Educational entertainment company, Kukua, celebrates the season 2 premiere of the YouTube Originals animated series, “Super Sema,” with the announcement of licensing deals for Africa’s kids’ superhero franchise. Beginning this summer, new content will roll out every Friday on the “Super Sema” YouTube channel, including both series episodes and complementary STEAM educational vlogs.  

With the launch of season 2, Kukua has announced the expansion of the “Super Sema” North American publishing and licensing program with the signing of Penguin Random House, Bendon and Bentex.  

Penguin will publish 8x8s, board books and leveled readers. 

“Penguin Young Readers Licenses is thrilled to be partnering with United Talent Agency and Kukua Education Limited to bring the extraordinary world of ‘Super Sema’ to books,” says Daniel Moreton, vice president and publisher, licenses and brands, Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Random House. “Kukua’s mission of reaffirming how children see themselves in the world perfectly aligns with Penguin Young Readers’ own mission of making books for every reader. The unique mix of creativity, determination, science and technology is sure to inspire future leaders and change-makers alike. Go Sema!” 

Bendon will publish a range of coloring and activity books. 

“Bendon looks for properties that combine entertainment and education,” says Ben Ferguson, chief executive officer, Bendon. “‘Super Sema’ does this perfectly and we are excited to be on board.” 

Bentex is on board as master apparel licensee.  

“We are beyond thrilled to bring ‘Super Sema’ into our license portfolio,” says Susan Peia, executive vice president, global licensing, Bentex. “Fans of ‘Super Sema’ can expect to see exciting and unique designs to bring their favorite characters on screen to their wardrobe. The Bentex Group’s expertise is making quality product with exceptional fit and fashion-forward styles at the right price, all of which you can expect to see from our ‘Super Sema’ products.” 

The deals will see product hitting retail shelves for the back-to-school season for 2023, and were brokered by Super Sema’s North American Licensing Agency, UTA, who featured “Super Sema” at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. A master toy deal with Just Play was previously announced. 

“We are thrilled to have such top-tier licensees joining our mission to inspire and empower kids all over the world to become change-makers like Sema,” says Vanessa Ford, chief operating officer, Kukua. “We can’t wait for kids to be able to explore more of her world and express themselves through joyful, purposeful play, books and fashion.”