Ahead of this weekend, DJ and Bossy Ldn Founder Izzy Bossy gives us the rundown - from tracks to listen out for to Carnival essentials (a Jamaican flag, lipgloss and a USB, ofc).

It’s nearly that time of the year again! Notting Hill Carnival, the largest street event in Europe, is just around the corner and few know it better than Bossy Ldn’s Izzy Bossy. Growing up in Acton, west London, the event inspired her early love of music, and eventually, her career path as a globally renowned DJ. 

 

Rooted in Caribbean culture, Carni has since become a celebration of modern London and its diversity. It’s the second biggest street party in the world, after Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, bringing brain-rattling soundsystems, kaleidoscopic costumes and thousands of happy ravers to west London. Yes, it’s a good time, but it’s much more meaningful than a bank holiday piss-up; Carnival is a chance for everyone to come together and unite in the name of music.

 

If you haven’t seen Izzy shaking up London’s best parties, then you may have caught her on Boiler Room or playing some of the world’s biggest festivals. Her quick-fire mixes are akin to dancehall culture, but elements of hip-hop, grime and afrobeats are frequently chopped between also. Last year, she became the first pregnant DJ to play the Deviation Soundsystem: a landmark moment she still holds close to her heart.  

 

Getting us in the right mode, Izzy gives us the lowdown on what will be another monumental weekend.

What’s your best Carnival memory?

This is super hard because I have so many, but I think playing last year for the first time pregnant. It was a very special moment. I made history, which is crazy! But also being really young making the customs in the Acton Vale community centre with my old Mas group. I used to be so excited to be a part of the creation!

The best thing about Carnival generally?

It’s the best weekend of the year! There’s nothing better than celebrating Caribbean culture in the streets of London, feeling the soundsystems’ bass going through your body and seeing the beautiful colours and costumes.

What’s something more people should recognise about Carnival?

The history and why it actually started. People need know why Notting Carnival is so important!

Last year you made history as the first person to DJ whilst pregnant at the Deviation music stage – how was that experience and what did it mean to you?

It meant the world! I’ve never cried while DJing but the energy from the crowd and all the support I received set me off. I don’t think I’ll ever re-live that feeling. I can’t wait to show my daughter videos of her playing the Deviation stage at Notting Hill before she was even born.

Any new tracks or rising artists you want to hear live this year?

Any track by Valliant, especially “Mad Out (Big Bunx Riddim)”, and Bryon Messia, “Talibans”, of course.

Any up+coming DJs we should be keeping an eye out for at the moment?

JJESS is so hard, I love all her sets. I’d like to big up Talia Goddess, who’s not a DJ but a sick up-and-coming artist. Her unreleased tracks are crazy, I’m so excited for her to drop them!

Go-to track to get everyone hyped?

“Who Told You” by J Hus.

Forgotten tapes track you’ve recently rediscovered?

Teedra Moses – “Complex Simplicity”. I forgot how much I loved that album.

What do you think about when putting together a Carnival look?

Bright and colourful vibes, normally with pinks and greens involved, which is my everyday really.

Three Carnival essentials?

A Jamaican flag, lipgloss and USB.

You’re extremely vocal about speaking up for what you believe in, both in the DJ space and outside of it – whether that be amplifying the rising music scene in Jamaica or supporting women getting into DJ-ing. What does it mean to you to have a platform you can use in that way? Would young Izzy be proud?

I want to use my platform to make a change and for everyone to feel and know they can do what they want and try not to think too much about it. When I was younger I didn’t have enough people who looked like me who I could relate to and that’s why it’s so important for me to say what everyone is thinking, making a real change and being fearless means more to me. I came from a council estate in Acton and now I DJ at major festivals, work with major brands and play on line ups with artists I used to play on repeat. I’m super grateful for literally anyone who has ever believed in me

Tell us, what else are you up to at the moment and what’s on the horizon for you?

I’ve got a few projects I’m working on but I don’t want to say too much. Just keep your eyes and ears peeled.