Page 38 - FWG_Issue 10_2022

Today’s Child

TAKALANI SESAME

A TRUE SOUTH AFRICAN ICON

akalani Sesame, the ground- Berry, the talent who brings Elmo to life, suit got out of his fancy car and started
breaking South African children’s says that this has been a real highlight gesticulating. He wanted to tell us what a
programme, has educated and during his 22 years as part of the show. huge fan he is, and how the show has had
Tentertained children for more “In our exciting new season, Elmo gets a a positive impact on him, and how it had
than 22 years. Named the Best Children’s big feeling when he tries to play Zuzu’s helped him. What a blessing it is to see that
Programme at the South African Film and Adventure game. It’s very powerful to see we’ve made a real difference in people’s
Television Awards (SAFTA) 2021, Takalani Elmo deal with real, big feelings like being lives.”
Sesame promotes early childhood nervous,” Damon enthuses.
education while supporting South Africa’s Tumi Maratele, the voice of Zuzu, once
mother-tongue based education policy While Damon says that his Takalani Sesame found herself seated on a flight next to her
with television, radio and digital content, journey started when he was cast as a character’s ‘greatest fan’. “I was wearing a
along with community and classroom character in the show’s very first season, Zuzu T-shirt, and she asked where I got it
engagement. other puppeteers have fond memories of from. When I told her I had received it on
watching the characters themselves. Take set, she told me that Zuzu was her favourite
TIMELESS APPEAL Nozizwe Zulu, the talent behind Kami, for character – and she couldn’t believe it
When asked “What’s your favourite example: “Of course I watched the show when I told her that I puppeteer Zuzu! I had
Takalani Sesame memory?” it’s not only when I was growing up! Everyone in my to show her photos of myself with Zuzu, do
young South Africans who are able to offer hood did.” Nozizwe isn’t the only person Zuzu’s giggle, speak in her voice and even
an answer. Many of their moms and dads on the team whose life was significantly sing a song. Needless to say, I ended up
grew up with the show, singing along with impacted by the show – it seems that performing for the whole flight!”
the likes of Elmo, Zuzi, Kami, Moshe and many people the actors meet have a story
Zikwe every weekday after school. to tell about their favourite character. Nyanga Tshabalala, whose character is
Zikwe, says that even if people don’t have
One of the reasons for the show’s enduring Damon recalls one of his experiences: their own stories about watching Takalani
appeal is its ability to tap into the zeitgeist “We were once doing a location shoot in Sesame, they’re inevitably intrigued when
of the times. This season’s accent on ‘big Maboneng. While I was standing there they find out he’s a puppeteer. “They always
emotions’ is a case in point: in fact, Damon with my character, a businessman in a want to know how we do it. That tells me

Fourways Gardens • 36 • November 2022