Notting Hill Carnival is so ingrained in British society that the cancellation of the world’s second-largest carnival has many of us feeling a bit down. International visitors throng west London streets to see the vibrant costumes and incredible synchronized dancing which is sure to light up anyone. The groundbreaking cartoon band Gorillaz pays respect to its portrayal of Black British culture with their latest offering, ‘Meanwhile’.

The EP includes collaborations from rap newbie Jelani Blackman, AJ Tracey, and Alicai Harley. Listeners are introduced to the ‘Meanwhile’ with J. Blackman’s raspy voice gracing the EP’s title track.

He can be heard saying, “Back in day, Notting Hill weren’t no film / Teddy Boys on my Granddad, on sight, but he backed it because his bones like steel”.

The EP’s other two offerings ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ and ‘Déjà Vu’, features a Caribbean vibe of sorts as it also houses originality from guest artists AJ Tracey and Alicai Harley respectively.

‘Meanwhile,’ comes to uplift those who are yearning to wake up from what appears to be a nightmare in the midst of the pandemic.

Stream Gorillaz’s ‘Meanwhile’ on Spotify below.

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