Teletubbies rap's not child’s play

Popular ‘90s children’s TV characters the Teletubbies are the inspiration for a cleverly crafted rap music video by newcomer Ryley French and if he gets his way, it might just go viral.

The 14-year-old wrote, recorded and filmed the rap and music video, called Teletubbies, at Clontarf’s Team Musicare and the video on YouTube already has more than 600 views.

Ryley says the whole process took about four weeks with the help of his mentor Jack Williams and comes after 12 months in the Team Musicare program which has fostered his love of music and achieved so much more.

For Ryley, the chance to write a song about the characters made famous in a BBC children’s TV series was irresistible.

The series focuses on four characters with television screens on their bellies and a uniquely shaped antenna protruding from their head who communicate using gibberish associated with toddlers.

“I’m a huge Teletubbies fan and have been for a very long time,” he explains.

His favourite is Dipsy, an often-stubborn character who will occasionally refuse to go along with the rest of the group.

“He has a cool black and white hat and is very handsome,” Ryley says.

The Redcliffe Special School student had plenty of fun helping choose all the elements featured in the song and video including the backing track, backing vocals by his mum and cousin, and costumes.

He specialises in freestyle rap and sound effects and records a podcast every week, which he hopes will be on Spotify soon.

Ryley agrees he’s proof anyone with a passion for music can create it.

See the music video here

Ryley’s keen to work on a rap about Teletubby Dipsy as well as another popular children’s series, In the Night Garden, and Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat.

“Hip hop is my life, everyone knows that,” he says.

Mentor Jack Williams has been working with Ryley for about three months and is impressed how much his skills have developed.

“I produced Teletubbies for him and helped him write the lyrics, chords and bass. When I first met him, he was a bright and enthusiastic person and he’s always been like that, but I think he’s opened up since he’s been here,” Jack explains

“His confidence and the way he talks to people … I’m super excited. It’s beyond amazing.”

When asked what would he say to people like him who are interested in making music, Ryley’s quick to answer.

“I’m happy to produce it for them,” he says.

Creativity explodes

Ryley’s mum Paula says he’s loved making music at Team Musicare since the first day and his creativity has exploded since then.

Even as a two-year-old, he had a broad vocabulary and extensive general knowledge – two talents he’s now using to write raps.

“He connected with Team Musicare founder Dan (Nebe) straight away … Dan showed him a couple of things once and he got it,” she explains.

Being involved in the Team Musicare program has helped him develop his talents, confidence and creativity.

“He came to me one day and said how old do you have to be to be a rapper. It’s great he has found something that his autism embraces. I’m very proud of him.

“Regardless of where it goes, I’m 100 per cent behind him.”

And Paula is, as Ryley's backing vocalist!