You might recognize Daveed Diggs from his role as Lafayette in “Hamilton,” but did you know he’s also making waves in the world of family-friendly rap with a delightful new song for Hanukkah? In a bid to bring some fresh tunes to the Festival of Lights, Disney Channel enlisted Diggs to create an upbeat and charming song titled “A Puppy for Hanukkah.”
“I was thrilled when Disney Channel reached out to me for a new Hanukkah song,” Diggs expressed in a press release. “I was excited to share my love for music and a piece of my cultural heritage.”
Although Diggs doesn’t appear in the music video, it features 11-year-old Ethan Hollingsworth, who embodies a youthful Diggs vibe. The video showcases children dancing, rapping, and eagerly unwrapping gifts each night of Hanukkah, all while dreaming of the puppy they hope to receive. After a week filled with practical gifts like gloves and warm sweaters, the final night delivers the much-anticipated puppy.
The catchy tune includes playful lyrics like: “Okay first night an’ I’m feeling right // Momma came with a gift wrapped box // It don’t bark don’t bite don’t cry when I shake it so I’m pretty sure that it’s just socks.”
Beyond his Broadway fame, Diggs is a multi-talented writer, creator, actor, and rapper. The song was crafted alongside his experimental hip-hop group, Clipping. “Daveed, William, and Jonathan have created a Hanukkah anthem that’s inventive, funny, and poignant, celebrating the Miracle of Lights, our diverse world, and the joy of welcoming a pet into a child’s life,” a Disney executive commented.
Diggs has previously shared insights about his Jewish heritage, noting, “I went to Hebrew school but chose not to have a bar mitzvah. My mom is Jewish, and my dad is Black. The cultures always felt intertwined to me.”
You can enjoy “A Puppy for Hanukkah” on YouTube or catch it airing on Disney Channel throughout Hanukkah.