Pungulu Pa Productions has announced the launch of its animated series, Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes, premiering on YouTube this Friday, October 25, 2024. This highly anticipated series follows the exciting journeys of two young Kenyan siblings, Uli and Tata, as they embark on adventures across Africa, discovering the continent’s rich cultural and natural heritage through music and storytelling.
Inspired by the lack of authentic African content for children, Uli & Tata was developed during the challenges of the COVID lockdowns. As Chief Nyamweya, the Creative Director, shares, the series was born from a “heartfelt desire as new parents to fill the glaring void in African children’s content. This scarcity deprives African children of media that reflects their experiences and heritage.”
In this animated adventure, Uli and Tata’s discovery of magical traditional instruments in their Nairobi home leads to the summoning of Tuki, an ancient giant turaco bird from Kenya’s last rainforest. Together, they embark on a journey across Africa, guided by Tuki, with each episode unfolding new lessons and wonders.
From summoning rain in the lush Kakamega rainforest to learning water conservation with the Gabbra community in the Chalbi Desert, Uli and Tata experience Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultures firsthand.
Along the way, they also meet iconic animals, such as the mischievous monkeys of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kilifi, and learn timeless wisdom from figures like Syokimau in Machakos. Each adventure not only celebrates African traditions but also teaches values like courage, environmental awareness, and cultural respect.
“We wanted to create something that resonates with African children and celebrates the stories and songs passed down through generations,” said Manu Akatusa, Executive Producer. “Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes is a testament to the beauty and richness of Africa, and we’re excited to share these stories with the world.”
In their mission to create an authentic cultural bridge for young African audiences and the diaspora, Pungulu Pa Productions embarked on extensive research journeys across Kenya and Tanzania, gathering traditional nursery rhymes that form the heart of each episode. This commitment to cultural representation sets the series apart, offering a rare glimpse into the traditions that define African storytelling.
Proudly produced in Kenya, Uli & Tata shines a spotlight on the incredible talent within the Kenyan animation industry. Most of the animation was completed by Kenyan artists, and Pungulu Pa Productions remains dedicated to building the local creative economy by nurturing new talent.
Co-founder and producer Sarah Mallia highlighted the impact of the creative sector, stating, “The creative economy is a catalyst for job creation and industry growth, turning imagination into opportunities. By nurturing talent, we shape a future where culture drives both economic and social transformation.”
This series, Mallia said, is more than an animated show; it’s a cultural connection point for African children and a showcase of the Kenyan creative industry’s talent, offering an enriching blend of entertainment and education.
Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes will officially premiere on YouTube on Friday, October 25, 2024. Parents and children are invited to subscribe now and join Uli, Tata, and Tuki as they embark on a magical journey across Africa. A behind-the-scenes video is also available, giving viewers a glimpse into the making of this culturally resonant series.