A Jamaican Icon

Louise Bennett-Coverley—affectionately known as “Miss Lou”—was a celebrated Jamaican poet, folklorist, and performer who championed the language, music, and traditions of her homeland. Through her groundbreaking work in Jamaican Patois, she elevated the rhythms and humor of everyday life, making cultural expressions once marginalized into national treasures.

The Mento Connection

Miss Lou’s deep connection to mento music, Jamaica’s first popular musical form, was profound. She incorporated mento’s playful, storytelling spirit into her poetry, songs, and performances, helping to preserve its legacy during a time of rapid social change. Whether on stage, radio, or television, Bennett’s work celebrated the wit, wisdom, and lyrical beauty of Jamaican folk culture—cementing mento’s place in the heart of Jamaica’s identity.