Sesame Square

Production

The series was co-produced by Sesame Workshop and Ileke Media, with collaboration from education advisors from Nigeria's Ministries of Health and Education, led by Ayobisi Osuntusa, Executive Director of the Sesame Square Nigeria Foundation. Creators faced challenges balancing social norms and traditions of multiple ethnic and religious groups alongside Sesame Workshop's guidelines, and there was concern that emphasizing diversity over unity might be divisive. English was chosen as the main language to be ethnically neutral, though Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba words were taught in some segments. In 2013, resources were provided to dub three seasons into Hausa; 39 episodes were dubbed for Dandalin Sesame, which began airing in late 2015 in several northern states via AREWA24.

Characters and location

The set resembles a traditional Nigerian village with a central mango tree. The series features Kami, an HIV-positive Muppet originally from Takalani Sesame, and Zobi, a blue furry Muppet who is a Yam Monster (the Nigerian version of Cookie Monster, also a main character of Takalani Sesame where he is known as Zikwe). Big Bird, Bert, and Ernie appear, revoiced with Nigerian and American accents. Guests included Onyeka Onwenu, GT Da Guitarman, and Rooftop MC.

Did You Know?

• A 2013 study by Fluent Research found a strong positive correlation between exposure to the show and skills like letter naming, counting, hand washing, cooperation, and gender equity.
• As of 2020, USAID had not renewed its financial support, and no further episodes have been produced.