Reality TV for sheep in Senegal

Monday, December 3, 2012

In predominately Muslim Senegal (pop. 12.8 million), where most urban dwellers are less than a generation away from the farm, "reality TV" isn't about having the most talented child, it's about having the prettiest sheep.

Even urban dwellers keep one or two sheep, or even a small flock, in their home in the hopes of getting a spot on Khar Bii, which translates as "this sheep." Khar Bii is the most popular local show on Senegal television. There are regional championships in this American Idol-style competition, which comes to a peak just before Eid al-Adha, or Tabaski, the feast of sacrifice around the world when Muslims celebrate Abraham's near sacrifice of his son. The eventual winner gets two million francs, about C$4,000, and boosted breeding credentials. Size counts in the contest, as does testicular symmetry. BF