CALLING all singers — a 1,000-voice choir is wanted for Ryde’s Mardi Gras.
The New Carnival Company (NCC), in partnership with the Isle of Wight Music Hub and Indian cultural organisation T-HOP, is looking for school and youth vocal groups to join together on July 1.
The call follows T-HOP working with pupils at Ryde Academy and Christ the King College to create and produce a new song based on the traditional Caribbean cross-over style of calypso and bhangra called soca-chutney.
The students wrote the lyrics, added backing music and then overlaid the chorus line under the guidance of professional singers and music producers.
The song, entitled Colour and Chaos, uses some of the themes around Queen Victoria, Empress of India, that will be produced in costume for the Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, which this year is Indian themed.
Tomorrow (Monday), celebrated singer Yvonne Sinclair, founder of the gospel group Incognito, who shot to fame following their performances on Britain’s Got Talent, will be on the Island to train people wanting to take part. She will be at the Depozitory, Nelson Street, Ryde, between 4.30pm and 5.45pm.
NCC executive director Chris Slann said: "The soca-chutney song created by the young people is really catchy and lots of fun to learn.
"We are really delighted Yvonne will share her gospel-singing skills with music leaders from across the Island to produce the largest choir we have ever seen."
NCC creative director Frankie Goldspink said: "The song has been commercially digitised and will be played as part of our amplified soundtrack on the road for all our performers to dance and sing to as they parade through the streets of Ryde.
"It’s going to be very loud."
l For more information about the training event and being part of the 1,000 voices project, contact the Isle of Wight Music Hub directly on 02380 833648.

Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk