‘Where’s my sandwich maker?’ It is the question that party artist Huub Hangop asks himself in his latest carnival number, which was released a few weeks ago. Every year he releases a new song.
“He is doing very well on TikTok,” Huub tells Editie NL. But the bookings for this carnival season are not really storming yet. “That’s also because of my price, people think it’s too expensive.”
More and more competition
The competition is also great. “A lot of carnival songs are released and all those people come to the stage for an apple and an egg. That is fine, but then there is less for me to book,” explains the party artist.
Huub Hangop has been in the business for 41 years and he is struck by how different things are now than when he started. “Back then you were one of 20 to release a record, on vinyl. Now you’re one of 300.” He also notices that the music is changing: “I’m participating in that myself. A faster, harder beat. That’s catching on.”
Anticipation
Radio DJ Jordy Graat from Omroep Brabant also notices that a lot of carnival songs will be released this year. “A lot has been shelved due to corona. Artists hesitated to release it. There are many who even release two singles this year.” There are also many amateur clubs. “Who see it as a stunt.”
Just like every year, Omroep Brabant holds an election for the best carnival cracker. Radio DJ Graat has a tip for those who want to score well with their song. “In January is always the best time. Then they will also be in the Spotify lists and people will watch on YouTube. There are still a few who will come along this weekend. Then you are relatively late. Here in Brabant we are excited .”
Graat recognizes that the traditional carnival music fades somewhat into the background. “Artists make a picture not just for carnival, but for an entire season. As a result, they step away from the traditional carnival record a little more often,” he says. “The music changes. And it’s not just for those five days, but for wider. Then there will be more après-ski or party work, and the heavy work.”
But don’t worry if you’re more of a tradition. “The gems don’t disappear. The real bangers, the real hits that stay.”
