Millions of children follow this children’s phenomenon that brings together music, values, nature, and cultural roots in a global adventure.
By Susan Villa
In just a few years, Chiki Toonz has gone from being a children’s initiative born in Peru to becoming one of the most prominent family entertainment phenomena in Latin America. With millions of followers on digital platforms and a concept that combines music, learning, and values, the project has managed to connect with children and families from different countries, demonstrating that educational content can also be fun and exciting.
Now, the world of Chiki Toonz crosses the Atlantic for a very special moment: its first visit to Spain. The chosen setting is no coincidence. The Zoo Aquarium of Madrid has hosted an initiative dedicated to Peruvian biodiversity, where music, nature, and education come together to bring the cultural and environmental richness of one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet closer to children.
With an international tour underway, new projects in development, and a community that continues to grow day by day, the members of Chiki Toonz are embracing this new chapter with the same excitement that led them to win the hearts of millions of children. In this interview, they talk to us about their beginnings, the value of cultural roots, the importance of education through entertainment, and the challenges they face as they expand internationally.
1. Chiki Toonz was created just a few years ago and has already become one of the most important children’s projects in Latin America. What were the early days like, and when did you feel that you had truly connected with young audiences?
Mariano: “At first, we were simply a group of children who wanted to sing, dance, and have fun. We recorded videos without imagining how far they could go. But it was at concerts and live performances that we truly felt the connection. Seeing the chikis recognize us, sing our songs, dance with us, greet us, or wait for a photo is something that moves us tremendously. It fills us with energy and makes us very happy to think that we are part of the childhood of so many children. I think that was when we understood that Chiki Toonz had reached the hearts of families.”
2. The project focuses on teaching values, biodiversity, and emotions through music and imagination. Do you think children today need a different way of learning and consuming entertainment?
Cayetana: “Yes, definitely. Today, we children learn not only at school, but also at home and through technology. We are exposed to a great deal of information, and it is not always appropriate for our age. That is why one of Chiki Toonz’s main purposes is to offer wholesome content where little ones can have fun while learning. When you like a song, you learn it almost without realizing it, and the message stays with you. Through our songs, they can learn colors, shapes, languages, emotions, empathy, and many other important things. But above all, we want to remind them that it is okay to remain children, enjoy every stage, and not be in a hurry to grow up. We believe that we should never lose the magic of childhood.”
3. One of the most striking aspects of Chiki Toonz is that the protagonists are real children. Why was it important to you that young viewers could see themselves reflected in other children?
Nicole: “Because we are just like them. We go to school, have homework, friends, make mistakes, learn, and experience things similar to what other children experience. We are also truly friends, and I think that energy can be felt. You cannot fake it because it is genuine. We also felt that it had been a long time since there had been a children’s group made by children and for children, and it was time for something like that to exist again. When a child sees someone their own age on a stage or on a screen, they feel that they can also achieve incredible things, and that makes them identify much more strongly.”
4. You are arriving in Spain for the first time, at a setting as symbolic as the Zoo Aquarium of Madrid, with activities dedicated to Peruvian biodiversity. What does it mean to you to bring together children’s music and environmental awareness?
Amil: “It is a very special experience because it allows us to have fun while talking about something as important as caring for nature. We also feel very proud to represent Peru during Peruvian Biodiversity Month. Our country is incredibly rich in flora and fauna; it has an enormous amount of history, traditions, and unique diversity. We have the coast, the highlands, and the jungle, each with different landscapes, animals, cultures, and microclimates. Being able to bring a little piece of our country to children in Spain and around the world is an honor for us. We love that they can learn about species such as the Humboldt penguin, the Andean flamingo, and many other wonders that are part of our Peru.”
5. The album Raíces travels through different countries in Latin America and highlights the cultural identity of the region. What do you want to convey to children about their roots and about cultural diversity?
Ale: “With Raíces, we wanted to bring children closer to the music and traditions that have accompanied many generations. The idea was to build bridges between generations, so that the chikis could share songs with their parents and grandparents and feel proud of their culture. We want them to understand that knowing their roots does not mean remaining in the past, but rather valuing who we are and where we come from. We were also fortunate to collaborate with incredible artists such as Aymée Nuviola, a Latin Grammy winner and one of the most important voices in Cuban music, and the great Tania Libertad, considered one of the most internationally recognized Peruvian artists. We learned so much from them, and it was an honor to share this initiative with such important artists.
6. In a very short time, you have gained millions of subscribers and collaborated with major figures in children’s entertainment. How do you manage such a large phenomenon without losing the educational and family-oriented essence of the project?
Mariano: “I think the key is to never forget who we are doing this for. We always think about children and families. Before releasing a song or a video, we ask ourselves whether we would enjoy it ourselves, whether it contributes something positive, and whether it conveys the values we want to share. The growth has been enormous, but the essence remains the same: to entertain, teach, and accompany young audiences. We are also always surrounded by a team that reminds us of Chiki Toonz’s purpose, and that helps us keep our feet on the ground.”
7. After this first visit to Spain and with the 2026 international tour underway, what new projects, countries, or surprises are coming next for the Chiki Toonz universe?
Everyone: “We are going through a very exciting stage. Chiki Toonz will continue to surprise audiences with new songs, albums, and projects for little ones, and there is a major new development coming. The first generation of Chiki Toonz, who are now teenagers, is preparing to launch a new youth group called Chiki Pop. It will be an initiative featuring original songs, specifically designed to accompany the kids who have grown up with us and who are now experiencing new aspects of adolescence. This new chapter will have the support of our record label, AWAL, along with a very special international strategy. Meanwhile, the new generation of Chiki Toonz will continue bringing joy, music, and learning to children around the world. So we can say that the Chiki Toonz universe has only just begun.”
Beyond the numbers and the success they have achieved, Chiki Toonz demonstrates that children’s entertainment can also be a tool for educating, inspiring, and conveying positive values. With their feet on the ground and their eyes set on new horizons, the project continues to grow without losing its essence: accompanying children and families through music, imagination, and learning. Their arrival in Spain is just one more step in an adventure that, as they themselves assure us, has only just begun.
About the Interview
This interview with Chiki Toonz was conducted by Susan Villa, a journalist, communicator, actress, and model with a professional career connected to the worlds of culture, fashion, entertainment, and media. Her work combines journalistic storytelling with a particular interest in the people and creative projects shaping contemporary cultural life.
Through her interviews and cultural coverage, Susan Villa has spoken with artists, musicians, actors, writers, and other prominent figures, bringing readers closer to their personal journeys, creative processes, and professional achievements. In this conversation with Chiki Toonz, she explores the origins of the children’s phenomenon, its educational mission, the importance of cultural roots and biodiversity, and the international expansion of a project that continues to reach new generations.
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