London has been hit by an explosion of Caribbean culture, heralding the most exciting event of the year - Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place this weekend. Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is the main source of inspiration for Notting Hill Carnival, and on Friday 23rd August at 4pm, top soca artiste Destra Garcia was hosted by Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner, Garvin Nicholas, at a press reception in the London Mission.

Several London media organisations were present at the event which saw the High Commissioner and Ms. Garcia field questions on the significance of Carnival to Trinidad and Tobago, its influence on Notting Hill Carnival, and the evolution of the cultural art form.

“As High Commissioner I feel it is imperative that artistes like Destra who fly the flag high internationally are well supported and promoted,” said Nicholas. “Soca music is a driving force of our Carnival, and the High Commission seeks to advance the art form via our various cultural events”.

The High Commissioner also emphasised the importance of Trinidad and Tobago stakeholders taking more ownership of our Carnival product. “Via the proliferation of Trinidad and Tobago-inspired Carnivals around the world, our culture is exposed on a global scale,” he stated. “What we must do now is focus on the branding of our national product, so that people will know that this Carnival which has influenced so many other cultures has its origins in Trinidad and Tobago”.

Destra echoed the High Commissioner’s sentiments, emphasising the great pride she feels when she shares Trinidad and Tobago’s culture with international audiences. “To go abroad and hear people sing your songs and embrace your culture is the greatest feeling,” she said. “Seeing how our culture impacts people the world over is amazing”.
Destra and the High Commissioner also discussed the criticism that Carnival’s evolution from traditional character-driven mas to the bikini and beads style of “pretty mas” has diluted the festival and cultural impact. “Having been engrossed in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival all my life and seeing its development, I have to say that evolution is a necessary part of life,” remarked Destra. “That traditional element is still there, particularly in the different villages of our country. Carnival is market-driven and has evolved to suit the public’s taste. What I would like to see is perhaps a mandate that all mas bands designate at least one section in their bands to a portrayal of traditional mas”.

The High Commissioner heartily agreed, stating that traditional mas was far from a thing of the past. “Traditional mas is still very much a part of our culture,” he stated. “We indoctrinate it in our children. This is apparent every year for Kiddies Carnival which is far more thematic and character driven. When people are old enough to play in adult bands, they choose one type of mas over the other. Certainly, traditional mas remains an important part of our identity”.

Destra and various other Trinbagonian soca artistes will be painting London red, white and black this weekend for Notting Hill Carnival. Destra will be performing at the ‘Heart in Music’ concert at the Indigo2 in the O2 arena on Sunday 25th August.