 All right, hi ma'am, how are you doing? I'm fine, how are you? Good, thank you. Please introduce yourself and just tell us who you are on Team Sayari. Let us know. My name is Susan Kimansi, I'm with White Rhino Films, and I am the producer of Team Sayari. Awesome. Awesome. How has it just been a producer for this, you know, one of its kind, sort of series here in Kenya? How is it? It's been amazing. It is amazing. This project has been groundbreaking for all of us as a team, and it has been really, truly amazing. We're so happy to be part of this project, we're so happy to be, you know, working on this amazing show with amazing kids from all over the continent. I think the best part of this show is, you know, just the way everybody has come together from Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya to develop this content, this show for our children, African kids. Yes. Amazing. Now, I mean, it could have been produced anywhere in Africa or anywhere in the globe, but why Kenya? I think, you know, our conservation stories in Kenya are usually mind-blowing. We do have amazing biodiversity here. I think, you know, Wildlife Direct, who is the principal, who is one of our partners in this project, being based in Kenya, you know, that's how we ended up being a Kenyan production. So, Wildlife Direct, our partners are Kenyan, we are a Kenyan company, so it made sense to be a Kenyan production. Yes. That is so good to hear. Now, what kind of reception are you guys expected for Team Sayari? I think Team Sayari, first of all, is very cool. I think kids and parents are going to love being part of Team Sayari. I mean, Team Planet, you know, this is it, you know. I think we're expecting an amazing reception from our viewers, and we do hope that, you know, the stories we are telling are going to challenge everyone across the board to take part in conservation, to play an active role, and to see themselves as the protectors of the planet, because that's what Team Sayari is all about, it's about protecting the planet. Yes. Now, you've mentioned earlier that the production is still ongoing. When are we able to view this and just the kids watch it? When are we able to do that? So, the first episode is on September 24th on Nat Geo Wild, and will be ongoing until February 2023 for the first season. So, look out for us on Nat Geo Wild, 2 p.m., it's African time. You'll see Team Sayari. Yes. Awesome, awesome. Now, as we wind up, a parent that is watching this interview, give them one reason why they should let their kids watch this. It's knowledge that is relevant, it's knowledge about the world that we live in, it is the most cutting edge kids show to have been developed on this continent. It's cool, it's fun, and it is informative, educative, it's an amazing show. I mean, if you're not sold out, I don't know what you could possibly watch. Thank you so much for talking to us. Thank you so much for being here, and we're so excited. Thank you. Alright guys, I'm hanging out with Michael. He's going to be introducing himself and telling us what he is doing for Team Sayari. Hi Michael. Hello, my name is Michael, I'm the showrunner for Team Sayari, which basically means I kind of like oversee everything, all the different departments. So, how has it been, you know, how has it been, the whole process, and I know you guys are ongoing, yeah? How has it been? I think it's been a combination of emotions. It's been exciting, it's been challenging, it's been exhilarating, but like I keep saying it's mostly it's been fulfilling because it's such a rare opportunity to work on with two things you love. You're working with kids, but you're also working on conservation, and our company is called White Rhino, our sister company is called Black Rhino because we've always had that passion for conservation and kind of like telling that African narrative on stories that have to do with conservation and humanitarian type stories. Okay, now talking about kids, you know, working with kids is a little bit different to like working with grown-ups, you know? How was it and how are you able to just make the kids comfortable? How is it? Well, I think people keep saying that it's a challenge to work with kids, in some respects it is, but it's also not because I have two kids and because we're making a factual show, we're not going out there telling them, you know, if you want this and this type of performance. We chose these kids so that their own personalities can shine through. So what was important for us was to create an atmosphere and environment where these kids can just be themselves. So in that regard, it hasn't been as challenging as you would think, but I guess the challenge has been making content that resonates with kids. Now talking about resonating, if our parent is watching this interview today, why would they recommend their children to watch Tinsayari? One because it will be entertaining. Because you watch content because it's supposed to be entertaining, right? But at the same time, it's supposed to be educational. So it's edutainment. But I think bigger than that is this show, I think has the ability to be one