Rainbow Nation Kids: Zulu Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are a central part of growing up, but how familiar are we with nursery rhymes in another South African language? Singer-songwriter Julie Nokulunga Naidoo has created a fun-filled and educational lyrical book of 10 traditional and original Zulu nursery rhymes to answer this need. Naidoo’s vision for the book is to preserve a slice of Zulu cultural heritage, and to celebrate the rural child.

Rainbow Nation Kids – Zulu Nursery Rhymes is a companion book for Naidoo’s Rainbow Nation Kids music album, which was recorded with the students of Nyanganye Primary School in Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal. The album will be available on all streaming services from 14 July 2023 and children and their caregivers can sing along to the music while following along to the lyrics in the book. A QR code is included for easy access to the music.

The book also works as a standalone experience and song meanings are included in English to assist those who do not speak Zulu.

Rainbow Nation Kids teaches about a wide range of topics, from trees, anteaters, and naughty dogs, to appreciating our differences, counting in Zulu, and the different games we can play outside.

Accompanied by stunning illustrations by Anja Stoeckigt, which reflect the diversity of South African children, Rainbow Nation Kids uses storytelling and music to make sure that we as a nation always remember where we come from.