Australian children’s entertainment has witnessed a groundbreaking shift with Tsehay Hawkins, an Ethiopian-born dancer and performer, making history as the youngest and first African-Australian member of The Wiggles.
At just 16, she stepped into the role of the Yellow Wiggle, leaving an indelible mark on a beloved institution and inspiring a new generation of diverse young audiences.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tsehay—whose name means “sun” in Amharic—was adopted by Australian parents and raised in Bargo, New South Wales.
Her passion for dance ignited at age two, leading her to master an array of styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, Ethiopian, West African, salsa, and Latin dance.
Her talent and dedication earned her 11 Australian titles and five World titles in Latin and commercial dance.
In 2018, Tsehay captivated audiences on Little Big Shots, showcasing her African fusion dance skills.
Her extraordinary talent led to her joining The Wiggles in 2021 as part of the Fruit Salad TV YouTube series, an initiative aimed at increasing diversity within the group.
Later that year, she was announced as the new Yellow Wiggle, succeeding Emma Watkins. This historic appointment marked a significant step toward inclusion in Australian children’s entertainment.
During her tenure with The Wiggles, Tsehay contributed to albums such as ReWiggled, Super Wiggles, and The Sound of Halloween.
Her impact was recognized at the 2021 ARIA Awards, where the group won Best Children’s Album and Best Australian Live Act. In 2022, she was nominated for the Rising Star award at the Marie Claire Women of the Year Awards, further solidifying her role as a trailblazer in the industry.
Beyond her performances, Tsehay has been a beacon of representation, inspiring young children of color who see themselves reflected in her vibrant presence on screen.
She has shared the joy of witnessing children with natural curls dressing up as her.