of those shows that encourage kids to be part of the solution or to kind of like own the narrative of conservation in Africa. Because for the longest time, that narrative has not been kind of like in our hands. We've not yet realized and we're starting to realize that, listen, we can be the chain makers for our conservation. It's not about other people doing it. It's about us owning that and making the change to take care of this beautiful continent we have as well as this beautiful planet. Now being produced in Kenya, it's one of its kind, but I'm really interested to know what is that advantage that it had been produced here in Kenya as compared to any other place? Yeah, that's a good question, but I'd say, I mean, Kenya is known for its beautiful landscapes, for its diverse ecology, like there's so much stuff in Kenya. And I think already that's an advantage because when we're talking about, say, a topic like human wildlife conflict and how to resolve that, there's real life examples of those solutions happening here. There's so many different kids in the field because we wanted to show also kids in the fields that are part of the solution. There are many of them here and in Rwanda and in Tanzania and in South Africa. But I think doing it here is good because I think our industry is at that, the cusp of blowing up and becoming something and being more than a blip on the map and actually becoming real, really recognized content creators in Africa. And I think this really helps kind of like leapfrog us to that level. Yeah, amazing. I mean, we can't really wait to see what you guys have done there. Afternoon. Afternoon, I think that should be a viewing. So yes, you guys let us know what you think. All right, sure. We will. Thank you, Michael. Cool. You're welcome. All right. All right, guys, that was Michael, the showrunner of a team at Sayari. Thank you so much for watching. All right, guys, I'm hanging out with Tracy. She's going to be introducing herself and just letting us know what she is on Team Sayari. Hi, Tracy. Hi, nice to meet you. Nice to meet you, too. Please introduce yourself. I am the executive producer for Team Sayari. On me? Yes. I mean, so what's your role as an executive producer? What were you doing? Well, I'm the executive producer from the channel side. So my aim is to work with the creative team at White Rhino Films and make sure that the vision they're pushing forward in terms of the show and where it's going creatively and editorially, definitely aligns with National Geographic and making sure that we're creating a show together that aligns with the channel as well as the vision of the show. And how does it feel so far? You know, just working with creatives. How does it feel so far? Great. This is the best part of television production. I get to be part of the editorial team where we get to create the show and decide what are the mechanisms that push the story forward? What themes do we choose? How do we do it? What does what does Funzi look like, you know? So it's been an outstanding, you know, just experience to work with the Kenyan team and to just make sure that we're telling a story that we believe is authentic. Yeah, great. I mean, authenticity, 100%. Now, I know it's one of its kind in Kenya, produced in Kenya. How was it working with Kenya as it? I mean, then the wildlife itself, how was the experience? The experience is still ongoing because we're still producing a lot more, but it's been really great. And I've really just embraced this opportunity to really create a pan African series. Whilst the hub and the main area of production is Kenya, we're also working with Rwanda in Nigeria and South Africa. But to work in Kenya is really just a real blessing. I'm really like, you know, doing my best to be like Sawa Sawa, you know, but I'm really loving working with the Kenyans. I'm really like being here. Kenya is an outstanding place. And of course, a real, you know, there's a huge gravitational pull to Kenya in terms of wildlife and conservation. So to be a part of it all has been really a privilege. Amazing. Now, I mean, I know as an executive producer, you've worked with a different type of cast. You've worked with grownups, you've worked with kids again. But I want to know what is the difference between having a cast with kids and grownups, especially for your role? With kids, I think there's a lot more scope to lack of a better word, play, explore. And I think that's a really great place for a channel like National Geographic, which is all about igniting the explorer in you and making sure that energy of curiosity and adventure is pulled through. So it's really great to be in a space where we're working with kids and to actually see production anew because they're experiencing things for the first time, whereas most of the time when you're working with adults, they've done it before. They have their ways of doing things. And you, too, as a producer, you sit back and you also have. But then all of a sudden working with kids starts to ignite a little bit more in you because you remember. You remember the first time you stepped on set. You remember the