THE SCENTS of Caribbean cuisine and the sights of glorious mas costumes won’t fill the streets this year but that doesn’t mean the sounds of carnival can’t.

Whatever your at home sound system set up, there is plenty of music to play. These playlists, which will help you take the vibes of Notting Hill with you wherever you are.

Apple Music’s Agenda playlist by Alicai Harley

Alicia Harley’s has taken the reigns of Apple Music’s Agenda playlist for an exclusive Notting Hill Carnival special.

The Jamaican-British dancehall star has said she still plans to put on her costume when she parties at home and her expertly curated selection of songs – everything from classics like Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam to recent hits such as Stylo G’s Dumpling and her own track Gold – will have you wanting to do the same.

“I’m a lover of 90s dancehall, that’s the reason I do music,” Alicai told Apple. “So I really wanted to make sure that I put that stamp in there. Then there’s the Carnival bangers, but also there’s music that’s happened in lockdown that’s been awesome. So I wanted to make it what Carnival would have been like this year.”

Spotify spotlight of sound systems

Spotify is one of the Notting Hill Carnival sponsors and it’s created a new microsite to support this year’s virtual offering.

As part of the music streaming service’s efforts to champion carnival culture, Spotify’s dedicated a section to Notting Hill Carnival’s 42 sound systems, with various of the legendary road DJs and selectors having curated their own playlists.

From Martin Jay to Rampage, just like on the road, there’s something for everyone.

It’s some of the most authentic curation of Notting Hill Carnival music you’ll find across the weekend.

BBC Radio 1Xtra’s carnival broadcasts

Not the standard playlist, but BBC 1Xtra’s celebration of carnival, which officially started on Thursday, enters its final phase today.

Following the end of the station’s first Notting Hill Carnival after party for the weekend at 1am, Nadia Jae takes over with a carnival special from 7am.

Monday’s coverage also features carnival mixes from DJ Ace, who is co-hosting the main stage at the official virtual Notting Hill Carnival experience, and 1Xtra DJ and Voice columnist Seani B.

Barbados’ DJ Puffy will deliver a guest mix during Sian Anderson’s show which runs from 4pm-7pm and DJ Target and Jeremiah Asiamah will also champion the sounds of carnival throughout their shows.

The station will close with its second official Notting Hill after party from 11pm to 1am. It will be broadcast on-air and on 1Xtra’s YouTube channel.

Seani B said: “Carnival has played a massive part in my life. I’ve been attending since I was a kid with my Dad, Mum, Brothers, friends and as a working DJ.

“It feels odd this year that it won’t be happening, but through the magic of radio and streaming the tradition will not be erased. I’ll be teaming up with some of the people I look forward to seeing out on the road to bring you something very special. Kes, Shaggy, Nessa Preppy, Triniboi Jooice, DJ Puffy, Private Ryan are just a few names that will be bringing that carnival vibe with me.”

Deezer’s global carnival playlists

Deezer’s global carnival playlists celebrate international sounds. There isn’t just a selection of songs to mark Notting Hill Carnival, but ones for Brazil and New Orleans too.

Deezer’s “Carnival worldwide” playlist series bring feature Hot, Hot, Hot by Arrow and Follow The Leader, Leader by Nigell & Marvinn, through to La Candela Viva by Totó La Momposina and Mardi Gras Bayou by  Los Hombres Calientes. 

They’re all hosted on Deezer’s “Black Culture” channel, which officially launched last month.

The channel aims to support and celebrate black artists and podcasters, with dedicated playlists and podcasts by black creators.