All Saints Road holds a powerful place in the Black history of 20th-century Notting Hill. The street evolved into a hub for Black-owned businesses, offering a space where culture, creativity and community could flourish.

Today, the sound of All Saints Road lives on through People’s Sound Records, an independent record shop that has been a fixture on the street for over 40 years. An homage to the area’s musical roots, it preserves an important part of the street’s identity as the neighbourhood around it continues to change. That legacy is kept alive by owner Happy Esilfi and the team behind the counter, including Karl Amata and his associate Ricky McInto. 

As we celebrate Black History Month this October, we shine a spotlight on Karl, discovering how he came to oversee what is now the last Black-owned business on All Saints Road, and what it means to carry that legacy forward.

I was born in Tottenham, but my parents are originally from Biafra, West Africa. From the age of 7 until I was 18, I moved back to Biafra not long after the Government war, in which Biafra sought independence from the state of Nigeria. My family witnessed the effects of the war, but I was fortunate enough to experience the beauty of the country, particularly when living with my grandmother in rural Obosi.

In London in the 1970s, my dad was a reggae DJ and would help organise dances and events with his contacts who owned sound systems. One of them was Duke Vin, a pioneer who brought the first Jamaican-style sound system to the UK and had a big presence in Notting Hill’s music scene.

I have always admired my dad’s music collection, but it was actually my Aunt Joy who encouraged my interest in music from a young age. She was an opera singer and had a doctorate in music, which she studied for in Rome. She bought me my first instrument, a trumpet, when I was 6.

As a person of colour, music was often one of the few outlets we had. Even that would come with challenges. When my dad would organise events, he would routinely face obstacles, and many would get shut down.

Music has always remained an outlet for me. When I was 19 and living in an apartment, I remember hearing “There’s Nothing Like This” by Omar on the radio. I went straight to the record shop with barely enough money to afford it, but I was desperate to have it. When I got home, I played it over and over again. My neighbours started calling me rude boy after that.

If we were to talk about all the musicians that inspire me, we could be here all day. I love to sing any Bob Marley song; he was a huge influence on me. Other artists I love include Dennis Brown, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Gerald Alston, Nat King Cole and Jackie Edwards. The list goes on.

I love to sing and play music on my guitar, and in the early 2000s, I visited countless Black record shops in London with my own demo. Most wouldn’t care to listen, but when I arrived at the record shop on All Saints Road, I was greeted by a big Rasta man sitting outside, who said he would.

He listened to the whole thing and told me to bring it to the shop when it was ready. I ended up losing the demo, but this was the beginning of my relationship with Daddy Vego, the owner of People’s Sound Records.

There was always a great vibe in the shop. It was busy and full of Rastas. I would visit frequently, as would reggae artists, producers, and promoters. I felt like I was meeting all the stars. Think of any reggae artist, they’ll have set foot in here: Bob Marley, Alton Ellis, Chronixx, Romain Virgo, Davido, Lila Iké… I could go on.

Since the 1980s, Daddy Vego had run People’s Sound like a community hub. You would always see him outside the shop. He was a saintly man, who had a smile that would warm your heart. He welcomed everyone, which enabled him to create a tight-knit, family-like community.

Where people would originally come for the music, they would stay for that sense of community that Daddy Vego created. You’d hear the latest music, discover what’s happening locally, learn, teach, and be part of a community.

This hub that Daddy Vego formed is something we preserve here at the shop today. You’ll still see him outside like he always was, except now it’s through his plaque, which hangs outside the shop.

Besides the obvious musical legends, we have had some interesting names at the shop. During the quieter COVID period, I had a man come in wearing a baseball hat. He bought three records, and as he was leaving, he said, ‘you don’t know who I am do you?’ I didn’t. It was Tom Hanks.

Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor from 12 Years a Slave, and, most recently, Backrooms, was once in here to film a blockbuster. They used the shop entrance, and he was filmed coming out of the shop. I remember being told to get out of his shot.

It’s not just the history of People’s Sound but its location that makes it so unique. All Saints Road was on the frontline of cultural expression for many years. It was an important centre of Black culture, music and resistance.

It was known for its Black-owned businesses and network of community spaces. One of the most famous hubs was The Mangrove, which sat directly opposite People’s Sound for a decade. The Mangrove was central to the Mangrove Nine case, which highlighted the racial discrimination and tensions between the Black community and the police at the time.

For the younger generation, it’s important to understand that battles were fought for decades, and a big price was paid for the freedom that Black people experience today. Preserving the community is something we need to continue fighting for, whether that’s protecting Notting Hill Carnival or protecting the few community spaces we have.

Today, we’re one of the last small independent record shops and have outlasted high-street giants like Virgin Megastores. There’s always so much music to discover here, from reggae, soul and gospel to ska, Afro-Caribbean music and pop, but it’s more than just the music.

Music is important, but community is important too. As the last Black-owned business on All Saints Road, there is a sense of pressure, but we’re thankful to still be here and we’re finding ways to keep the shop going. We’re planning to host events and live performances, welcoming artists to promote their music, and putting on DJ sets.

We hope People’s Sound can remain a space for our generation and for the generations that follow. And, of course, we want to keep Daddy Vego’s legacy alive.

People’s Sound Records remains a living reminder of All Saints Road’s rich Black history and the community that grew around its music, businesses and cultural spaces. Today, its legacy continues, ensuring that an important part of Notting Hill’s history is carried forward.

You’ll find the shop just a short walk from The Laslett, should you wish to visit during your stay in Notting Hill.