“I was playing a reggae cover of The Beatles’ song This Boy and King Charles was really interested in it – I had to relax and answer his questions”: We speak to the DJs behind the legendary sound systems of London’s Notting Hill Carnival – MusicRadar

King Charles Got Deep Into Reggae At Notting Hill—And The Sound System Crews Were Here For It

The legendary DJs running London’s most iconic sound systems have stories that go straight to the top—literally. During Notting Hill Carnival, one selector found himself in an unexpected moment when King Charles stopped to vibe with a reggae reinterpretation of The Beatles’ “This Boy.” What could’ve been awkward became a genuine exchange about the culture, the music, and what it means when reggae touches everyone, even royalty.

These are the selectors who’ve kept the pulse of Notting Hill alive for decades—the backbone of one of Europe’s most culturally significant carnivals. Their sound systems aren’t just playing tracks; they’re maintaining a lineage that connects Caribbean heritage to British streets, one riddim at a time. When the King wants to talk reggae, you know the sound system culture has already won.