Solomon Lewis Hunter, a Black carnival artist from Nottingham, describes his costume 'Rhythm of Bay Street,' which celebrates the Bahamian Junkanoo festival. The design features cowbells, trumpets, saxophones, and horn motifs to capture the energy of Bahamian brass bands. Hunter began his carnival journey in 2013 with Zodiac Allstars, later trained with Junkanoo Commandos in the Bahamas, and in 2017 founded Inspire Urself, a carnival troupe for young people and adults, with support from Arts Council England.
This article matters because it highlights the cultural significance of carnival arts and Junkanoo, a tradition deeply rooted in Bahamian heritage. Hunter's work as a costume maker and troupe leader demonstrates how carnival arts foster community, mentorship, and creative expression, particularly for young people. It also underscores the role of arts funding (Arts Council England) in supporting culturally specific art forms and the importance of preserving and celebrating Afro-Caribbean traditions through visual spectacle.