GX Network
▶ Watch the Mini-Documentary
Mikey Dread has been a constant presence at Notting Hill Carnival for six decades—and the legendary selector shows no signs of slowing down. Speaking to *Clash*, the sound system pioneer reflects on how the UK’s most iconic Caribbean celebration has evolved, and why it remains a cultural crossroads that defies easy categorization. “It’s a cross between all cultures,” Dread explains, speaking to how Carnival has absorbed influences from reggae, dancehall, soca, hip-hop, and beyond while staying rooted in its Caribbean DNA.
For Dread, Notting Hill represents more than just music and spectacle—it’s a living testament to Black British resilience and creativity. Over six decades, he’s watched the carnival grow from a neighborhood street party into a global phenomenon, always keeping the sound system culture at its heart. His presence alone is a reminder that Carnival’s legacy is built on figures who refused to let their culture be diluted or erased. As the event hits its 60-year milestone, Dread remains the connective tissue between old-school roots and the younger generation discovering what Caribbean cultural resistance looks like.