4 BIPOC Kids’ Artists You Should Know
by Karah Chappel, MT-BC
We’ve all got that classic children’s music in our back pockets – Wheels on the Bus, Five Little Speckled Frogs, etc. But sometimes we need a refresh, especially if that refresh is going to help us diversify our song portfolio. Representing BIPOC artists across all genres of music not only promotes equity, but also represents the full span of our client base. Read on for some awesome artists and interventions to match!
123 Andres
123 Andres is a grammy-winning duo, making educational music in Spanish and English. Their music is a fantastic tool for reading, math, and social-emotional skills, especially when working with bilingual kiddos. Lyrics in Spanish and English for their songs can be found on their website! “Un Elefante” is the song I’ve chosen to highlight from this group. The song is in a nursery-rhyme style perfect for relaxation or calming. It also highlights counting. Download our accompanying flashcards to practice counting while you sing the song!
Pierce Freelon
Pierce Freelon has released several RnB albums for kids. He has a myriad of content on his website, but we’re going to focus on “My Body (ft. Rissi Palmer).” This song highlights themes of body autonomy and physical boundaries, saying to kids “you can say no” to physical touch. It also includes a call and response in the bridge that would be perfect for sing-a-long group participation.
Little Miss Ann
Little Miss Ann has a beautiful take on diverse family systems in her song “Another Garden” that describes a family with an adopted child. This song would be great for expressing feelings surrounding nonnuclear family dynamics with kids experiencing foster or adoptive parents. It can also be an important tool to normalize these dynamics for all kiddos. Instrument play or sing along with the repetitive structure would both be great activities to introduce the song.
SaulPaul
SaulPaul is a rapper and singer/songwriter, encouraging kids to love themselves and others through his music. “I Am Enough” is filled with affirmations of a wide variety of skills and personality traits; every kiddos is sure to find one they love! If you are working on increasing self-esteem, try singing or dancing along to this song. You could add specific movements to match the affirmations, or accompany yourself to use the verses as a call and response.
Bonus: Pierce Freelon and 123 Andres have released content together! Check out their podcast “Jamming on the Job,” designed for kids 4-8 and their caregivers. Your clients (and loved ones) will appreciate the recommendation!
What artists am I missing? Let me know in the comments!
