Tinga Tinga Tales

I just happened upon this new animated children's series on Cbeebies and now my kids and I are in awe and in love! Tinga Tinga Tales is funny, entertaining, colourful, vibrant and full of wonderful wisdom reminding us of the beauty of the African continent. The animal characters are all interesting and engaging - telling stories in the African 'How' and 'Why' interactive tradition. My three year old son usually dances along to the theme tune whilst my six year old daughter sings along with the chorus 'why, why, why, why, why'.
Another reason for my love affair which I hasten to add is rare when it comes to the children's programmes most channels have to offer, is that the production company behind Tinga Tinga tales have done their research which makes for a refreshing change. Usually Africa is lumped together like a country with a Liberian speaking swahili or a Zulu wearing a traditional Nigerian dress. Not so in Tinga tinga tales; the title itself comes from art form which was introduced by a Tanzanian called Edward Tingatinga in 1968. Still popular today especially with tourists visiting Dar-es-Salaam, the animation is based on Tinga Tinga art. We also hear and learn a number of swahili words like 'asante' and 'polepole' in each episode thus cementing our knowledge of and appreciation for the Eastern region of the African continent. It should therefore come as little or no surprise to learn that each short 11 minute episode takes up to nine months to complete. No stone is left unturned - obviously, and all of it done in Kenya no less with a collaboration between Tiger Aspect production (the smart funny people behind the Charlie and Lola series) and the very young and talented and Kenyan, Homeboyz Entertainment.
As if all of that wasn't enough there is also a charitable initiative which aims to give back to education in Africa. Fantastic or what?....so here's an opportunity for us to feel good on the inside and on the outside.

Cbeebies who brought us gems like Charlie & Lola has been the first to snap up Tinga Tinga tales although it is supposed to receive wider distribution later. I really do hope it does, as this is a fantastic series that your children and you 'inner big kids' will adore and want to watch over and over again. Tinga Tinga Tales is on Cbeebies weekdays at 4.10pm http://www.tingatingatales.com/