Our Story

The world is changing faster than ever, and while we welcome all the exciting new things, it’s important to hold on to the things that make us who we are—our history, our culture, and the stories that bring it all to life. Storytelling and music have always been magical ways to share our heritage, connecting the past with the present and helping each new generation feel a part of something bigger.

Keeping our culture alive in our children isn’t just about history lessons; it’s about giving them a sense of belonging, a connection to the colorful stories and joyful traditions that have been lovingly passed down. It’s about showing them where they come from, anchoring them in the values and resilience of those who came before, and helping them carry those lessons into the future. Plus, who doesn’t love a good story or a catchy song? At Rainbow Nation Kids, we’re all about sparking that pride in kids—helping them see how amazing their heritage really is. Through the joy of music and storytelling, we celebrate the rich diversity of our roots, inviting children to explore and honor the traditions that make our culture so vibrant. It’s about showing them how special their ancestry is and giving them the tools to keep those stories alive. Beyond just illustrations, these characters serve as a celebration of inclusion and individuality, showing children that their identity matters and their stories are worth telling.

At the heart of Rainbow Nation Kids is South African singer-songwriter Lungi Naidoo, whose love for storytelling and deep appreciation for cultural preservation breathed life into this project. Every song on the albums holds a personal touch, as Lungi drew inspiration from her own childhood, weaving memories into melodies that reflect the essence of growing up in South Africa. The songs were brought to life with the help of Ryan Sackanary, who beautifully produced each track, ensuring they captured the spirit of innocence and joy.

The first album, Zulu Nursery Rhymes, was a heartfelt collaboration with the students of Nyanganye Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal. Lungi’s goal was to keep the magic of childhood alive while celebrating the vibrant heritage of Zulu culture. Their second album, Mzansi Lullabies, was born from a more personal inspiration—Lungi’s own journey as a mom of twins. Facing the nightly challenge of bedtime, she realized the lack of traditional lullabies and decided to fill that gap herself. It’s a gentle reminder that preserving our culture is not just about honouring the past but also creating space for it in the present, ensuring our children see themselves and their heritage in a rapidly evolving world.

Ultimately, Rainbow Nation Kids is more than just music and art—it’s a heartfelt celebration of connection, values, and traditions. It reminds us that while we may come from different places and walks of life, we are united by the stories we share and the love we pass on to the next generation.

And if we can make bedtime a little easier while doing all that? Even better!

Meet the Team

Founder, Executive Producer, Singer & Songwriter

Lungi Naidoo

Lungi Naidoo is a South African singer-songwriter and producer with over two decades in the music industry. She was the first African songwriter signed to Ditto Plus Music Publishing (UK) and has worked with artists like Black Coffee, Heavy K, DJ Sbu, CKay, and Idyl. Her Afro-pop EP Courage (2021) received international acclaim, with the hit single Feel Good airing on MTV Base, Trace, and Channel O. Lungi is also the founder of Rainbow Nation Kids, a cultural and educational initiative using music and storytelling to celebrate South Africa’s heritage and diversity through children's content.

Co-Producer

Ryan Sackanary

Two-time Mzansi Jazz Award-nominated pianist, was introduced to music at an early age—a foundation that sparked his deep passion and proficiency in the art. Over the years, his career has spanned significant studio work and collaborations with both local and international artists, solidifying his influence in the industry. In addition to his performance skills, Ryan has demonstrated remarkable versatility, thriving as a music producer, director, and dedicated music instructor.

Illustrator

Anja Stoeckigt

Self-taught illustrator with an appreciation for the peculiar and the everyday beautiful. She loves eating Nutella straight out of the jar, taking long walks with her doggo, and cuddling on the couch with her hubby. When she was a little person she would constantly linger in the stationery section of any shop and dream of all the different designs she would one day create. Now that she is bigger, she gets to play and have lots of fun making goodies like these.