Wewe Mimi Sisi – classic African stories adapted for kids YouTube series
A project that combines storytelling with dynamic yoga to help children develop their physical and mental health and improve their overall well-being has started.
Translated as You, Me, Us in Swahili, Wewe Mimi Sisi is a passion project developed by Nii Klotey Quaye and his five-year-old daughter Xolani to adapt classic African stories into fun and interactive programs for children.
The pilot episode of Wewe Mimi Sisi retells the classic Ghanaian tale of Anansi & The Yams, packed with life lessons for children whether it is of the perils of laziness and deceit, the dangers of revenge, or the benefits of friendship, while also encouraging them to move.
Created in the middle of lockdown over the summer, the idea for Wewe Mimi Sisi was birthed from Xolani falling in love with children’s shows on YouTube that brought together storytelling and movement.
Nii and Xolani came to an agreement to adapt one of Xolani’s favourite classic African stories Anansi & The Yams for the small screen, and with the further intention of developing more classic tales and fables from Africa and the diaspora, Wewe Mimi Sisi the series was born.
Wewe Mimi Sisi has quickly evolved into a celebration of the union between ancient African wisdom and contemporary black excellence to give life to a beautiful future legacy for black children.
The creation of the series is also fostering and sowing seeds of a stronger community within the African diaspora, driven by the all-black cast, crew and creatives that are bringing Wewe Mimi Sisi to life.
Nii Klotey Quaye said: “It’s important for us to receive both information and inspiration.
“Often, we have tried to teach our children their culture out of context of their reality. This offering serves to correct this approach by putting children at the heart of Africa, and allowing the Africa that is in their hearts to blossom.
“Wewe Mimi Sisi is a celebration of the union between ancient African wisdom with contemporary Black excellence which gives life to a beautiful future legacy for our children.”
Wewe Mimi Sisi’s pilot episode Anansi & The Yams is available on YouTube.