HIV-positive muppet to star in Nigeria's 'Sesame Street' - CNN.com: Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog have some new friends, but they're a long way from 'Sesame Street.'
One of America's best-loved children's shows, which began life on a fictional New York street over 40 years ago, is about to land in Nigeria under the title of 'Sesame Square' -- bringing with it some distinctly West African twists.
The show stars Kami, a girl Muppet who is HIV-positive, has golden hair and a zest for adventure; and Kobi, an energetic, furry, blue Muppet whose troublesome escapades help others learn from his mistakes.
In a country with a population of over 150 million -- where nearly half are under the age of 14 -- the show will address some of the biggest challenges faced by young people in the region: AIDS, malaria, gender inequality, religious differences -- as well as many positive aspects of Nigerian life. In the case of Zobi, this is characterized by an obsessive love of yams -- a staple food in the Nigerian diet.
