It’s been 30 years but 2024 is the right time to bring down the curtain on rapso collective 3canal’s celebrated J’Ouvert band.
It’s an announcement that will come as a shock and a disappointment to their many loyal followers, but, says vocalist Wendell Manwarren, “We are taking one more chip, one more jam, one more session in service of the living ritual we have so proudly participated in year after year for the last 30 years.”
Their song for 2024 is Powder, written by Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop and 3canal. The video – produced and directed by Walt Lovelace and stylishly shot in black and white – was launched on 19 January and is well worth watching.
The song was an obvious choice, Manwarren said. “The moment we heard Powder, we thought, this has vibes and energy. It immediately speaks to J’Ouvert energy, the imagery and the sound.” And, as any J’Ouvert-lover knows, “yuh can’t play mas and fraid powder”!
For their farewell voyage through J’Ouvert, 3canal and their loyal crew of dutty sailors will be aboard S.S. Bad Behaviour In Town. Manwarren observed, “Sailor is one of the most vibrant, malleable and enduring mas forms we have.”
Although the J’Ouvert boat may be tying up in port for good after Jouvert 2024, happily the music will be carrying on, so this won’t be the last we’ll be hearing from 3canal. If you’re quick, you can catch them at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 February. Tickets for the 3canal Jammin’ Show are available from islandetickets.com and Queen’s Hall Box Office.
