The series was co-produced by Sesame Workshop and Ileke Media.[4] It was also produced in collaboration with education advisors from Nigeria's Ministries of Health and Education led by the Executive Director of Sesame Square Nigeria Foundation, Ayobisi Osuntusa.[1] Production was challenging as the creators had to balance social norms and traditions of multiple ethnic and religious groups in addition to Sesame Workshop's guidelines.[4] There was also concern that emphasizing diversity over unity might be divisive.[4] English was chosen as the program's main language out of a desire for the show to be "ethnically neutral"; however, Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba words were taught in some segments.[4]
In 2013 Sesame Workshop was given resources to dub the three seasons of the program into Hausa. 39 episodes were eventually dubbed for the newly-titled Dandalin Sesame, which began airing in late 2015 in several northern states through AREWA24 a Nigerian satellite television channel..[1][5]
Characters and location
The set of Sesame Square resembles a traditional Nigerian village with a central mango tree.[3]
The series stars Kami, an HIV-positive Muppet (who was originally part of Takalani Sesame, the South African version of Sesame Street),[2] and Zobi, a blue, furry Muppet who is a 'YamMonster' (the Nigerian version of the Cookie Monster in the American original; Zobi is also a main character of Takalani Sesame, where he is known as Zikwe).[1][3][6]Big Bird, Bert, and Ernie, all characters who originated in the American production, also appear.[1][3][7] The characters were revoiced, however, to give them Nigerian and American accents.
The vibrant world of Sesame Square was graced by an exciting lineup of human characters and special guests, including the legendary Onyeka Onwenu MFR, the talented GT Da Guitarman, the dynamic Rooftop MC, and the ever-charming recurring community member Uncle Ado. Each brought their unique flair and energy, making every episode a delightful experience for viewers!.[4]
In addition to teaching letters and numbers, the show aims to educate children about malaria prevention, promote Nigerian unity through the representation of the diverse groups that make up the country, and to lessen the stigma of being HIV-positive.[3] Girls' education and vaccine education also feature as topics.[1]
The first season contains 26 episodes, one for each letter of the English alphabet.[9] The second season premiered in May 2012 and the third season was broadcast in September 2013.[1] As of 2014 the show had 78 episodes total.[4] As of 2020, USAID had not renewed its financial support of the show, and no further episodes have been produced.[10]
Reception
In 2013 approximately 7.7 million children, aged 3–7, watched the program.[1] That same year, a study by Fluent Research found strong positive correlation between exposure to the show's episodes and materials and "letter naming; following verbal instructions; counting; hand washing; cooperation; and gender equity".[10]
