My Mixtape: Just Vibez’ 10 songs to get you in the Carnival spirit

Just Vibez are a London-based collective of DJs, MCs, musicians and artists who hail primarily from the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa.

Aiming to bring the authentic culture of their home countries to the UK in an environment where everyone is welcome, they live by the mantra that Just Vibez is an everybody thing. And they embody that through running regular free family and community events, as well as club nights throughout the year.

Come Notting Hill Carnival the collective represents across seven carnival bands and three sound systems, as well as hosting their own parties through the weekend. But they’re also familiar faces here at the Southbank Centre, most recently appearing on our Riverside Terrace on Friday 19 July delivering Soca, Dancehall, Steel-pan and more as they took over our outdoor stage to bring the vibes of carnival and the islands to our spot by the Thames

And ahead of that performance, they put together this special mixtape of tracks sure to get you in the carnival spirit, which they break down beneath the playlist. See you on the dancefloor.

‘Mr. Fete’ – Machel Montano

A classic from the King of Soca with the lyric ‘they call me Mr. Fete, since I born I never miss one yet’. This song is a must play for our Friday Fete series and embodies the mood of a Friday evening after work is done and everyone can come along and join the festivities with Just Vibez.

‘Lucy’ – Destra

Trinidadian Soca singer Destra Garcia sings about being shy and a homebody in her youth but now she’s a bit older she’s fully into going to fetes and enjoying her music and culture. Something a lot of people will be able to relate to after they discover Just Vibez.

‘Not From Here’ – Lavaman

Just Vibez family and Grenadian Soca star Lavaman brings the unique Jab vibez with this recent release. ‘Not From Here’ explains how Lavaman and his squad ‘party differently’; wherever they go they will be the first to arrive and the last to leave with non-stop energy for the entire fete!

‘Fire’ – BlackBoy

St Lucian Soca, or Dennery Segment as it’s also known, has taken off in recent years within the soca scene. This track and riddim is guaranteed to get the party going with its infectious beat and mix of English and French vibez on a Travis World produced beat. With St Lucia Carnival around the corner this one is sure to move any fete.

‘Wrong Name (Kim)’ – Terencia ‘TC’ Coward

This Bajan Soca song is an absolute classic; guaranteed to be a sing along tune for all Caribbean people, and most non-Caribbean people as well! A huge number of people will have a memory of this song playing at a party or family gathering, getting everyone dancing and singing along!

‘Famalay’ – Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin

Three legends of Soca combine for one of the most popular power Soca songs of all time. St Vincent and Trinidad & Tobago on one track, expressing the love for friends and friends that are considered family – ‘anywhere that we go we will be rolling with our famalay’!

‘Walk Away From Love’ – Bitty McLean

Brixton singer Bitty McLean was one of the artists that really helped push UK reggae forward through the years, and this song is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of everyone in the fete. Its smooth rhythm and sweet melodious singing will get the elders dancing with the youngers and a lot of people reminiscing on past parties and good times.

‘Bam Bam’ – Sister Nancy

Few songs out of Jamaica resonate to all audiences like this one. As the beat drops crowds get ready to show their dance moves. Sister Nancy’s lyrics are also very catchy and easy for everyone to sing along. When this song plays on the soundsystem, prepare for movement on the dancefloor!

‘Clarks’ – Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Gaza Slim

Everyone attending Just Vibez events has their own style and swag, there’s no dress code but people do dress to fete! This song highlights the importance of looking good when coming to a party and especially having some good looking footwear. There is a dance to go with this song, so research it and get ready to show your shoes!

‘Love & Hate’ – Dennis Brown

Like his contemporary Bob Marley a lot of the music that the late great Dennis Brown created is still relevant and sounds just as fresh in 2024. This classic is always sure to rattle the soundsystem and see many hands in the air and whistles blowing.

Justvibez on instagram