Raffi

Raffi, born Raffi Cavoukian, is a Canadian singer-songwriter of Armenian descent, born in Egypt, who became one of the most influential figures in children’s music starting in the late 1970s. Settling in Canada, he built a career centered on simple, warm, sing-along songs designed to be enjoyed by young children and their families alike.

His music blends folk, pop and world-music influences into gentle, accessible arrangements, often built around acoustic guitar and playful melodies. Songs like «Baby Beluga», «Down By the Bay» and «Bananaphone» became staples of childhood for generations of listeners across North America, blending educational themes with genuine musicality rather than talking down to young audiences.

Beyond his recordings, Raffi has been a long-standing advocate for child development and ecological awareness, themes that quietly inform much of his songwriting. His work helped establish children’s music as a genre capable of artistic craftsmanship rather than novelty, and his catalog remains widely recognized as foundational listening for young children.