The popular children’s program, Reading Rainbow, made a comeback recently with a fresh host, and Bukola, an artist based in Vancouver, had the privilege of reimagining the iconic theme song.
Expressing her excitement via email, the artist mentioned, “I’m still in disbelief that I am the vocalist for the new Reading Rainbow theme! It’s a tremendous honor.”
Originally composed by Steve Horlick, Dennis Neil Kleinman, and Janet Weir for the show’s premiere in 1983, the original Reading Rainbow theme was sung by Tina Fabrique for the first 16 years. Subsequently, Bahamian singer Johnny Kemp and later Chaka Khan provided their renditions until the show went off the air in 2006.
Bukola reminisced about watching the show, which was initially hosted by LeVar Burton, with her sister during their childhood, mentioning that her sister and father were so enamored with the theme song that they would sing it around the house.
The Nigerian Canadian artist received an email from a contact she made through the Vancouver International Film Festival Amp program, indicating that Sony was working on a revival of Reading Rainbow and inquiring if Bukola would be interested in recording a demo. Eagerly accepting the opportunity, Bukola landed the role about a month after submitting her version.
Collaborating with her vocal coach, Lorraine Lawson, and producer, Anthony Anderson, Bukola crafted a rendition of the song that paid homage to the original while infusing her artistic flair. She particularly enjoyed adding vocal layers and harmonies, which she felt made their version magical. Bukola also expressed gratitude to Steve Smith for his exceptional mixing work on the song.
The revamped Reading Rainbow premiered on Oct. 4, with the first of four episodes airing on YouTube. The episode introduces the new host Mychal Threets, also known as Mychal the Librarian, and features actors Jamie Chung from The Hangover Part II and III, along with Ebon Moss-Bachrach from The Bear, who demonstrates reading to cats at a local animal shelter.
Bukola’s rendition of the theme song, retaining the original lyrics, serves as a fitting introduction to the series’ new phase. The artist expressed her desire for listeners to feel embraced by warmth when hearing the song, akin to the feeling evoked by Tina Fabrique’s rendition.
For more of Bukola’s music, you can watch her performances on CBC Music’s Road to the Junos series.
