About

Maama Ssanyu is a Luganda speaking series for Ugandan preschoolers across the diaspora. Through celebrating and showcasing Ugandan culture to the youngest generation, Maama Ssanyu aims to instill cultural pride in children, fostering a love for the Buganda culture, heritage and language.

In many homes, English-speaking content dominates screens, influencing young minds as families assimilate into new environments and societal times. Amongst immigrant families, language is often lost by the third generation, creating a generational divide between grandparents and children and a cultural disconnect when children return home.

There is a shortage of Luganda-language content for children, which has a negative impact on the next generation retaining their language, especially those living abroad. Maama Ssanyu serves as a valuable tool for parents who want to teach their children their mother tongue. Our mission is to bridge generational gaps and preserve the language of Luganda.

Music

Music is one of the most powerful tools for learning and emotional growth in young children. That’s why it's the key to Maama Ssanyu’s lessons.

When introduced in the early years, music is proven to build language skills and boost memory. Singing encourages children to develop fluency through the practice of articulation and vocabulary intake, whilst repetition and rhythm help children retain information - which are all crucial for early literacy skills.

Music has a profound effect on the emotional well-being of young children. It can help them express and regulate their emotions, develop empathy, and enhance their social skills. Music can create a positive and nurturing learning environment, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting self-confidence, which is exactly what Maama Ssanyu is all about.

Meet the Team

  • ROCHELLE SHANTE

    Creator & Writer  

    An Early Years Educator and seasoned producer, Rochelle is bringing her insight and experience working with young children and families to the screen.

  • KAKEMBO

    Director & Executive Producer

    A Ugandan-born filmmaker based in London, Kakembo’s work centers and explores the complexities of Ugandan characters and stories. 

  • NAMUGGA

    Music Composer

    Namugga is an accomplished producer and award-winning songwriter, as well as the musical heart of the show, creating the beats, melodies and soundtrack that bring every adventure to life.

  • ANDRE HORTON

    Art Director

    With over 15 years of experience, Andre brings the colourful world of Maama Ssanyu to life through thoughtful art direction, design and playful visual storytelling.

Research

Maama Ssanyu supports children’s growth across the key areas of the Early Years Framework. These include:

          


Language and communication 

Building a vast vocabulary and conversational skills

Mathematics

Problem-solving and learning to count           

Understanding the world  

Recognising colours, objects and social expectations

Personal, social and emotional development  

Recognising and expressing emotions, building critical thinking and curiosity, understanding and practising kindness and empathy

UgandanCulture 

Celebrating Buganda’s history, heritage, and values, promoting pride in cultural identity and fostering a sense of belonging.

These areas are particularly important for learning, they build a foundation for children to thrive and provide the basis for learning in all areas.