Back in the ’70s, young Raffi Cavoukian, long hair and all, started his career as a children’s singer on the carpet of a nursery school. From this, he sprang into stardom very unexpectedly, and his music, both quirky and fun, gave a rather joyful vibe to the homes of stressed-out parents and energetic children.
“When I made my first album for kids in 1976,” says Cavoukian, “it was so instantly popular that it just gave me this wonderful career for entertaining children, and I’m very grateful. I felt very happy and quite humble.”
Today, near his home on Salt Spring Island, a pair of owls illuminates each night with hoots. These simple yet pleasing noises inspired Cavoukian’s new release, Owl Singalong; the album’s title track features recordings of Cavoukian’s backyard owl friends.
Behind the face of “Baby Beluga” (one of his most popular songs), Cavoukian is involved with many charities and organizations. He has also started up his own organization, Red Hood Project, which focuses on children’s internet safety.
One group in particular that Cavoukian has recently been involved in is the Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative.
“Self-regulation is something that both kids and adults benefit from,” says Cavoukian. “It means that when you feel stressed, you’re aware of it, and that you very quickly can do one or two things that make you feel relaxed so that you can enjoy your day.”
Even after all these years, Cavoukian’s music continues to be a hit with children, be it through classics such as “Banana Phone” or with newer songs. Cavoukian calls those who grew up with his music “Beluga grads,” and sometimes those grads come to his concerts with their own kids in tow.
“I feel grateful that after almost 40 years my music is still enjoyed by families,” he says. “It is a great honour to have Beluga grads come to the show with their own kids; they experienced the music through their childhood, and now into their adulthood.”
Cavoukian says that he has great compassion for those parents that he sees at his shows, and for parents in general.
“My heart goes out to all the parents out there doing their very best for their little ones who aren’t always at their best. I take my hat off for all the parents. You create the best society when you pay attention to the priority needs of the very young during the early years of life.”
Raffi
1 pm and 4 pm Saturday, January 16
$33.25 – $74.75, Royal Theatre
rmts.bc.ca