About Global Kidz

Our Story

My name is Joanne Nicolls and I established 'Global Kidz' in Sydney, Australia in 2007. The inspiration for the business came from my daughter Arame who is 6 y.o. and of African/Australian nationality. Being a mother to a multiracial daughter opened my eyes and enlightened me to a whole new world of appreciating and respecting the diversity around me.

Upon embarking on a wide search for multicultural activities (specifically music) and cultural clothing and accessories for her, I soon realised there was a unique niche to be filled.

Concerned that cultural awareness was not being promoted or widely celebrated for children, I decided to act on the passion and create it myself.

The Clothing

The cultural clothing & accessories range is designed to connect with elements from all over the world and continues to evolve as new ideas spring to mind.

Dresses are created around multicultural motifs to celebrate the diversity that exists in our community, sling t-shirts are nurturing and connecting to a cross-cultural tradition and dolls are selected to reflect and create awareness of different cultures. Each clothing piece is an original design and handmade in Sydney.

Pieces are designed to be unique and build positive identity through symbols and bright colours. Please mark us as a 'favourite' and continue to watch this space for further additions created to celebrate the wonderful diversity around us.

The Music

In an attempt to unite children of cross-cultural backgrounds, I am the founder and director of the 'Global Kidz Choir', a world music choir that travels and celebrates the world through music and song.

Through the use of voice, percussion and dance, children (aged 5-10 y.o.) learn a range of songs from many different countries such as Australia, Africa, South America, Italy, France etc.

So far the choir has been successful in creating new friendships based on understanding and respect, educated on cross-cultural difference and created a safe space to express emotion and well-being.

I am humbled and delighted when I see the kids celebrating their efforts with public festival performances. So far we have been very well received at the Marrickville Rd Festival, Dulwich Hill St Fair, Newtown Festival & The Glebe St Fair. Performances are colourful and lively as children dress in the national dress of their cultural background.

About Me

My own diverse work/study/travel/music background has finally come together and lead me to 'Global Kidz'. It has been a long-time coming but feels like it's all been leading up to this point!

My work in Adult & Community Education has been varied and allowed me to dabble in many different areas such as business, arts, handcrafts, music and dance. I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different parts of the world where I have been enriched by the people I have met.

I have studied music in West Africa where I participated in a cultural study tour of drumming, dance and voice and I have embraced the opportunity to train with many great vocalists through a series of workshops including Gospel, Blues, African & World Music. I am currently cementing (& have nearly completed!) my music studies with a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy at UTS Kuringai…a powerful journey which continues to expand and open my eyes to the healing benefits and power of music.

Thanks for reading my story and please continue to celebrate and connect with Global Kidz on our travel adventure around the world.