Sonny Blacks

There's a story behind the vibrant sounds and swirling colors of the Notting Hill Carnival, and much of it flows through the life of one man. Sonny Blacks-Carnival Pioneer presents an intimate, essential interview with that foundational figure, brought to you by Portobello Radio. More than just a legend of Carnival, Steel Pan, and Calypso, Sonny Blacks was a living archive of cultural history. In this conversation, recorded as part of the KCAW Local Heroes series, he speaks directly from his experience, recalling his arrival in London in May 1961 with the triumphant Dixieland Steel Orchestra, fresh from winning Trinidad's prestigious Music Festival. His narrative is the backbone of this podcast, detailing how he helped shape a movement. Listeners will hear him recount discovering the great Mighty Sparrow and the pivotal role he played in convening the very first Notting Hill Carnival Committee, a commitment he maintained with passion until his passing. This isn't a dry historical account; it's a personal journal told in his own voice, weaving together society, music, and personal memory. Through this single, powerful interview, the podcast offers a rare portal into the determination and artistry that planted Carnival's roots in London, ensuring the legacy of a true pioneer is heard and remembered.