Ricky Belgrave, (Chairman)

A die hard music lover, with a good knowledge of the mechanics of Soundsystems, who has been collecting rare original soul vinyl's, R’n’B and other good tunes for many years. Officially joining the Rapattack sound system at the millennium, he immediately got to grips with tasks, attending all official Rapattack meetings and within a year was nominated to chair B.A.S.S. (the British Association of Soundsystems), representing soundsystem issues at the Notting Hill Carnival. He's more than well qualified, with business, advocacy and political skills, gained as a senior civil servant in the Department of Trade and Industry (D.T.I.), thus managing affairs and working as a diplomat for the British government. His positive, concise and thorough evaluation of issues, as well as a cool head and balanced political responses under pressure were quickly recognised by the Carnival organistion and its performing art arenas (Mas, Steel bands, Calypsonians, Mobile and static Soundsystems). This has elevated his position as a champion spokesperson and he was soon co-opted as chairperson for ECCA (Executive Committee of Carnival Arts), an advisory group to the Carnival company operations, which is made up of executives and chairs from all of the Carnival arts arenas. As if all that wasn’t enough, he was recently appointed as vice chairman to AGRE (Advisory Group on Racial Equality). No doubt he’s a very busy man. With all this to do, it’s a wonder that he even has time to play music and DJ for the Rapattack cause at Carnival, as well performing at weddings and private parties and for his vast array of friends.

Have you attended the London, Notting Hill Carnival and experienced the fantastic vibe created by the Static Sound-Systems, then later wondered how this concept came about and when it all started up? If so, please do read on and be enlightened...