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Rocking the carnival rhythms Rocking the carnival rhythms
(about 6 hours later)
By Colette Hibbert BBC News, London Duke Vin has played at Notting Hill Carnival since 1973By Colette Hibbert BBC News, London Duke Vin has played at Notting Hill Carnival since 1973
When Jamaican-born Duke Vin first came to England in the '50s he left behind the sights, smells and sounds of the Caribbean, but one thing that definitely came with him was his love of music.When Jamaican-born Duke Vin first came to England in the '50s he left behind the sights, smells and sounds of the Caribbean, but one thing that definitely came with him was his love of music.
It was this passion that led him to bring what is thought to be the very first sound system to the Notting Hill Carnival in 1973, and to pave the way for the many sound systems that operate at carnival today.It was this passion that led him to bring what is thought to be the very first sound system to the Notting Hill Carnival in 1973, and to pave the way for the many sound systems that operate at carnival today.
Remarkably, 36 years later, and despite suffering a stroke a number of years ago, Duke is still playing on a sound system.Remarkably, 36 years later, and despite suffering a stroke a number of years ago, Duke is still playing on a sound system.
Situated in a corner of Talbot Road, Duke, known as one of the main people to popularise ska music in the UK, belts out ska and rocksteady tunes, and "a little rhythm and blues" on Gaz's Rockin' Blues sound system.Situated in a corner of Talbot Road, Duke, known as one of the main people to popularise ska music in the UK, belts out ska and rocksteady tunes, and "a little rhythm and blues" on Gaz's Rockin' Blues sound system.
"You have to just see the crowds for yourself," says Duke, who refuses to reveal his age but describes himself as a "fit man with a lot of energy"."You have to just see the crowds for yourself," says Duke, who refuses to reveal his age but describes himself as a "fit man with a lot of energy".
When I first came to England in 1954 the place was dead Duke VinWhen I first came to England in 1954 the place was dead Duke Vin
"People just love my music and there is in fact nothing like it at carnival. People of all nationalities come together to listen and dance to the music.""People just love my music and there is in fact nothing like it at carnival. People of all nationalities come together to listen and dance to the music."
Duke, who arrived in England in 1954, had played on sound systems before the Notting Hill Carnival, firstly in Jamaica and then from 1955 in the Ladbroke Grove area, where he settled.Duke, who arrived in England in 1954, had played on sound systems before the Notting Hill Carnival, firstly in Jamaica and then from 1955 in the Ladbroke Grove area, where he settled.
At first he played R'n'B music, "but the real rhythm and blues, not like what we have today", Duke says, and then moved on to reggae, which his followers began to want more of.At first he played R'n'B music, "but the real rhythm and blues, not like what we have today", Duke says, and then moved on to reggae, which his followers began to want more of.
There are about 40 sound systems playing at carnivalThere are about 40 sound systems playing at carnival
"When I first came to England in 1954 the place was dead," says Duke."When I first came to England in 1954 the place was dead," says Duke.
"And going to the pub was not something I was familiar with, so I thought I had to liven up the place."And going to the pub was not something I was familiar with, so I thought I had to liven up the place.
"I would charge £5 to play at dances, which were held at people's houses mainly on Saturday nights."I would charge £5 to play at dances, which were held at people's houses mainly on Saturday nights.
"There was pure excitement. People - both black and white - loved the music. It was really something.""There was pure excitement. People - both black and white - loved the music. It was really something."
But his music was not only enjoyed in homes. During the 60s Duke played at famous clubs such as the Marquee Club on Oxford Street and then at its new premises in Wardour Street, and The Flamingo, also on Wardour Street.But his music was not only enjoyed in homes. During the 60s Duke played at famous clubs such as the Marquee Club on Oxford Street and then at its new premises in Wardour Street, and The Flamingo, also on Wardour Street.
He also played at blues dances, competing in clashes with the likes of Sir Coxsonne and Count Suckle.He also played at blues dances, competing in clashes with the likes of Sir Coxsonne and Count Suckle.
The sound systems play alongside carnival floats and costumesThe sound systems play alongside carnival floats and costumes
His love for his music is so strong that Duke still sits up into the early hours cleaning his 45s (records), of which he has thousands.His love for his music is so strong that Duke still sits up into the early hours cleaning his 45s (records), of which he has thousands.
Since then he has performed in many countries and continues to get international requests.Since then he has performed in many countries and continues to get international requests.
In April this year, Duke was invited to Hamburg, Germany to play at a Ska, 60s soul, and rocksteady music weekender. He is currently in discussions to play at a similar music event in Italy later this year.In April this year, Duke was invited to Hamburg, Germany to play at a Ska, 60s soul, and rocksteady music weekender. He is currently in discussions to play at a similar music event in Italy later this year.
So when exactly does Duke put away his records?So when exactly does Duke put away his records?
"Never, not until the day I die," he says. "People have also begged me not to retire, but it's not for people alone why I continue playing music, it's because I enjoy it and I love it."Never, not until the day I die," he says. "People have also begged me not to retire, but it's not for people alone why I continue playing music, it's because I enjoy it and I love it.
"I just love it, love it. It is in me, it's in my blood. It is my life. Death has to retire me.""I just love it, love it. It is in me, it's in my blood. It is my life. Death has to retire me."