Arts-A-Light Soundsystem

Arts-A-Light Sound began life as Mobile DJs playing for our sister Costume Band Arts-A-Light Mas (“The Bride”) in 1995. We joined the Sound Systems family (BASS) in 2009 and are located at the Portobello Road junction with Bonchurch, North Kensington, London W10 5SA. Arts-A-Light Sound stage hosts a unique blend of Soulful House, Gospel, Afrobeat and Classic Soul. As an urban alternative, it is a place to savour the richness of 'good vibes' Black music away from the hectic heart of Carnival. Arts-A-Light Sound is where traditional and original carnival music roots and genres come together in a fusion. Tradition meets the modern in Gospel, African, Calypso, Soca, Afrobeat, Urban Gospel, Soulful House, Garage, Classic Soul Music and Amapiano, here. It’s one of the few sites where there are Live Acts from a live band, choirs, dancers to acrobats. Arts-A-Light celebrates being the first Pentecostal Sound in the carnival as well as being the only group that link the traditions of carnival because carnival is intricately linked with the Church, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas. Together with the invited acts/guests, the in-house team spread the good vibes and take West London on a musical journey that puts a smile on every face. At the Arts-A-Light Sound Stage, you can be sure to see ‘Extra-Ordinary Acts in Action’ (our slogan) because people ‘come alive, are alight, stay alight and live a light’. Arts-Light Sound created “Gospellypsoca” (New British Music-a fusion of Gospel, Calypso & Soca) originally meant for our carnival outreach groups but which is now being used by others; has worked with the different artistic disciplines in the Notting Hill Carnival and is known for the Unique live Gospel singing and dancing competitions judged by the audience at carnival. Arts-A-Light Sound belong to CMA (Caribbean Music Association/Mobile DJs that play for the costume bands). All Arts-A-Light groups are arms of Eyukamba Foundation Arts-A-Light (Eyukamba Foundation for short) and has been associated with the Notting Hill Carnival since 1994. Through the foundation which was founded in 1992 but constituted in 1994, we hope to continue the foundation’s vision/motto and legacy of “Breaking moulds, laying foundations & building through the Arts”. We will continue to bring fresh Gospel sounds and various Christian genres to NH Carnival alongside embracing the next generation of carnival revellers in the diverse city of London. At the heart of Arts-A-Light Sound is communal care especially of young people and families in carnival so we develop annual themes/programmes with our costume band. We also work with our community/site neighbours. Our intention is to inspire and uplift carnival veterans and visitors alike through good, clean quality music at our family friendly strategically located site. Our neighbours/guests can enjoy carnival whilst being entertained, inspired, motivated and engaged to explore their natural talents, embrace their purpose through music, media, performing and creative arts and crafts.