The popular children’s program, Reading Rainbow, made a comeback recently with a fresh host, and Vancouver-based artist Bukola was chosen to reimagine the iconic theme song.
Expressing her excitement via email, Bukola shared, “I’m still amazed that I have the opportunity to be the vocalist for the new Reading Rainbow theme. It’s a tremendous honor.”
Originally penned by Steve Horlick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weir for the show’s premiere in 1983, the original Reading Rainbow theme song was performed by Tina Fabrique for the initial 16 years. Bahamian artist Johnny Kemp briefly sang a second rendition, while the third version featured Chaka Khan until the show went off the air in 2006.
Bukola reminisced about watching the show in her youth with her sister, who, along with their father, were huge fans of the theme song, often singing it around the house.
The Nigerian-Canadian artist received an email invitation from a contact made through the Vancouver International Film Festival Amp program, which links budding artists with industry professionals. Sony was seeking a demo for the Reading Rainbow reboot, and after submitting her version, Bukola landed the opportunity.
She collaborated with vocal coach Lorraine Lawson and producer Anthony Anderson to craft a rendition that paid homage to the original while infusing her artistic flair. The process of adding vocal layers and harmonies was particularly enjoyable for Bukola, making their version enchanting. She acknowledged Steve Smith for his exceptional mixing of the song.
The revamped Reading Rainbow premiered on Oct. 4, with the inaugural episode airing on YouTube. The new host, Mychal Threets, known as Mychal the Librarian, was introduced, with guest appearances by Jamie Chung from The Hangover Part II and III, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach from The Bear, showcasing reading to cats at a local animal shelter.
Bukola’s rendition of the theme song, featuring the original lyrics, sets the tone for the series’ new era, aiming to evoke the same comforting feeling as the original. She aimed for listeners of the new version to experience a sense of warmth akin to a hug, similar to how she felt listening to Tina Fabrique’s rendition.
To see Bukola in action, check out her performances in CBC Music’s Road to the Junos series.