Wooooooo!  I knew Jamaicans are closely wedged to their African roots, however Friday night was a reaffirmation of the Jamaica-African legacy. The tribute to Mrs. Louise Bennett-Coverly was riveting; significant to the particular influences she had on our lives. Each moment of the evening resulted in an awesome, awesome cultural affair of drumming, dancing in the isles, seriously non-choreographed African movements, banjo, guitar, clapping hands, tambourine. Attendees left their seats and became totally immersed in the program. 

For a moment I thought I had walked through a door of a country church and stepped into a  revival ....at least the way I imagined one to be. The sound of the tambourine and drums, the ancestral screams from the audience ...   There was an unexpected value and integral power of this random variable to the program of total audience participation.

It was a spellbinding revelation and a great moment in history. Ms. Lou would have been proud. Her spirit lives on with us although the body which housed that spirit is no more!

KUDOS!

It was truly a beautiful send off...and when dem seh nine night...dem mean nine night! Drummers, singers... dancers, mento band, mourners, guitar... recitation, singing... folks wheelin' and turnin'... jumpin'... dancing... and more singin'...and don't figet di white rum...yes chile, den dem all start flash it...it was a whole production....ah I'm happy to be Jamaican!

I don't tink I can duh di evening's event justice...you simply had to be there as it was an experience within itself. As I'm sure most of that was impromptu....

However, before I go any further, I have to thank E. Wayne and Andrene Bonner for putting heads and hearts together and making the evening happen...

Have to tell yuh though, di most beautiful thing was that Jamaicans from all different walks of life came out to share their memories of Ms. Lou and simply tell her thank you for life and love of culture and country...and to say walk good, Ms. Lou...Ms. Lou walk!