By Chelsea Davis
Buskers plucking away on guitars and signing their heart out are part of the vibrant Portobello Road atmosphere. As you stroll down the market awing at all the stalls have to offer, street musicians play away for your entertainment. One of these multitalented buskers is twenty-four year old James Fox, better known as his professional name, BeatFox. He owes his stellar skills to copying YouTube videos while putting his own spin on vocal drumming. Perfecting his talent since the age of 17, Jim has been collaborating with artists such as Leah McFall, Chester P and Friction. Even though an awarded beat boxer, (4th ranked in the UK and Midlands) Jim finds himself on the Notting Hill streets every other weekend, especially 'when the weather is gorgeous.'
Performing
at a myriad of famous British music festivals, Beatfox's young followers have allowed him to become a
household name over recent years, turning a self-taught vocal drummer into a global beatboxing icon. In addition to his music career, Jim
has worked with an independent UK clothing company The Cuckoo's Nest for an
advertisement. With a full time job performing at Cafe de Paris and Cirque le
Soir, he travels to Notting Hill for fun and to show off his talent with
everyone that walks buy, as Beatfox says
it 'I don't do it for the money, it's just pocket change.' To Jim, it is more about the atmosphere rather
the money: 'I like to create a positive vibe for people to enjoy. Everybody enjoys it,
the police are fine with it. I'm friends with some of the store holders and
even the local bin men gather round and have a boogie. Performing on Portobello
is wicked because of the people. Most of the time after a session, I'll grab a
few quid and get some market food!'
It is clear that the street musicians in
Notting Hill's Portobello Market enjoy the ambiance that the area has to offer.
Even though many street performers make a less than substantial amount of
money, they keep returning because they love what they do. The energetic
atmosphere of Notting Hill and Portobello Road is not the same without live
music echoing down the streets. The active response from the public allows the
musicians to revisit every weekend and keep the tradition alive.
