Queen of BrokdongLila 'Leela' Genus Vernon(1950-)Born on October 21, 1950 · Referred to as the 'Queen of Brokdong', Lila Genus Vernon was born in Punta Gorda Town to a family of proud African heritage. · Her music and activism throughout her lifetime has focused on the promotion of the Belize Creole culture. · Lila sings in the 'Buru' style Brokdong, a style which is believed to have originated in Creole communities of southern Belize. · In 1987, she established the Ebolites Dance Group. This brought young people together to train and showcase their culture through music and dance. · In 1994, Lila performed for Queen Elizabeth II upon her visit to Punta Gorda. She was later recognized as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. · Lila has performed internationally both as a solo artist and as a member of the Ebolites in places such as the Manhattan Center in
New York and at the Afro-Caribbean Festival in Veracruz, Mexico. · Lila and her daughter Juliette Vernon Austin, along with Mr. Percival Neal, joined forces to establish the first branch of the National Kriol Council in Punta Gorda, which was later expanded to a National Kriol Council in Belize City. ·
Lila's activism in the National Kriol Council led her
to serve in various capacities including as President, Vice-President and Cultural Liason. · Her most well-known song is, 'Ah Waahn Noa Hoo Seh Kriol Noh Ga No Kolcha!' which was released in 2001. This song has been adopted as the mantra for persons of Creole descent. Other popular Lila Vernon songs include 'Welcome to Belize' and 'Ding Ding Wala'. · In 2004, she was recognized as the Brokdong Artist of the Year by the Institute of Creative Arts. · In 2011, she was also recognized as a Woman of Culture by the National Institute of Culture and History. · Lila continues to be a voice for the safeguarding and promotion of Creole culture in Belize. Images courtesy the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH)
Comments 0 comments