grime energy that we grew up on.

Next in line was DJ Flight & SP, who brought their expertise to the Deviation x Killerwatts x Relentless stage and utilised the full power of the Killerwatt soundsystem, speeding up the tempo with their custom mix of drum & bass (the whistle crew were out in full effect). Martelo soon stepped up and did what he does best: playing an eclectic mix of dancehall, refixes and UK street anthems to get everyone whining their waistline.

Benji B, singer Mahalia, TV presenter Maya Jama, Jammer and more joined the stage to witness Martelo crank the vibes all the way up with cuts like Sneakbo’s “Touch Ah Button” freestyle, the late Tubby T’s “Tales Of The Hood” and Gaza Slim’s “One Man”. Then Jordss reset the vibes with the soulful reggae melodies of Wayne Wonder’s “Saddest Day Of My Life” and allowed the last two hours to solidify this moment with Bambii, AAA and Deviation founders Benji B and Judah.

It was a day full of great vibes and a time that we’ll remember for many years to come.