Toya in ‘Powerpuff’ reboot
SOUTH Africa’s jazz-electrohipphenomenon, Toya Delazy, will again be lending her voice to Cartoon Network – but this time as a special guest voice-over artist in five episodes of the reimagined series The Powerpuff Girls.
“I have always dreamed of being the voice of a cartoon character.
“Never did I think I would be recording a voice-over for Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls though!
“I have always appreciated how creative the channel is – even to this day,” says Delazy.
The pop star’s relationship with Cartoon Network started in April 2016 when they teamed up to create an all-African, localised theme song for the launch of a new version of Cartoon Network’s most enduring original series, The Powerpuff Girls.
The theme song, sung and produced by Delazy, not only created a wholesome local flavour, but also stirred excitement and quickly engaged the channel’s local audiences across the continent.
Delazy talks about with Cartoon Network: her
My journey started with Cartoon Network in 2016, when I was approached to create the local version of The Powerpuff Girls theme song for the launch of the new show. This year, The Powerpuff Girls took a little trip down to Cape Town for the launch of a project called the PPG African Art Factory, where I was the not-so-mysterious mystery guest.
I got to sing, dance and perform in the name of The Powerpuff Girls, which journey was actually really cool! This year has just been wild. Towards the beginning of the year, based on the established relationship, I was contacted to be the voice-over artist for a new character which is going to appear in five special episodes. Based on how things are going, I believe this journey will continue to grow, evolve and develop. Cartoon Network contacted my manager to ask if I would be interested in being the voice of a new special guest on the series which is going to appear in October.
I could hardly breath – that’s how excited I was.
I cannot give away too much detail, but the character is awesome, you are going to love her! Consider is not the right word. This has been a dream of mine since I can remember; I just never really could have imagined that it would ever come true! I would definitely do it again if the right opportunity presented itself to me! It wasn’t, actually; I think I watch way too many cartoons, which may have positively influenced me a lot!
Being in the studio is life for me; it’s the one place on earth where I feel 100% myself and 100% comfortable, where I can let the creativity flow. Same-same but different. I haven’t seen the final version as yet, but they were busy pre-mixing and pre-dubbing everything in studio while I was recording so I could hear and see what the final product would sound and look like, and it’s crazy!
As a kid I would always do cartoon voices with my cousins, so imagining kids doing the same with my character is kind of funny – I’m actually doing it for real now! The new character will be revealed in October 2017, so watch this space! Resonating with local audiences is really important when it comes to creating relevant content that really engages fans. By using local talent, the project immediately becomes more familiar and relatable, which is why I believe it is crucial for other brands to do this. Localisation can be done simply but effectively – look at what we are doing here! Diversity is super important to me. I strive to be an inclusive artist and empower the youth to be that way, as they are our future leaders. The creation of this new character completely embodies that philosophy, as The Powerpuff Girls is all about sisterhood, family and empowerment.
I really believe that Cartoon Network is going a notch higher than any other network with this. I know that local African kids will feel empowered and included, and that’s what they need. We all search for acceptance in the end. Definitely! We’re in chat with the team to create a clothing line; it’s still early stages, but that’s something I’m excited about, as fashion has always been important for the overall Toya Delazy brand. Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls is a long-term project for me and we’re in constant talks with the European team to create super-cool campaigns.
● The PowerPuff Girls on Dstv Cartoon Network (channel 301) at 12.25pm today —
DDR