“Ah wah no who seh Kriol nuh gat nuh kolcha?!!!” I remember the first time a Belizean introduced me to this song. I fell in love with the country even more while watching a vintage YouTube clip of Ms. Leela Vernon spinning around in a white dress on stage, whining and swaying rhythmically, singing a song that would empower the Kriol community across the country, generationally. Living in Belize has exposed me to the beauty of Kriol (creole) language and inspired me to learn it myself. The lyrics to this song translating to ‘I want to know who says Creole doesn’t have any culture’ remind me of the rebellion that speaks, sings, and shouts across the Caribbean. That is the power of Caribbean languages, forged and intricately woven together by many tongues.
The late Ms. Leela Vernon is the Caribbean artist who I am highlighting today, as she represents a force in Belizean Kriol folktale and music. A lot of Caribbean culture is archived orally, so this is not technically something to read, but rather stories to hold by ear. Ms. Leela Vernon’s folklore is iconic and beautiful in its own right. Consider the fact that her work has become a symbol of pride for Belizeans within and beyond the Kriol kolcha, and you’ll see the depths of respect owed. If you’re interested in more Belizean folk and writing, I share an incredible writer and inspiration Ofelia Brooks who writes in multiple genres in Kriol.
I also love this book on ‘Characters & Caricatures in Belizean Folklore’ that I found last year during a trip down sout’ to Seine Bight and Placencia.
Have you heard of Ms. Leela Vernon? Have you read anything written in creole/kriol before? Do you have any Belizean folktales or writers to share? Let us know in the comments!
Thanks for the introduction! She made me think of a folklorist from my island, Mrs.Lou. She was very much about instilling pride especially when it came to our language. If you check out "Jamaica Language" on YouTube you'll find a fantastic stage performance. I will definitely have a look for this wonderful figure. I'm very interested on our cross cultural Caribbean connections. ✨✨
See, I knew you were Jamaican! We always find each other, it is our destiny to connect ahaha. I immediately thought of Ms Lou (she will be featuring this month for sure!) because they do such similar archival work, making sure the younger generations can speak, appreciate, and preserve Kriol or Patwa. They're both so beloved to their nations too. I was going to mention the semblance but wanted to keep this short, thanks so much for picking up and commenting!! I'm definitely going to check out your YouTube recommendation , thank youu!
Hahaha!!! I love that so much. J.A to di wurllllllllllll. 🥲😅 I absolutely love this series you're curating. I don't know much about Belize so I'm really happy for the intro! I hope you'll enjoy the performance re: Ms.Lou, I found it so so fantastic! 🪩
That picture 😍 glorious. I haven’t read any books written by Belizean authors yet however I do have a few that are on my tbr - ‘Beka Lamb’ by Zee Edgell and the short story collection ‘On Heroes, Lizards and Passion’ by Zoila Ellis. Have you heard/come across these???
Thanks for the introduction! She made me think of a folklorist from my island, Mrs.Lou. She was very much about instilling pride especially when it came to our language. If you check out "Jamaica Language" on YouTube you'll find a fantastic stage performance. I will definitely have a look for this wonderful figure. I'm very interested on our cross cultural Caribbean connections. ✨✨
See, I knew you were Jamaican! We always find each other, it is our destiny to connect ahaha. I immediately thought of Ms Lou (she will be featuring this month for sure!) because they do such similar archival work, making sure the younger generations can speak, appreciate, and preserve Kriol or Patwa. They're both so beloved to their nations too. I was going to mention the semblance but wanted to keep this short, thanks so much for picking up and commenting!! I'm definitely going to check out your YouTube recommendation , thank youu!
Hahaha!!! I love that so much. J.A to di wurllllllllllll. 🥲😅 I absolutely love this series you're curating. I don't know much about Belize so I'm really happy for the intro! I hope you'll enjoy the performance re: Ms.Lou, I found it so so fantastic! 🪩
to di wurllllllll!!!! yes, there is so much similarity it’s great. Thanks again for the rec and I am so glad this mini series is felt by you <3
Also, yes!! the cultural connections between Belize and Jamaica are endless. Love it here
That picture 😍 glorious. I haven’t read any books written by Belizean authors yet however I do have a few that are on my tbr - ‘Beka Lamb’ by Zee Edgell and the short story collection ‘On Heroes, Lizards and Passion’ by Zoila Ellis. Have you heard/come across these???
Martha! So glad that you've shared these, I haven't heard of any but I am going to look them up now. I love a good short story collection. Thanks!!🌹