Nigerian ‘Sesame Street’ goes ‘Square’

The original show was a staple for Nigerian kids, aired on weekdays on national TV. Renamed ‘Sesame Square,’ it will air 26 episodes in the first of its scheduled three seasons, with one show for each letter of the alphabet. Yemisi Ilo, Executive Producer of the show, told Weekly Trust: “Nigeria is diverse; we have […]

The original show was a staple for Nigerian kids, aired on weekdays on national TV. Renamed ‘Sesame Square,’ it will air 26 episodes in the first of its scheduled three seasons, with one show for each letter of the alphabet. Yemisi Ilo, Executive Producer of the show, told Weekly Trust: “Nigeria is diverse; we have 250 different ethnic groups and so many different languages. We don’t have the same customs. We do think differently. But children are children. All children love songs and all children love furry, animal-type things.”

Explaining the name-change, Ilo said: “A village square is somewhere where people gather around. It’s all across Nigeria.”

The lead Muppets are called Kami, who has yellow fur and Zobi, who is green. Kami is an orphan with HIV who explains blood safety to children through her own story. Zobi, whose yellow taxi lacks an engine, teaches by getting entangled in a mosquito net while explaining malaria prevention.

Special celebrity guests visiting ‘Sesame Square’ include Onyeka Onwenu.  Each episode also presents ‘Sesame Street’ formats known to children worldwide.

In addition to ‘Sesame Square’ airing on NTA, literacy kits will reach 80,000 children and 2,700 caregivers. “Through Sesame Square, Nigerian children will have a unique opportunity to see other children just like them engaging in exciting activities and lessons that have the potential to foster a lifelong love of learning,” said Gary E. Knell, President and CEO, Sesame Workshop. “Sesame Workshop is proud to work with the United States Government through USAID and NTA to create and distribute a series that will not only introduce children to letters and numbers, but will also teach important lessons about diversity, health and the world around them.”

“Through our collaboration with Sesame Workshop to produce ‘Sesame Square’ and the related outreach materials we hope to  make a significant difference in improving the health, education and everyday lives of Nigerian children and their families,” said United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrance McCulley.

The Muppets’ adventures take place between original recorded ‘Sesame Street’ segments, redubbed with Nigerians voicing the parts of familiar characters such as Bert and Ernie. One live-action scene shows hijab-wearing girls in the Muslim-majority north kicking a soccer ball and proudly saying they can do anything a boy can do.

The big Abuja launch will see guests like U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence P. McCulley, USAID/Nigeria Mission Director, Ray Kirkland, as well as furry and lovable ‘Sesame Square’ Muppet friends themselves, Kami and Zobi. Now that’s certainly no dreamland mix-up.