For almost 20 years, Kiwi Kids have grown up singing Kath Bee’s unique children’s songs and they are still some of the most sung songs in NZ schools.
Kath believes children have the power within to achieve anything they want to in their lives and that’s the message in her song, ‘Magic in Me’.
The song, released in September 2019, is co-written by Luke Tawera Epapara aka The Kurnel MC and Ryan Beehre (ex Minuit) and has over 5.2K streams on Spotify which ‘is fantastic for a NZ children’s song’ Kath says.
‘Magic in Me’ is sung by 9 year old Mika Elley. ‘Mika’s pitch is perfect. She has a special ‘husky’ quality and brings tears to my eyes every time I hear her sing’ says Kath.
Kath received funding from NZ on Air to make the animated lyric video and promptly employed Traci Meek of ‘Meek and Wild Creations’, to help her manage the project. With outstanding illustrations by Wyatt Black, aka ‘BubbleZer0’ and animation by the amazing Tyler Baikie, a student at SITs Film Production Department, this video will definitely work its magic on everyone – young and old.
Mika, now 10 years old, is a Type 1 diabetic, which means up to 8 blood tests and 4 injections per day - but that doesn’t stop her zest for life! She loves horses and plays keyboard, guitar and bass. Her Dad Ryan says ‘she has a big heart, is very creative and sings non-stop’.
She joins Kath on stage whenever she can, to perform ‘Magic in Me’ to young audiences and Kath says ‘It’s inspiring for children to see young Mika singing her heart out on stage.’ The song is an upbeat, funky electronic dance track and never fails to get kids AND their Mums and Dads up dancing!
Kath is a three-time APRA Children’s Video of the Year Award winner, with ‘Individuality’ in 2010, ‘Dragons Under My Bed’ in 2014 and ‘Sprinkle A Little Sunshine’ with Suzy Cato in 2019.
She has over 60 original songs online and 70 YouTube videos. Kath’s new focus is to help young people record, perform and write their own songs. She will be touring her ‘Magic in Me Show’ in the Canterbury region in May 2020.