Since 1999, Putumayo Kids has been releasing music that teaches kids about getting along and getting their groove on, using songs and performers from around the world. Some parents — okay, I — even play the CDs after the kid has gone to sleep. Brazilian Playground, is freakin' fresco, baby.
To date, Putumayo Kids has released thirteen albums of global music, from African Playground to Asian Dreamland, which have sold millions of copies in over a hundred countries. Putumayo World Music, which releases both the children's albums and those targeted at grown-ups, also puts their money where their music is. They've donated $1.1 million to environmental, social, arts and children's groups.
Putumayo Kids Director Mona Kayhan oversees sales, marketing and product development. Babble talked to her about how they find new artists, how to tell whether a song will make kids go bonkers, and whether they'll ever run out of continents and countries. — Jennifer V. Hughes
Many of your songs are not from artists who traditionally perform for kids. What makes a "grown-up song" a good candidate for a Putumayo Kids album?
"Harambe" by Rita Marley on Reggae Playground would be a perfect example. This song was not written for kids, but her message is very important and one we felt was essential. "Harambe" means "let's all come together as one" in Swahili and she then sings, "What color is the rainbow? Check it next time it shows. That's the way we should be, all together in harmony. We're sailing in the same boat. We're rocking up the same stream." In the liner notes we then explain: "She's singing about how important it is for us to forget our differences, respect the opinions and beliefs of others and work together for a more peaceful and fair world." Love it!