Watch Gullah Gullah Island

Gullah Gullah Island was a children's television series that aired on Nick Jr. from 1994 to 1998. The show was created by Ron and Natalie Daise, who also starred in the show as the parents of two young children, Shaina and Jamal. Vanessa Baden played Shaina, while the role of Jamal was played by several different actors over the course of the series.

The show was set on a fictional island in the South Carolina Lowcountry, where the Gullah people lived. The Gullah are a cultural group of African Americans who live in the Lowcountry region and have preserved many of their African customs and traditions. The show aimed to celebrate and educate children about Gullah culture and traditions through music, dance, and storytelling.

Each episode would typically begin with the Daise family singing and dancing to the show's theme song, which featured the catchy refrain, "Come and let's play, together in the bright sunny weather." The show's cheerful and upbeat vibe was infectious, and the characters were always eager to welcome children into their world.

The main characters on the show were the Daise family, who lived in a colorful house on the beach. Ron and Natalie Daise played the parents, who were warm, loving, and always ready to have fun. Shaina was the older sister, who was curious and adventurous, while Jamal was the younger brother, who was playful and mischievous.

Together, the family would explore the island and meet its various inhabitants, who were all played by Gullah performers. These characters included Binyah Binyah Polliwog, a giant green tree frog who loved to sing and dance; the Conductor, who would lead the children on musical adventures; and a group of singing vegetables called the Veggie Tones.

Each episode would feature a central theme or lesson, such as sharing, friendship, or trying new things. The show would use music and dance to explore these themes, with the characters singing catchy songs that would get stuck in children's heads for days. For example, one episode featured a song called "Clean Up, Clean Up," which encouraged children to tidy up their toys and keep their surroundings neat and tidy.

In addition to the music and dance, the show would also teach children about Gullah culture and traditions. The characters would use Gullah phrases and explain the meanings behind them, such as "Binya Binya!" which means "thank you!" in Gullah. They would also demonstrate Gullah crafts, such as basket weaving, and explain the history behind them.

Overall, Gullah Gullah Island was a delightful children's show that celebrated diversity and encouraged children to be curious and open-minded. The show's colorful characters and infectious music made it a hit with kids, while the educational content made it a favorite among parents and teachers alike. Though the show ended its run in 1998, it has left a lasting legacy as a beloved classic of children's television.

Gullah Gullah Island is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (75 episodes). The series first aired on October 25, 1994.