Since 2003 The Funky Monkeys have been singing and dancing for young audiences throughout New Zealand as a veritable ‘super-group’ for kids. Performers Joe McNamara, Neil Tolan and Chris Lam Sam, along with their best friend, Dizzy Dog, have strutted their proudly ‘home-grown’ music, complete with authentic kiwi accents, throughout Aotearoa both on stage and TV.

Shortly before their fifth anniversary in 2008, the orange-clad lads quit their day jobs to become the only full-time touring band for kids aged 2-8 in the nation; allowing their combined talents in singing, songwriting and dancing to rocket to the next exciting level. Since then, The Funky Monkeys have brought smiles and laughter to over 1.5 million people at events, theatre shows, schools and early childhood institutions around New Zealand.

Setting a new standard for children’s entertainment in New Zealand!

In 2007 their music video for their educational song about manners, ‘The Thank You Song’, won the APRA Children’s Music Award for ‘Best Children’s Music Video’ in an online voting competition run in partnership with long-time children’s TV favourite, ‘What Now?’.

THE FUNKY MONKEY ‘LETTING KIDS BE KIDS’

The Funky Monkeys have always enjoyed the opportunity to ‘let kids be kids’. Performer, Chris Lam Sam explains: “Kids seem to grow up so fast these days; much faster than we ever did.

Right from the beginning, our mission to ‘let kids be kids’ has had a huge impact on how we write material for our shows. When they come to our shows, we encourage children to do things they naturally find fun. If they want to sing, we hope it’s loud and tuneless. If they want to dance, we hope it’s all over the place.

If they just want to sit quietly and take it all in, then brilliant - do that - because if they’re happy enjoying the magic of their childhood, we’re happy too.”