first time you heard the script being said. So it's been an awesome experience to just see production anew through their eyes. Yeah, good. Now, as we went up, Tracy, please tell a parent that is watching this interview why they should recommend this to their children to watch. I recommend it for their children to watch because they can see what kids in Africa are doing. You know, sometimes we think to ourselves, well, oh, that's for them overseas or that's for. No, it's for us as well. We're capable of telling these stories. We're capable of caring. We're capable of starting the conversation. And I'm really, really proud of the show for that reason alone because it's really a conversation that kids are having with adults. And I think that's why parents should watch it to be able to go. Oh, is this what their real concerns are? Is this really important to children? And I think it's just something that I would love to inspire every adult to also participate in, also ask the questions and also go along the journey with the kids. Yeah, thank you so much, Tracy, and have a good time. Thank you. All right, all right. All right, guys, I'm hanging out with Shanna and she is a part of the cast of Tim Sayari. Hi, Shanna. Hello. You look beautiful. Thank you. How does it feel to be part of an international project? I mean, Disney is a big deal. How does it feel? It feels amazing, first of all. I get to meet new people, go new places and also learn a lot of things about wildlife, nature and so much more. Yeah. How was it getting in here? How did you get, you know, to just have this role? How was it? I went through auditions and then I was called back after the first audition and then they picked a group of people and I was one of them. Amazing. But I'm really interested to know now when you went for the auditions, did you know it was, you know, like Disney? Absolutely not. Like, I didn't even know why I was there, like the poppers, you know. So I went and I'm like, I wonder what this is for. Yeah, so I did auditions and then later on, once I was already chosen, I'm like, what? Disney? I never knew. So how was that moment? Did you like get a call? How was that moment for you? I'm pretty sure I wasn't there, right? So my dad and mom, I think they received a message or something. Yeah, and then they were out at that time and I was at home. So when they came back, they were like, I have some news for you. And I'm like, what is it? Like, tell me. Yeah. And then they told me and I was so surprised. And then my dad's like, hold on, wait a minute. Let me just go and confirm. Yes. And then he went confirmed and then he came back and he's like, yep, you got the part. Yeah, that is so good to hear. Now, I mean, I know you've done a couple of other roles, but I'm really interested to know what was different on this one. That is very notable. Ah, OK. It's very clear. First of all, very clear. This set is very like. First of all, the set is really creative, right? Who would have come up with Funzi? Like, exactly. And then the set, the people, the crew, that's so nice. I mean, they take care of us and everything. And then the food. Oh, yeah. Yes. Yeah. Oh, that's really good to hear. Now, what do you expect to change in your life after this big opportunity? What are your expectations? And to be honest, I do not know. I don't because you never know what's coming. Yeah, but I bet you're anticipating. You know, very great things. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, so what are your friends saying about this opportunity? Have you told them? Actually, I'm new in school. I moved schools, right? Because I needed to change the systems. So they do not know about me, like, at all. But probably my past school knows. Yeah. You haven't, like, had a chat with your past colleagues or past schoolmates? Not recently. I think I'll do that today. Yeah. They're going to see you and interview all of us. So they're, you know, they're going to come and look in for you. Yeah. That is so good to hear. Please tell, you know, the kids out there why they should watch Team Sayari. I would say watch Team Sayari because, first of all, it's cleaning the planet. And who doesn't love a clean planet? It helps with health. It just helps with organizations. It's clean. Yeah. Because the planet is our only home, exactly. And also, it's really fun trying to figure out what the clues are. Sometimes even I'm confused at first. And then eventually I'm like, oh my gosh, that's what it means. It actually goes well together with today's plan and everything. It actually gets you thinking. Yes, it does. All right, all right, Shana. Please, I would like to know as we wind up, what is that one lesson you've learned in this production? First of all, I have learned never, ever come without eating. We need to get our wardrobe set. We need to prepare. We need to go through the script and everything. But if you are hungry, this is a lot of work, let me tell you. We put a lot of effort into this Team Sayari. So if you don't have enough energy, you will be tired all day until we get to our breaks and the lunch. I mean, Shana, thank you so much. I'm