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In Loving Memory of

Vernon Shabaka Thompson

Mr. Vernon Thompson, popularly known as ‘Shabaka’, was a Cultural Leader with extensive experience in carnival, theatre, event management and production, working over three (3) decades in Canada, Trinidad, the United Kingdom and Africa. Up to the time of his transition, Shabaka was an Executive Director with Zmirage UK and an Artisan Consultant and Entrepreneur with De CORE Ltd, UK. He was an ardent carnival practitioner producing costumes for Notting Hill, Nottingham, Calabar (Nigeria) and Trinidad carnivals.

Together with Ashton Moore (aka The Mighty Tiger), Shabaka was instrumental in initiating the London Calypso Tent in partnership with the Association of British Calypsonians in 1992 (now ACASA). In 2004, he received an Arts Council Fellowship Award for two months study of the Miami Carnival and in 2005 he became the Acting CEO of the London Notting Hill Carnival.

As the Director of London’s leading African Combined Arts Centre, the Yaa Asantewaa Arts and Community Centre (London), Shabaka initiated and realised the Carnival Village project for the development and sustenance of Carnival Art in London and all its related industries, a project of which he was the initial Chief Executive.

Shabaka lectured in schools, colleges and universities, conducted Theatre in Education (TIE) workshops in primary and secondary schools across the United Kingdom, and presented papers at national and international Carnival Arts conferences. His theatre involvement included acting and directing, spanning various countries. Shabaka was in the process of completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Carnival Arts Studies, having previously attained his Master of Arts in Carnival Studies, both at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

Shabaka’s ultimate vision was to contribute to the economic liberation of African people through empowerment, leadership, and the development of sustainable institutions and communities.

Shabaka is survived by his wife Angela, son Oba, mother Elise, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

To commemorate the Legacy of Shabaka, I will continue the way we started our married life:

If you would like to give more than what is nice

We hope you do not mind us suggesting a

Monetary slice
or even
Artistic spice

 

That would be nice

Bank Details:

HSBC
Mrs Angela Duncan-Thompson
40 02 48
01517600
IBAN
GB50HBUK40024801517600

CashApp – £AngelaDuncanThompson (UK ONLY)

PayPal – aduncanthompson@gmail.com

Artistic (For Celebration of Life): Coco P @ +44 7838 177546

 

Book Owner: Angela Duncan-Thompson

Book Size:  200 Messages

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Gairy Williams

I KNOW SHABAKA I MET HIM AT 10TH STREET BARATARIA WHEN YOU (KARANJA) WERE JUST BORN SO SAD THAT HE HAS DIED I KNEW HE HAD CANCER I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE MANY KINDNESS TO YOU (KARANJA) IN THIS LIFE MY CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY YOUR MOTHER, EARLE AND EVERYONE NOT MENTIONED…
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Pepe Francis

Dear Angela  my condolences to you and the family I was very sad to learn of the passing of Shabaka and I will always remember him for all the good things that he did especially for me and Ebony Steel Band because he gave us a home when we were homeless and for that I will be forever grateful. There were times when we did not see eye to eye but he was and kind and forgiving man who always saw the best in people and I wish I could of said these words to him in person but God knows best, Rest In Eternal Peace my brother 🙏🙏❤️….
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zarina abdullah

Dearest Angela, Oba, Elise, Earl and family. Words cannot fill a page with how much Shabaka changed my life from meeting him in 1998 at a chance meeting on Carnival Arts. He spoke with great passion and knowledge that I immediately started work in the Mas camp at Yaa Asantewaa and stayed for a further 11 years. He opened up so many doors that led me to working in Theatre at prestigious venues nationally and internationally. Life once again became exciting meeting new friends that became my extended family. You were such a calm and peaceful soul and I am very privileged tnat you entered my life bringing so many new opportunities. My fondest memories are when we travelled to Ejisu in Ghana and received the Blessing of the present Yaa Asantewaa Queen Mother to use the name at our beloved Centre. You had so much positive energy which was infectious and taught me so much about Black Culture and Carnival Arts which will never leave me. You also fasted with me during the Blessed months of Ramadan, may Allah reward you for that and make your grave spacious and light InshaAllah. God Bless you and healing for your…
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Mr & Mrs Parkes

We are sincerely sorry for your loss. You and family need to focus on the blessings you were granted with the memories and time you shared together. Taken in our eyes too soon, but the almighty had his life already figured out and this was his time to go and join him, for whatever reason. Leaving us with the unanswered question of WHY We only have one life and Shabaka lived his life fully  Condolences  Angela Oba and Family  From Milton & Ingrid …
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Justin Thomas

Sincerest condolences to Angela and the rest of the family on the passing of Shabaka🙏🏼!  He was a great soul who has left a great legacy of inspiration, righteousness and hard work.  May he rise in power.  Much love and continued blessings to all🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼!…
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Monica Harris

  Angela & Oba,   I’m truly sorry for your loss. Please remember: Life brings tears, smiles and memories. “The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last last forever”. “If there ever comes a day where you can’t be together, keep Shabaka in your heart. He’ll stay there forever.”  My family and I send our deepest condolences.  …
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David carr

First we send our condolences to Angela and Oba and all of the family. Hearing the news of your passing has saddened me beyond belief. From the moment we met at Central School of Speech and Drama where we both wished to become budding actors, we became the best of friends/brothers so much so that our families became one, spending time at each other’s homes. We shared some amazing moments together over the years and it breaks my heart that I will never see you again in this life to share more fun times. You will be more than missed. I still find it hard to believe you are gone, but never forgotten. To my good friend and brother, may Jah guide and bless you in eternal life until we meet again. David Carr and Family xx…
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Angela Duncan Thompson

My husband, my heart, my best friend and soulmate, you have moved on to a better place and although I know you are where you should be, I still find myself waiting for you to come home. I will ensure you get the send off you deserve as a Pioneer, Warrior and King. You were a creator,  an Activist, community leader and Mentor to many and your legacy will live on. Oba and I miss you but your time on earth is over and we pray that you find peace. When you meet your sister Verna may you both walk home in Glory.  Farewell RIEP Shabaka -Rise in Power  …
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Juley Smith aka Juley-Ann Smith

Dear Angela, Oba and loved ones. Having just seen the news of Shabaka’s passing, I am filled with still some disbelief and such sadness for your huge loss and heartbreak. It is just too soon to find the words. You, Shabaka and Oba are a part of my memories of an incredible and life affirming time at Yaa, Carnival and YA-D E theatre. Shabaka was Yaa and Yaa was Shabaka. I will keep you all in my heart,  thoughts and prayers and give thanks that I was blessed to have been welcomed with my baby son by Shabaka and yourself…welcomed into the Yaa Asantewa family. Shabaka your flame 🔥  remains in its brilliance 💫for all eternity! Spirit Large!  Juley and family.         …
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