Author: web@dmin

It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Vernon Shabaka Thompson who passed away suddenly in Saint Lucia on Tuesday 4 July 2023 at the age of 65. While he was the director of Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre, Shabaka initiated and realised a major capital project called Carnival Village. He was instrumental in the formation of the Association of British Calypsonians (ABC, now ACASA) and the London Calypso Tent. He was involved in many carnival arts projects in the UK, the Caribbean and Africa and recently as the Artist Director of Hull International Carnival.…

Hull International Carnival (HIC) will hit the road this year with a new look, a new date and a new route. Hosted by Hull International Carnival Association (HICA) and with international carnivalist Shabaka Thompson as its artistic director, the independent carnival will engage local communities to build on the success of the Big Lunch commemorating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Taking as its theme The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the week-long festival of arts and culture will run from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 August 2022. It is made up of three elements: An intercultural festival of community diverse arts and culture at…

On Sunday 3 September, following two years’ preparation involving local groups and artists, Hull, City of Culture, hosted the city’s inaugural Hull International Carnival. The parade set off from King Edward Square, and moved through the town centre to finish at Queens Gardens. There were giant sea shells blasting soca rhythms, live samba bands, Rampage Mas costumes and participants from the city’s many diverse communities. The carnival was directed by international carnival expert Pax Nindi, led by chairman, Doctor Tapan Mahapatra, and was aptly hosted in partnership with the Hull Freedom Festival director, Mikey Martins. During August, the carnival hosted…