3Canal declares Re-evolution

Ariapita Avenue was the place to be after 9 pm on January 21, as 3Canal’s video shoot turned into a sidewalk party. Fans answered the call to be part of the rapso trio’s video for their new song, I Am. Hundreds turned out to 3Canal headquarters, downstairs the popular Veni Mange restaurant on Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook, to see the singers, backed by their band, Cut+Clear, as cameras recorded live takes of the song being performed. The video shoot was directed by Walt Lovelace, who has made iconic 3Canal video classics like Blue, Mud Madness and Happy Song. Lovelace and the supporting camera crew were seen making their way through the enthusiastic crowd, capturing scenes of revelry. In addition to some five energetic takes of I Am, the band delivered previous hits like Boom Up History and Blue, as well as other new music for 2011: Over Me, a sweet J’Ouvert lavwey; Run de Rhythm; and, After the Battle, which deals with the Udecott scandal. Spirits were high as the audience was visibly exhilarated by the music. They made merry and danced along to the band—and to the DJ sounds after the set ended.
 
15 years of music
In an interview after the show, Manwarren said this year, 3Canal marks 15 years in music and 18 years in J’Ouvert mas. He said the exciting vibe of the band’s new music had been inspired in part by their new producers Shaft, and Cut+Clear member Keshav Singh. Zack Esau and Samuel Jack engineered the songs over a month at Studio Express. “The challenge is: how do you remain relevant in this ever-changing game?” he said. He said 3Canal had succeeded by engaging their creativity “on their own terms.”