The creative Louise Simone Bennett-Coverley, or popularly known as Miss Lou, was one of the major shapers of the Jamaican culture. Born September 7, 1919, Miss Lou was a memorable folklore writer who warmed the heart of Jamaicans and people around the world with her unique dialect. Ms. Lou was born in Kingston, Jamaica where she attended various schools to nurture her creative and artistic values as a prestigious Jamaican folklorist, and educator.
Louise Bennett was a resident entertainer from 1945 to 1946, where she performed with the Caribbean Carnival. She also performed at other leading Jamaican shows ranging from Pantomimes to television series, like “Evening Time”. This array of programs offered loads of humorous treats. Even though she traveled across the world, Miss Lou never forgot her Jamaican roots. Always promoting the unique Jamaican dialect called “patios’ and culture, Miss Lou would have you in stitches when performing her shows. Due to her love for her culture Ms Lou is undoubtedly one of the most important shapers and contributors to the Jamaican culture.
Miss Lou’s popularity exceeded her status, as she was internationally renowned for her Jamaican Labrish. In places like Canada and the United Kingdom, her work was nicely published for all to enjoy. Nevertheless, she lived in Toronto, Canada and always remained deeply connected to her roots in Jamaica. When Miss Lou recited one of her many poems, she always captivated the audience with pure impulsiveness. When you witness one of her performances, you would see her body expressed all the emotions that she was expressing be it joys or sorrows.
Miss Lou wrote her first poem at the tender age of 14, this earned her a prestigious scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where she studied until the late 1940’s. Louise Bennett not only earned the scholarship to attend the academy, but she also auditioned and won another scholarship. After graduation, she started her career by working for companies in Coventry, Huddersfield and Amersham as well as other friendly revues all over England.
Miss Lou later returned to her homeland, Jamaica where she taught drama to youths and adults on a social welfare program for the University of the West Indies Extra Mural Department. She then lectured widely in the United States and the United Kingdom where she promoted the Jamaican folklore and music. She was a cultural ambassador to all and represented Jamaica well.
Miss Lou enjoyed the theatre scenes and in 1954, she married Eric Winston Coverley an actor in the Jamaican theatre. They adopted several children whom they cared for and nurtured. Ms Lou was also an author, and she wrote several books of poetry and short stories.
Due to her great contribution and dedication to Jamaica’s dynamic culture and life Ms Lou was the recipient of several awards. This included the Norman Manley Award for Excellence in the field of Arts, the Order of Jamaica and the Institute of Jamaica’s Musgrave Silver and Gold Medals for her notable prominence in the field of Arts and Culture. In 1983 she received the impressive Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies.
Louise Bennett’s was a cultural masterpiece who was often described as the only Jamaican who is not afraid to express the truth and herself using her native language. Although, Miss Lou’s poems were all in Jamaican patois, people from all over the world greeted her presentations with joy and much humor. She raised the bar of understanding Jamaican folklore, which saw many trying to emulate her, but none came close.
Due to her work in Canada, she was awarded in 1998, the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from York University in Canada. Some of her many recordings are Jamaica Singing Games, Jamaican Folk Songs, Children’s Jamaican Songs and Games, Miss Lou’s Views, Listen to Louise, Carifesta Ring Ding, the Honorable Miss Lou, Miss Lou Live London and Yes Mi Dear. When you listen to any of these recordings, you will not only learn more about the great Jamaican cultural icon, but you will get to enjoy the Ms Lou experience.
The Jamaican legend and cultural icon, died in Toronto, Canada on July 26, 2006. In honor of Miss Lou and her achievements, the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto Canada named a venue after her called Miss Lou’s Room. This is a non-profit cultural organization in Toronto.
There are so many things to say about Ms Lou but there is one thing that can never be disputed and that is how she changed the landscape of English Literature with her magnificent books and poetry in Jamaican Patois.