Oswald Durand

haiti, national poet, choucoune, yellow bird, literature

Born Sep 17, 1840

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Passed Away Apr 22, 1906 Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Lifespan 65 years old

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"Choucoune, your smile was like the sun breaking through the orange groves."

Archival Overview

National poet of Haiti and journalist who authored 'Choucoune', the most celebrated lyrical romance in Haitian literature.

Biographical Record

Oswald Durand was a prolific journalist, legislator, and lyrical poet widely revered during his lifetime as the national poet of Haiti.

In 1883, while imprisoned in Cap-Haïtien for his sharp political journalism, Durand composed the classic Creole poem 'Choucoune', celebrating the tender beauty and heartbreak of a rural Haitian maiden.

Set to music by Michel Mauléart Monton, 'Choucoune' became an internationally renowned musical anthem (adapted in English as 'Yellow Bird'), establishing Durand as an immortal master of Caribbean lyricism.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Port-au-Prince Cemetery
Port-au-Prince, Haiti

                         GPS: 18.5392, -72.3364                    

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