tempted to keep asking more questions and more questions. But I think that's enough. Thank you so much and all the very best. Thank you. Thank you for having me. All right, guys, that was Shana. And she is a part of the cast of Team Sayari. We can't wait to see what she has done on that series. Thank you so much for watching. All right, guys, I'm hanging out with a famous Sheila Sheldon. Hi, Sheila. You know, probably someone else has never seen your work or just give us, like, what are those two awards that you have won or something you have achieved that you feel so blessed to have done that? So I received the Global Child Projude Award 2020. And we were only three from Africa. And that was like the first time for them to do a launch. It was kind of like a launch. They're launching the award. And also in 2021, I received the Nina Simone artistic honoree as a black entrepreneur. Yes. Yeah. Tell us who you drew. Tell us who the biggest one that you know. Who it is. I've drawn the president of Kenya, the former, Uhuru Magai Kenyatta, and met him. And also the president of Uganda and also met him twice. Amazing. Let me ask you. I know it's past and it's something that has been gone for a long time. But how was it just drawing the president and him recognizing your effort and you even meeting him? I mean, I was eight years old. And it was a really a big opportunity for me. And getting to meet him is like a normal person. It's like me and you sitting right now. So he's like just like that. He doesn't make you feel nervous. All the presidents I've met, they're all the same. They are just nice people who really love children. And I was eight years old. So it was an honor to actually meet him. And him recognizing my talent at that young age was really amazing, yeah. I'm really interested to know, how old are you now? I'm 13. 13, quite an achievement that you have achieved in those few years. How was it working with Tim Sayari? Tim Sayari is an amazing opportunity for me actually. Meeting all these people from different countries in Africa and being a part of conserving the environment. I think it's really important for us to kind of educate young children. It's a program for children by children. So I'm really happy to be a part of it. And I really enjoyed it. I learned new things. And I'm still learning new things because I have more shoots to go. Talking of learning, what is that one lesson that you've so far learned, that you feel you're going to take it a long way with you? I think the one lesson I've learned is to always kind of look out for the environment, conserving it, educating people. And I think through my art, I've also been able to do that. So that's the one lesson I've always learned, spreading awareness about the environment, the wildlife, and what is happening to the world. So yeah, that's really important. Great. Now, if a child is watching right now and you would want to tell them that you need to watch Tim Sayari, tell them why. I think the main reason to why you need to watch Tim Sayari is because you're going to meet, not really meet, but see young children like you who are doing amazing things, going to different places, getting to learn new things from experts which you never even knew, like things you learn new things. And I think it's really important for all of you to know about conservation and why our planet needs to be protected and all the animals need to be protected. So Tim Sayari really educates that so you should watch it. Brilliant. Last question. What is the challenge that you had, especially when starting off the production of Tim Sayari, what is that one challenge that you've been able to, you know? So like the first challenge is actually the script. Like, you know, the script, you have to kind of know what you're going to do. And I think the first time I was actually auditioning, I messed up a lot, but Tim Sayari and the production team really believed in me and I really thank them so much because they gave me the opportunity and they saw something in me and now I am making all of them proud and doing my best. Yeah. Thank you so much. We wish you all the very best and we also hope that this particular project is going to open more doors for you. I hope so too. All right. Thank you, my dear. Asante. All right guys, that was Sheldon. She is a part of the crew, rather the cast of Tim Sayari and we can't wait to see what she has done there as well. Thank you. Hi guys, I'm hanging out with one of the cast of Tim Sayari and he's going to be introducing himself. Hi. Hi, I'm Christian and I'm from Tim Sayari, from Rwanda and I'm 11 years old. Amazing. Have you always lived in Kenya or you just came in for now shooting this? I just came in. I've always lived in Rwanda. Yes. Since I was four, I've lived in Rwanda. Amazing. Oh, where did you live before you were four? Uganda. You traveled the globe, I see that. Now, how was it, you know, just being cast for Tim Sayari? When did you get the news? Your mom brought them to you? How was it? So my aunt gave my mom the news and then so I auditioned and I was also surprised to be selected. Oh, okay. I mean, so I worked