Kiss Daniel: Singer’s ‘No do’, samples the iconic soundtrack of ‘Tales By Moonlight’

For his current big record, Kiss Daniel traveled to the past, and brought forward a classic tune.

Have you ever listened to Kiss Daniel’s latest single, ‘No do’ and felt a sense of recognition when the instrumentals came on? Did it remind you of something or triggered a sense of déjà vu?

Well, whatever you are feeling is valid. Kiss Daniel did perform a trick on you, with the instrumentals. The inspiration for the song produced by DJ Smith, draws from the theme song of ‘Tales By Moonlight’, the iconic Nigerian series which was a staple of Nigerian TV in the 90s.

The programme which kicked off on TV in 1984, ran into the 90s.

The PVR option wasn't available in those days. Viewers had to be sitting in front of their television at the exact time that it aired.

And just like the kids on the screen, the engaging show had viewers paying rapt attention to the story told by the woman fondly called "aunty" by the kids.

 

Before the internet and cable TV became accessible in Nigeria, the country depended on the national TV network, NTA, and ‘Tales by Moonlight’ was arguably its most popular show. A 30-minute children's programme that narrated traditional African folklore, it was superior to every other thing on TV, including other favourites like "Speak Out" and "Storyline."

Tales by Moonlight is a re-enactment of one our most cherished cultural traditions; that of story-telling at sunset after a hard day’s work. It is usually done by a grandparent. Via story-time, children are taught about their roots, cultural values, folklore, proverbs, issues relating to discipline, respect for elders, love for one another etc, all through the medium of entertaining stories.

If you are an African born in the 90s or older, then chances are you remember sitting outside under the trees or simply beneath the dark sky listening to a story as it took root in your mind and became part of your dreams, Tales by Moonlight is that experience brought to life. Each 30 minute episode features 2 stories, a lesson of the day, dancing and a question and answer session at the end.

The theme song which was its most recognizable feature was once a part of Nigeria’s pop culture. But with the decline of the NTA and the rise of new technology, the show was discontinued. It's 2017, but thoughts of "Tales by Moonlight" is still one that would leave most 80s and 90s kids reminiscing about their childhood.

That’s why Kiss Daniel has it in his music. The video by Clarence Peters captures the theme of the song, with a rich story and a moral lesson at the end of it all. In a way, it’s like watching ‘Tales by Moonlight’, only this time, it is served in a new format.

Check out an episode of 'Tales by Moonlight' below.