Favorite children's show Reading Rainbow relaunched last weekend with a new host, and Vancouver artist Bukola had the honor of reimagining the iconic theme song.
“I still can’t believe that I can say that I’m the singer of a new Reading Rainbow theme!” the artist wrote via email. “It's such an honor.”
Original Reading Rainbow The theme song was composed by Steve Horlick, Dennis Neil Kleinman and Janet Weir for the show's debut in 1983, and was performed by Tina Fabrik for its first 16 years. Bahamian singer Johnny Kemp briefly sang the second version and third version of the show's theme song. sang Chaka Khan until it went off the air in 2006.
LISTEN | Tina Fabrik sings the original version of the Reading Rainbow theme:
Bukola said she grew up watching the show, which was originally hosted by LeVar Burton, with her sister when they were younger, adding that her sister and father were “so obsessed with the theme song that they would sing it all over the house.”
The Nigerian-Canadian artist first received an email from a contact she met through the Vancouver International Film Festival's Amp program, which connects emerging artists with industry insiders, saying Sony was working on a reboot of the film. Reading Rainbow and I wonder if Bukola would be interested in recording a demo. The answer was apparently yes, and about a month after she pitched her case, Bukola got the job.
“I worked with my vocal coach Lorraine Lawson and my producer Anthony Anderson to come up with a version of the song that paid homage to the original, but at the same time added a little flair to it that felt authentic to my artistry,” she explained.
“I think one of my favorite parts of the recording process was adding all the vocal layers and harmonies, which made our version truly magical. I also have to give a huge shout out to Steve Smith who did such a great job mixing the song.”
LISTEN | Bukola sings a new version of the Reading Rainbow theme:
Reboot Reading Rainbow started on October 4th first of four episodes airing on YouTube. The episode introduces everyone to new host Michal Trits, better known as Michal the Librarian, and includes Hangover, part two And III actor Jamie Chung and BearEbon Moss-Bachrach, who shows children how to read to the cats at the local animal shelter.
Bukola's theme song with original lyrics is a perfect introduction to the new chapter of the series.
“I'm listening [Tina Fabrique's] recording and various live performances always felt like a warm hug,” she said. “I knew I wanted people who listened to the new version to also feel wrapped in a warm embrace when they heard the song.”
WATCH | Bukola performs his own music on CBC Music's Road to the Junos:
