Marshall, Yolanda T.

Yolanda T. Marshall is a Guyanese-born Canadian Author. As a cross-genre writer, Miss Marshall silently commands you to read and digest life’s cultural motions.

The oldest of three girls, she began writing poems at the age of 8 years-old. A daughter of a talented Jazz Guitarist, her lyrics manifest into poetry, like a genetic code. Poems such as “Serenaded in New York,” “Delia Sings the Blues,” and “Single Rose” flow on a mellow Jazz -like note.

The name of her first book, “Obayifo,” originates from the Ashanti tribe. It is the name given to an African Witch. The poem visits the works of Obeah, its people and fears. This poetry book was published in 2008, while Yolanda attended the University of Toronto.

She was inspired to write her second book, a children’s book named “Keman’s First Carnival,” after becoming a mom. This 2016 publication is about a young, Black Canadian child’s first experience of Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival. The excited 8-year-old and his Mother enjoyed the rituals at the Caribbean celebration, such as picking a flag to wave, the Caribbean influenced foods, dancing, costumes, and music.

The Author’s third release, “Messages on Dried Leaves,” is a mild resurrection of the Author’s first poetry book, ‘Obayifo.’ This book is a poetic collection of personal notes, texts, emails, and voicemails sent to muses of the past.

“A Piece of Black Cake for Santa,” was originally published in 2017, and it is the Author’s second Children’s book. A new edition, illustrated by a South African Illustrator, Subi Bosa, was published in 2019. This book illustrates the holidays’ experience of Femi and her friends, who planned to leave a few traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake. The children shared warm wishes for their favourite dishes while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair.

Miss Marshall’s 2018 release is “Sweet Sorrel Stand.” In this children’s book, Rose and Nicolas loved their favourite Caribbean sorrel drink so much. The siblings decided to create a sorrel stand with the assistance of their parents. Their Sweet Sorrel Stand was a success in the neighbourhood. The main ingredient of the drink is the Roselle plant (Sorrel), a species of hibiscus that is native to West Africa. The red flower buds are boiled, strained, sweetened with sugar, with a touch of ginger, cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves. Once cooled for a couple of hours or overnight, it is served with ice. It is known to be very rich in antioxidants. Traditionally, this drink is served during the Christmas holidays. On a hot summer day, it is a refreshing alternative to lemonade.

In June 2019, the Author launched “Miles Away In The Caribbean.” This children’s book is a poetically written story about a Canadian boy named Miles. In his magical spaceship, he visits Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. Miles highlights magnificent landmarks and enjoyed his cultural adventures.

One of CBC’s best picture books of 2020 is, “My Soca Birthday Party: with Jollof Rice and Steel Pans.” As Anne’s birthday drew close, her friends prepared a soca party. Anne loves the sound of Caribbean soca music played on steel pans and West Africa’s spicy jollof rice. Hence, her friends planned to celebrate her special day with a fusion of sounds and traditional dishes from Caribbean and African countries — a representation of their diverse yet comparable cultures. Anne was in for a real surprise.
The publisher of this title is Chalkboard Publishing, D.E.A.R. Books.

A world traveller, a jazz lover, and a devoted Mother, she embodies Art and takes her readers on adventurous, cultured journeys.