In the midst of performances, planning and conceptualizing their 2011 artistic ventures, Rapso super group 3 Canal made an appearance in the new Trinbago film “Seventeen Colours and a Sitar” (Rapso is a Trinidadian musical genre which blends calypso and rap)

The renowned trio of Wendell Manwarren, Roger Roberts and Stanton Kewley expressed joy at being a part of this new film endeavour which also features visual arts phenomenon Rex Dixon and Trinidad’s celebrated sitarist Mungal Patasar.

At the recent opening of Dixon’s art gallery exhibition the three ‘Rapsonians’ praised the work of their directors, co-stars and all involved for their unique film experience.

Roberts who admitted to not having much exposure to painting outside of using paint for J’ouvert festivities was glad to have gotten an opportunity to tap into another side of his creativity and to experiment with the paint.

Manwarren shared that he enjoyed seeing his band mates become imaginative with the paint and to be able to share this with them. “Coming from the theatre where everything is scripted and we have to adopt a character, this experience was different and challenging at the same time. It was amazing to see what the paint brought out of us and where it led us”.

The scene shared by 3 Canal and Rex Dixon evoked an organic occurrence where the worlds of music and painting collide in a harmonious and natural manner.

In addition to their new found knowledge, abilities and appreciation for painting, 3 Canal believes the film will stand out based on its content as well as its intent and due to the fact that it possesses an uncommon yet distinctive theme and approach.

3 Canal is currently making a statement with the Music Liberation Front initiative which is a vehicle and a platform for the promotion and proliferation of T&T’s indigenous musical expression. Group member Stanton Kewley shared, “We as a nation need to liberate the arts by supporting our own productions whether it may music or film. Free the arts!”

The film “Seventeen Colours and a Sitar” is part of the 2010 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival and will show at the following dates and locations: Sunday 26 Sept. at 5.30pm (MovieTowne, Chaguanas); Monday 27 Sept at 5.30pm and Friday 1 October at 3pm (MovieTowne, Invaders Bay); and Friday 1st October at 4pm (University of the West Indies, St. Augustine).