hard for it but still I felt like there were other kids who were very good at it out there so I was like, I'm probably not going to get it. Now, I'm really interested to know, had you like, you know, been part of, you know, other projects in Rwanda before? Like, I'll give you? No, I haven't. It's my first time. Serious. How lucky are you? Your first project is on Disney. Amazing. How is the experience, you know, been on set? How are they treating you? How was it? How is it? So it's very fun and educational. So I've learned a lot about it. It's very interesting. So I like being on set because, I mean, the way you get to read, you get to read on what you're going to be talking about and stuff like that. Yeah. Okay, now talking about learning, what is that one lesson that you know this is? This one is, I've gotten it from here. So conservation. So I've learned how to conserve the earth very well by using less plastic and not causing any traps or anything. Anything that could hurt an animal. Oh, okay. Now, you know, I'm assuming because it's your first project, you had a few challenges especially starting on, what is that one challenge that you had? Keeping all the lines in my head. It's hard to remember every line. So it's kind of like constant repeating, constant reading and memorizing. So that's what I'm doing. But I learned how to keep it natural so I can, you know, get it right. Yeah. Now, for a kid that is watching today, please tell them why they should watch Team Sayaka. I think they should watch Team Sayaka or which could teach them conserve the earth and learn a lot about nature. Yeah. Amazing. Thank you so much for talking to us and we can't wait to see the kind of job that you've done there. Thank you. All right, all right. Thank you guys for watching. Of course, still on the cast of Team Sayari and I've been joined by a beautiful lady. Hi. Hi. Please introduce yourself. What's your name? My name is Tando Fani. I'm 15 years old. I'm from South Africa. And I'm an artist. Amazing. What else do you do apart from acting or that you said you're an artist? I draw and paint, sing, dance. I enjoy all of the arts. Multitalented, amazing. Is it your first time to be in Kenya? It is. It's actually my first time out of South Africa. It's really exciting. I'm so grateful to be here, you know? Yes. You know, I'm really interested to know that when you received the call that you have the job, how was it? Well, it was actually load shedding. So I was sitting in the dark and then I got the call and I was like, okay. They were telling me the feedback about the call back and they were like, yeah, you did good. By the way, they confirmed you. And I was like, what? And I was really excited and I ran and told my parents. Yeah, it was great. Yeah. And how is it now just being here in Kenya? How is the experience in Kenya? How are you finding it? Like, I still can't believe it that I'm here. And I, yeah, I've done it. You know, it's, yeah. It was a really fun project to be a part of. And I'm really glad I got the opportunity. Yeah. I mean, I want to know, did you like have any challenge especially starting off? And how was it? How were you able to overcome it? I think at the very beginning there was a lot of fear. So I was like, oh, I don't know, I'm scared. You know, because I used to be in plays. So theater I was used to, but I've never really presented. So I had to get into that. I also fell a lot, like in the long grass, I tripped a lot in the grass. So that was not fun. Yeah. How is it going right now? It's going good. I think as I'm doing it, I'm growing in terms of experience. And it's becoming a bit easier for me. Yeah. But I mean, because now you do all this, you've been in theater, I think it's perfect to ask you this as a child. How old are you? I'm 15. Now as a child, how has it been in the art industry, in the entertainment industry? Are there any challenges that you face just because you're younger? I think there's a lot of self-doubt. Okay. But at the end of the day, I'm like, this is what I want to do. This is what I'm passionate about. So I'm going to work hard and push, you know? Yeah. And how do you take about, you know, because people will always have opinions, you know? How do you take people's opinion? I've always said to myself that other people's feelings are valid, you know? So if someone feels like they don't like something that I've done, I'm like, okay, that's valid. But this is how I feel. So, you know? But I also use that as criticism sometimes. Yeah. Brilliant, brilliant. Now, please tell a child that is, you know, watching this interview, why they should watch Tim Sayari. Guys, I think you should watch Tim Sayari because it helps teach you about the earth and what you can do to save the earth. Because after all, this is our home. We need to take as much care of it as we can so that we can live for many, many more years. Yeah. Thank you so much for talking to us. We can't wait to see what you've done in the series and all the best. Thank you so much. All right. All right, guys. Thank you for watching. Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go. Bop, bop, bop.