NZ Man top of UK Charts with album

The Secret is Child's Play for New Zealand's Mr 'Disney'

A New Zealand man has topped the UK iTunes Children's Chart while discovering a gap in the self-help market for children and helping himself to a Number One Best-Selling album.

Former New Zealand radio presenter Dean O'Brien, now living in England, was inspired by the global phenomenon called 'The Secret'. Written by international best selling author, Rhonda Byrne, The Secret is a film and book about creating the life you want using the Law of Attraction. Dean developed a world of entertainment, learning and creativity for toddlers and pre-school children using the principles from the worlds leading peak performance experts.

Dean (34) from the small town of Mosgiel, Otago, harnessed the power of positive thinking after losing his job last May. He ploughed his musical talent and energies into imagining 'Mr Yipadee' and his friends, composing songs and stories for the characters to promote health and happiness in youngsters.

After months of hard work, O'Brien’s debut album, The Animal Choir, sold over 17,000 copies in the first 3 months. Bursting with vibrant characters and catchy tunes, the album aimed at inspiring young minds. The second Mr Yipadee album, The Yes I Can Club (available digitally in the UK), recently reached the top of the iTunes Children's Chart. This cements Dean a place in history as the first New Zealander to get a Number One position in the Children’s Charts in the UK.

Dean explained, "With the birth of my baby girl it became apparent that there are very little engaging and fun products for pre-schoolers promoting positive thinking and self-belief. There are an abundance of wonderful materials, teachings, and tools for adults, but nobody successfully translates these for the most crucial developmental age.

When I lost my job in the recession, I became passionate about sharing these world-leading peak performance principles for this age (0-7) in an entertaining manner. It was scary to embark on this dream with no job and a 6-month old baby; we have definitely had our ups and downs! My family and I had to make a very conscious effort to keep focused and stay positive. To see the charts this week and become an iTunes Number One Best Selling Artist is incredible!

We frequently receive emails, calls, and cards from parents around the world telling us how much they love Mr Yipadee. One day we received a hand-written card from California—it was from one of the most inspirational best-selling authors of our generation, Dr. John Gray and his wife Bonnie (Men Are From Mars - Women Are From Venus). He was actually an inspiration behind our debut album 'The Animal Choir'! They wrote, "We have been playing it [Mr Yipadee] for our 4-year old grandson and he loves it!" I didn’t sleep for two days from the excitement!

The biggest feedback comes from the children. Playing a concert with hundreds of children dancing, singing, and laughing—that is what it's all about! If we can inspire our children to live life to the full and believe in themselves and their dreams whilst having fun, then we are doing our job."

Sales and pre-orders this week for 'Mr Yipadee – Yes I Can Club’ have even overtaken the best-selling compilations 'Now That's What I Call Disney!' on the Apple-owned iTunes website. It just goes to show that 'When You Wish Upon A Star...'!

One of Dean's goals for 2013 is to return to New Zealand and do a free concert in every region around the country, dedicated to the parents and kids that have also hit upon tough times in the past or at present. When asked for any advice, Dean replied, "Be grateful! Even if it’s just for waking up and appreciating you have another day to make a difference. Make a conscious effort to stay positive and know what you want. Go for it, follow your heart!"

ENDS

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