As the beloved children's show celebrates its 30th anniversary, Simeon Daise reimagines the magic for a new generation, with Binyah Binyah the Frog growing up right alongside us.
If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember Gullah Gullah Island like it was yesterday the catchy theme song, the vibrant Gullah Geechee culture, and, of course, Binyah Binyah the Frog bouncing around spreading joy and curiosity. Well, guess what? It’s been 30 years, and Gullah Gullah Island is making a comeback.
This time, it’s not for kids. The show is getting a dramatic reimagining, and the mastermind behind it is none other than Simeon Daise, son of the original stars Ron and Natalie Daise. And trust us, this new version is about more than nostalgia. It’s about healing, growth, and discovering who you are. But don’t worry, Binyah Binyah is still here just a little more grown up!
Talking to Simeon about Gullah Gullah Island’s legacy, it’s clear that the show’s impact goes way beyond childhood memories. "People come up to me all the time, telling me how the show helped them identify with Gullah Geechee culture, even when their own families hadn’t talked about it much," Simeon says. "It wasn’t just a show Gullah Gullah Island gave people a sense of identity, a connection to their roots. That’s powerful."
It’s been 30 years, but the lessons of Gullah Gullah Island are still resonating today. “The show wasn’t just fun, it was educational,” Simeon explains. “When you teach someone something meaningful, they remember it and they remember who taught it to them.” For many people, Gullah Gullah Island wasn’t just TV. It was the first time they saw themselves on screen, learning about their own culture while also celebrating diversity. “We had a Black family, a Hispanic neighbor, a little white girl who came to play, and they were all part of this vibrant community,” he says. "We were showcasing a future where everyone could belong."
Now, Simeon is taking that same sense of belonging and expanding it for the grown-ups. This reimagining isn’t just for kids it’s for the audience that grew up with the show and is now grappling with adulthood. "We’re talking about healing now," Simeon says. "It’s about reconciling who you are today with where you come from about healing from generational trauma and finding strength in your roots. It’s for all of us who grew up but maybe still need a little help finding our way."
And let’s talk about Binyah Binyah . Our favorite frog is back, but he’s grown up, too. Meet iBinya, which stands for "I Been Here." “He’s still the same Binyah Binyah , but he’s evolved just like the rest of us,” Simeon laughs. "He’s got a cool new look gold chain, fresh style but his heart is still the same. He’s a symbol of continuity, of sticking around through the ups and downs."
Simeon’s passion for this new version of Gullah Gullah Island comes from a deeply personal place. Growing up on set with his parents, the show wasn’t just work it was life. He even has a sweet memory of how his father used to help him with his lines by whispering in his ear and bumping heads with him as a cue. “To this day, we still bump heads when we see each other,” Simeon says, smiling. “It’s this little thing that started on set but became part of our bond.”
With this reimagining, Simeon is diving into topics that reflect the world we live in today identity, belonging, and the struggles of adulthood. "It’s not a kids’ show anymore. It’s for us the ones who grew up watching it and now have to figure out who we are as adults," Simeon explains. "We’re tackling real issues, but through the same lens of joy and culture that made Gullah Gullah Island special."
The heart of the show is still rooted in the Gullah Geechee culture, but now Simeon wants to go deeper. “My dad always said the show had to make kids proud of their Blackness, and that intention carried through the whole series,” he says. "Now, I want to explore what it means to hold onto that pride while navigating the complexities of adult life. It’s about reclaiming your culture and using it as a tool for healing and growth."
So whether you’re ready to revisit the island or you’re just curious about this fresh, grown-up take on the show, Gullah Gullah Island is back and it’s bigger and bolder than ever. i Binyah (because he’s always been here), and so have we.
Prepare for a new journey one that dives deep into the themes of identity, culture, and healing, with the same heart and soul that made us all fall in love with Gullah Gullah Island in the first place. It’s not just a reboot; it’s an evolution.
Stay tuned because the journey is just beginning!
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