3canal: Keeping the Spirit of J’Ouvert Alive
In a vibrant carnival scene pulsating with energy, 3canal stands out as a beacon of artistic expression and community spirit. Established in 1994, the band was initially known as Jocks Tuh Pose, a clever name that rippled through Trinidad’s carnival circles.
Their breakout year came in 1997 with the electrifying hit “Blue.” This song, packed with lyrics promising to “turn the whole world upside down,” became an anthem for a generation. It fused a revitalized stick-fighting, lavway-inspired beat with powerful lyrics, capturing J’ouvert’s disruptive essence while adding a contemporary twist. For many, it marked a new era in Trinidad’s urban carnival celebrations.
3canal’s energy was infectious. Their influence swept through Port of Spain’s artistic community, pulling me and countless others into their vibrant fold. While I primarily joined in for the sheer joy of it, I occasionally contributed a fee, a small token of gratitude born from a feeling of obligation.
But generally speaking, it felt like the traditional J’Ouvert bands of yore, where community spirit reigned supreme. Paint flowed freely, music pulsed, and laughter echoed through the streets. It was a festivity of togetherness, a tapestry woven with shared joy and creativity. “Paint-sharing, music-making, laughter and togetherness – it was truly sweet,” I remember thinking.
Anyone lucky enough to experience this raw, unadulterated J’Ouvert magic should cherish it. Beyond the commercial aspects lies a core essence, the beating heart of this celebration that transcends trends.
But can commercialization and community coexist? Can they exist harmoniously? The answer, I believe, lies in innovative models like what 3canal embodies – “J’Ouvert entrepreneurship,” a term I coined to describe their approach. This model beautifully exemplifies how commercial elements can not only coexist with, but also strengthen, a foundation rooted in community values.
As 3canal’s director, Wendell manwarren, once shared in an interview, “The J’Ouvert is at the core of what we do – out of nothing making something – that is vrey much how it began: a notion, an idea, what’s going around us.”
This ethos,deeply ingrained in their DNA,has guided 3canal for decades,shaping their music,their vision,and their very essence. Their journey is a testament to the power of combining artistic expression with community engagement, proving that true magic lies in the intersection of creativity and shared experiences.
3canal: Keeping the Spirit of J’Ouvert Alive
In the heart of Trinidad and Tobago, a cultural movement is unfolding, one fueled by passion, community, and a deep-rooted connection to tradition. 3canal, a collective of artists and creative entrepreneurs, embodies the vibrant spirit of J’Ouvert, the pre-dawn celebration that kicks off the Carnival season.They are reimagining J’Ouvert not just as a spectacle but as a platform for social expression, artistic innovation, and community empowerment.
What sets 3canal apart is their unique approach to creative entrepreneurship. They’ve transformed a once-ordinary space in Woodbrook, the “big Black box,” into a modern-day barrack yard, a melting pot where music, art, and community intertwine. “It’s more than just a physical location; it’s a vibrant hub where these elements intersect,” explains a representative of the collective. This inclusivity extends to everyone, from seasoned artists to curious onlookers drawn to the infectious energy. Strangers become friends, sharing laughter, music, and the joy of collective celebration at events like the iconic “Backyard Jams.”
3canal’s dedication to nurturing fresh talent is deeply ingrained in their ethos. They provide a platform for emerging artists, recognizing the importance of fostering creativity within their community. During Carnival 2025, 3canal invited dancers, supporters, and fans to join them onstage for a spontaneous celebration centered around their hit song, “blue.” Their commitment to showcasing raw talent continued with the release of a touching music video composed entirely of fan-captured footage. This DIY approach, filled with genuine energy, perfectly captures the essence of 3canal’s collective spirit.
Facing the evolving landscape of Carnival, 3canal made a bold decision: they chose to forego forming a traditional J’Ouvert band this year. While this absence might appear to be a step back, 3canal sees it as a strategic pause. “As Carnival evolves, 3canal faces the challenge of adapting its unique social entrepreneurship model,” explains a member, “balancing financial sustainability while preserving its impactful message and community ties.”
How does 3canal’s “Backyard Jam” exemplify their commitment to community building and nurturing new talent?
“Backyard Jam” isn’t just another concert; it’s a testament to 3canal’s dedication to fostering a vibrant artistic community. Open to all, it offers a platform for emerging artists, allowing them to share their creations with a receptive audience.
Caribbean Soul: The Artistic Expressions of sonja Dumas
Sonja Dumas isn’t merely an artist; she’s a vibrant embodiment of the Caribbean spirit, channeling its pulse through captivating words, dance, and film. Driven by an unwavering passion, dumas dedicates herself to preserving and celebrating her cultural heritage.
Dumas’ artistic journey is a testament to the power of storytelling. Through her works, she weaves tales that resonate with the core essence of Caribbean life, capturing its joys, sorrows, and the enduring resilience of its people. Her dance movements are a mesmerizing fusion of traditional rhythms infused with contemporary flair, telling stories without uttering a single word.
Dumas’ lens becomes a conduit, painting vivid portraits of Caribbean landscapes. Whether capturing the breathtaking beauty of natural wonders or the warmth radiating from its communities, her films transcend mere visuals, offering windows into the soul of the Caribbean. Her work showcases its diversity, richness, and the stories within.
“So if you see me crashing yours, please have a little Carnival compassion and don’t throw me out,” Dumas playfully invites. “I’m only observing my personal tradition of storming and keeping jammette culture alive.”
3canal: Keeping the Spirit of J’Ouvert Alive
In the heart of trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant Carnival celebrations, 3canal stands as a beacon of community and artistic expression. Their journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: “The J’Ouvert is at the core of what we do – out of nothing making something – that is very much how it began: a notion, an idea, what’s going around us,” shares Wendell Manwarren, 3canal’s director, reflecting on the group’s origins.
This ethos has guided 3canal for decades, weaving a powerful social consciousness into their music, masquerades, and communal gatherings. Their approach to creative entrepreneurship echoes the traditional panyard model,where community thrives alongside micro-businesses. Despite lacking major sponsorships and advertising budgets,3canal’s impact resonates deeply. Their strength lies in the unwavering energy of their dedicated community, which frequently provides invaluable in-kind support.
3canal transformed a Woodbrook space known as the Big Black Box into a modern-day barrack yard, welcoming individuals from all walks of life. More than just a physical location, it’s a vibrant hub where music, art, and community converge. this sense of belonging extends even to outsiders,who can simply relax and soak in the atmosphere or attend one of their iconic “Backyard Jams.”
Their commitment to nurturing new talent shines through their consistent support of emerging artists,providing them with a platform to share their work at 3canal events.During the 2025 Carnival season, the inaugural 3canal Backyard Jam showcased this dedication. The group invited dancers and supporters to join them onstage for an impromptu celebration, highlighting their hit song, “Blue.” They followed up with a moving video crafted entirely from cellphone footage captured by dedicated fans, supporters, and the 3canal Crew. This testament to their resourceful spirit captured the essence of their collective creation.
Despite the growing number of commercial J’Ouvert bands, 3canal took a bold step this year, choosing not to produce a band. However, their absence isn’t a retreat; it’s a strategic pause. as Carnival evolves, 3canal faces the challenge of adapting its unique social entrepreneurship model to ensure financial sustainability while preserving its impactful message and deep community ties.
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