Carnival community mourns the passing of Shabaka Thompson

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.

Tomorrow 12 July marks the Nine Night of his passing, and an event will be held at Peoples World mas Camp, 676A High Road, Tottenham, London, N17 0AE. The event will also be live-streamed from 7pm (UK Time) at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGIzS0vm0zQ

We send our condolences to his wife and son.

May he rest in peace.