Source: Radio New Zealand
People have really embraced the “sign language philosophy” of Emma Memma, says the performer, who left megahit Australian children’s band The Wiggles to complete her PhD in the subject.
“Most children use visual language before they use spoken language so it’s kind of crazy that we don’t include it more,” she tells RNZ’s Afternoons.
After a “slightly controversial” tour of New Zealand during lockdown in 2021, The Wiggles didn’t perform for a long time, Watkins says. And around the same time, sign language was becoming more prominent during the pandemic.
The 36-year-old, who grew up with deaf friends, decided to leave The Wiggles and finish her PhD on bringing sign language into live performance and video to make it more accessible.
“We know now through research that visual language, regardless of whether or not it’s sign language, really benefits all children… Interestingly, most children use visual language before they use spoken language, so it’s kind of crazy that we don’t include it more.”
The name ‘Emma Memma’ – a name derived from the sounds kids used to say her name when she was a Wiggle – was a product of Watkins’ research.
In 2023, Emma Memma’s self-titled album won Best Children’s Album at the ARIAs (Australian music awards), and last year her second album ‘Dance Island Party’ took the honour again.
“It’s just amazing to see how much people have really embraced our sign language philosophy.”
She hopes to bring “a fully fledged Emma Memma tour” to New Zealand in the future.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
