Jimmy Barnes Teams Up With The Wiggles
Legendary Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes is excited to announce his new venture into the world of children’s entertainment with Och Aye the G’Nu. This exciting double release comprises an album featuring the world’s most popular children’s group, The Wiggles, out now via ABC/Universal Music, and children’s books out now via Five Mile Press.
With Och Aye the G’Nu, Jimmy put pen to paper to create truly unique poems inspired by his grandchildren, especially his cheeky red-haired, blue-eyed grandson, Dylan. The music release also showcases the best of Jimmy teamed up with The Wiggles in an album that will be sure to excite and entertain young audiences all over the world.
Jimmy explains – “It has been such an honour and a pleasure to work with my old friends, The Wiggles, on this project. Anthony is the best in the world in this field and he guided me through this project every step of the way. We had a lot of fun doing it too.
Och Aye the G’Nu was written for my grandchildren but inspired by my own love of Scotland and in particular Glasgow. My own childhood in Scotland holds so many memories that I hold very dear. So I wanted to write about these beautiful parts of my childhood. All seven poems within the poetry collection are Illustrated by the inimitable Kat Chadwick, the story follows G’Nu, a happy young wildebeest who lives in Glasgow Zoo with his very best friend, Kangaroo, as they set off on adventures far and wide.”
A CD of Jimmy reading the poems is included in the back of the book, so kids and loved ones can recite the poems together, creating a beautiful extension to the storytelling. A limited number of signed copies of The Recorded Poems of Och Aye the G’Nu (red cover) will be available from ABC Shop (online) and book retailers.
In addition to the deluxe collection, there is a separate book that features the introductory poem Och Aye the G’Nu, beautifully presented with colourful illustrations throughout.
The album of music coinciding with the release of the book was produced by The Wiggles’ creator and Blue Wiggle, Anthony Field. Anthony and Jimmy formed their dynamic duo through a shared love of infectious melodies and music that makes children and parents alike want to sing and dance along.
Lachy, the Purple Wiggle, sings beautifully on the album, while Jimmy is the voice of his cheeky character Och Aye the G’Nu. Jackie Barnes and former Purple Wiggle, Jeff Fatt, add to the musical merriment, while Yellow Wiggle, Emma, and Red Wiggle, Simon, are also joined by most of the Barnes family for star performances that will captivate children and families everywhere.
After working on the project, Anthony Field said; “The songs on Och Aye the G’Nu are absolutely beautiful; they come from Jimmy’s heart. There’s also a great sense of fun, every morning we’d come into the studio and be so excited. It was one of the greatest experiences working with Jimmy.”
Children can join Och Aye and march their energetic little feet to songs including “I’m a G’Nu”, they’ll adore moving just like a wildebeest dancing to Shake Your Shaggy, Shaggy Mane, as well as pursing their lips and playing along with My G’Nu Kazoo and stomping around with I Got New Shoes. It’s music that will appeal to both children and the child in you.
