Pungulu Pa Productions has announced the release of two brand-new episodes of Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes, the groundbreaking animated series that continues to capture the hearts of children and families in Kenya, Africa and beyond.
The special two-part story, set in Central Kenya, celebrates the traditions of the Kikuyu people while showcasing the natural wonders of one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. The first episode premiered on September 27, with the second set to debut on October 4, both streaming on YouTube and on Akili Kids before the holidays.
First launched in October 2024, Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes follows the adventures of Kenyan siblings, Uli and Tata, who discover magical traditional instruments in their Nairobi home. Their discovery summons Tuki, an ancient giant turaco bird, who whisks them away on a journey across Kenya and Tanzania, exploring its landscapes, traditions and nursery rhymes. Each adventure immerses them in unique regions and cultures, where they meet communities and animals that share valuable life lessons.
In the Ngũcũ episode (now streaming), Uli and Tata are playing a fun game of “Big, Bigger, Biggest,” trying to come up with the biggest things they can imagine. Uli proudly names Mount Kenya as the biggest of all! But then they realize, they’ve never actually been to Mount Kenya. Curious and excited, they call Tuki, who takes them on an amazing adventure to the mountain. There, they explore the wonders of the mountain and come face to face with some naughty African wild dogs. The second part of this episode, Wakaratha, will be released on Saturday 4th October 2025
What began as a passion project during the COVID-19 lockdowns has grown into a crossover series that addresses the lack of African-centred children’s content. By blending animation, music and cultural storytelling, the series helps African children and the global diaspora see themselves reflected in the media they consume.
Chief Nyamweya, Creative Director of the series says, “Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes began with a simple realisation. A group of us, all Kenyan parents, saw that our children weren’t seeing themselves in the shows they watched. The songs and stories we grew up with were nowhere to be found on mainstream media, and with them a sense of cultural pride and belonging. It wasn’t only about children’s entertainment; it was about the risk of losing our own heritage,” adding, “We created Uli & Tata to change that. The series follows two siblings who travel across Kenya and beyond in search of nursery rhymes. Each episode introduces children to real songs, animals, and landscapes, and is designed to spark pride in who they are, while also nurturing love for the environment.”
To mark the growing impact of the series, Pungulu Pa Productions will host the first-ever pop-up children’s festival Pungulu PArty! on 7 December 2025. This family-friendly event will celebrate African storytelling, music, art and performance, all inspired by the magical world of Uli & Tata. Fans will have the chance to engage with the creative team, enjoy live cultural experiences, and immerse themselves in the spirit of African nursery rhymes.
Produced in Kenya by a team of local animators, musicians and storytellers, Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes demonstrates the power of Africa’s creative economy. Pungulu Pa Productions is committed to nurturing Kenyan talent and strengthening the region’s animation industry. By collaborating with local creatives, the studio contributes to the growth of Kenya’s animation ecosystem, creating opportunities for the next generation of animators and storytellers.
Sarah Mallia, Producer of the series says, “With Uli & Tata, we’re not only nurturing talent but also shaping a future where culture drives job creation, industry growth, and social transformation. The creative economy transforms imagination into opportunity.” Manu Akatusa, Executive Producer, adds, “We wanted to create something that truly resonates with African children by celebrating the stories and songs passed down through generations. Uli & Tata is more than a show—it’s a cultural bridge, a testament to the beauty and richness of Africa, and we’re excited to share these authentic stories with the world.”
The two new episodes continue Uli and Tata’s epic travels, spotlighting even more of Africa’s diverse traditions and environments. From the wisdom of forest foragers to the vibrancy of coastal communities, each story celebrates African resilience, music and values while introducing young viewers to the continent’s ecological and cultural wealth.
Catch up on previous episodes and explore behind-the-scenes content as the series evolves. Stay tuned for new releases and the upcoming Uli & Tata Festival on 7 December 2025 by following Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes across social media.
Cultural bridge connecting African children and the diaspora
Pungulu Pa Productions, a Nairobi-based animation studio, is dedicated to creating children’s content and experiences that celebrates Africa’s cultural and natural heritage through entertaining, educational storytelling. With the majority of animation work completed by talented Kenyan animators, the studio’s flagship series, Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes, serves as a cultural bridge connecting African children and the diaspora with their heritage.
The creative team journeyed across Kenya and Tanzania conducting research and immersing themselves in local cultures to collect authentic nursery rhymes that form the foundation of each episode. This commitment to cultural accuracy and storytelling lies at the heart of Uli & Tata, making it a unique contribution to global children’s content. As a homegrown production, the series not only showcases Africa’s heritage but also highlights the remarkable skills of Kenya’s burgeoning creative industry.
Key partners creating something truly special for the next generation
This series was made possible through the support of key partners, including the French Government’s Creation Africa programme, the National Geographic Society, Afrique Créative – an incubation programme financed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Kenya Film Commission, Africa No Filter and Braid Arts & Culture Fund. Pungulu Pa Productions extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in bringing Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes to life, creating something truly special for the next generation of children.
