African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe

East Coast Radio Podcasts
African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe

Step into the wonderful world of African storytelling with Gcina Mhlophe. In the multi-award-winning African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe, Gcina shares many of the tales you grew up with plus new stories – so we can keep the magic of African storytelling alive for new generations. Season 2 of African Story Magic is proudly brought to you by McDonalds Happy Meal Readers. Listen to each episode in either English or isiZulu and let's keep the storytelling magic alive! This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. #AfricanStoryMagic #GcinaMhlophe #Podcasts Accolades for African Story Magic: Winner of Podcast of the Year at the 2024 DStv Content Creator Awards Silver winner at the 2024 New Generation Awards Bronze winner at the 2024 Bookmark Awards Honourable Mention for Excellence in Podcasting at the 2023 DStv Content Creator Awards Best in Fiction at the 2023 APVA Awards More about Dr Gcina Mhlophe: Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a celebrated author, storyteller, and founding director of the Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, including all official South African languages and even Braille. Dr Mhlophe has directed her theatrical plays in the USA, UK, and Greenland, with her most renowned and studied work being "Have You Seen Zandile?" She has been awarded honorary doctorates from eight universities globally and has received numerous accolades, such as the SAMA, OBBIE, and Joseph Jefferson Awards, as well as the SAFTA Lifetime Achievement award for her acting and contributions to film in South Africa. As a leading figure in South African storytelling, her birthday, October 24th, has been designated National Storytelling Day since 2019, celebrated at her own venue, The Storytelling Tree, in Durban. • Follow the podcast or listen via the ECR website under Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!

  1. ABC Prayers (S2 Epi4 in English)

    1 DAY AGO

    ABC Prayers (S2 Epi4 in English)

    Gcina Mhlophe brings to life the heartwarming tale of a young herd boy with a big dream — to go to school and church like the other kids in his village. But his father has other plans, insisting he stay home to look after the cattle. Refusing to give up, the boy starts learning the alphabet with the help of a friend. One day, he prays to God in a way that’s unique to him — by reciting the alphabet out loud. A passing man hears this heartfelt “prayer” and is so moved that he steps in to speak to the boy’s parents. His plea works, and the boy finally gets to attend school. With a mix of hard work and determination, the boy thrives in his studies and finds a way to balance his education with his family responsibilities. It’s a touching story about perseverance, faith, and how small acts of kindness can change a life. Listen to this episode now in English or isiZulu Credits: Voice of the young boy: Bandile Gumede Voice of the young boy's father: Asanda Qumbisa Voice of young boy's mother: Ellaine Phungula Voice of Priest: Msizi Maphumulo Voices of church ladies: Ellaine Phungula, Khumbu Mkhulisi, Thobekile Honono, Production Team: Production engineer: Lango Cele Production assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive producer: Diane Macpherson

    9 min
  2. Imithandazo ka-ABC (S2 Epi4 in isiZulu)

    1 DAY AGO

    Imithandazo ka-ABC (S2 Epi4 in isiZulu)

    UGcina Mhlophe uveza indaba ethinta inhliziyo yomfana omncane ongumalusi onephupho elikhulu — ukuya esikoleni nasesontweni njengezinye izingane zasendaweni yakubo. Kodwa uyise unamanye amacebo, uthi akasale ekhaya elusa izinkomo. Enqaba ukuyeka, umfana uqala ukufunda izinhlamvu ngosizo lomngane. Ngolunye usuku, uthandaza kuNkulunkulu ngendlela ehlukile kuye—ngokuphindaphinda izinhlamvu zamagama ngokuzwakalayo. Indoda edlulayo izwa lo “mthandazo” osuka enhliziyweni futhi ithinteka kangangokuthi ingenela ukuze ikhulume nabazali bomfana. Isicelo sakhe siyasebenza, futhi umfana ekugcineni uya esikoleni. Ngokuxutshwa kokusebenza kanzima nokuzimisela, umfana uyaphumelela ezifundweni zakhe futhi uthola indlela yokulinganisa imfundo yakhe nemithwalo yemfanelo yomkhaya. Indaba ethinta inhliziyo emayelana nokubekezela, ukholo, nokuthi izenzo ezincane zomusa zingayishintsha kanjani impilo.

    7 min
  3. African Mother Christmas (S2 Epi3 in English)

    11/12/2024

    African Mother Christmas (S2 Epi3 in English)

    Celebrate the holidays with African Mother Christmas, a truly local story from African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, near Hillcrest outside Durban, this uplifting story reflects the hot KZN summers, the end of the school year, and the excitement of Christmas festivities. Thando and Buntu love the long summer days swimming in the river and taking the train to Durban for Christmas shopping—a cherished tradition and the only time they get new clothes. But this Christmas holds a magical surprise, as African Mother Christmas brings joy and wonder to the valley in a way no one could expect. “This special story was inspired by our own African way of life in the not-so-distant past, where we celebrated the end of harvest in late August, and September was our New Year in the African calendar. We would be giving thanks for the richness and fertility of our land,” says Gcina Mhlophe. Listen to this episode now in English or isiZulu and share this special festive story with your family! Episode 3 Credits: Author and Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice of Thando: Snovuyo Ntuli Voice of Thando's Father & Rickshaw man: Sky Tshabalala Voice of Father Christmas: Darren Maule Voice of Durban store owner: Carmen Reddy Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson

    12 min
  4. UMama uMasoKhisimusi wase Afrika (S2 Epi3 in isiZulu)

    11/12/2024

    UMama uMasoKhisimusi wase Afrika (S2 Epi3 in isiZulu)

    Gubha amaholide ngo-Mama uMasoKhisimusi wase Afrika, indaba yasendaweni ngempela evela ku-African Story Magic noGcina Mhlophe. Njengoba ibhekene nesizinda se-Valley of a Thousand Hills, eduze kwase-Hillcrest ngaphandle kweTheku, le ndaba eyakhayo ikhombisa ukushisa kwehlobo lase-KZN, ukuphela konyaka wesikole, kanye nesasasa lemikhosi kaKhisimusi. UThando noBuntu bayazithanda izinsuku zasehlobo ezinde bebhukuda emfuleni futhi bagibele isitimela esiya eThekwini ukuyothenga ngoKhisimusi—isiko elithandwayo futhi okuwukuphela kwesikhathi lapho bethola khona izingubo ezintsha. Kodwa lo Khisimusi uphethe isimanga esimangalisayo, njengoba uMama uMasoKhisimusi wase Afrika eletha injabulo nokumangala esigodini ngendlela okungekho muntu owayengayilindela. “Le ndaba ekhethekile igqugquzelwe indlela yethu yokuphila yase-Afrika esikhathini esingengakanani esidlule, lapho sasigubha khona ukuphela kwesivuno ngasekupheleni kukaNcwaba, kanti uMandulo kwakuwuNcibijane wethu ekhalendeni lase-Afrika. Sizobe sibonga ukunotha nokuvunda komhlaba wethu,” kusho uGcina Mhlophe. Lalela lesi siqephu manje ngesiNgisi noma ngesiZulu bese wabelana ngale ndaba eyisipesheli yamaholide nomndeni wakho!

    14 min
  5. Sisanda’s Gift (S2 Epi2 in English)

    27/11/2024

    Sisanda’s Gift (S2 Epi2 in English)

    ‘Sisanda's Gift’ is about a young girl named Sisanda who lives near a game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, where both her parents work. When Sisanda hears about a young giraffe calf that has lost its mother, she’s heartbroken. Her parents, understanding her sadness, allow her to visit the calf. Sisanda brings a special gift from her school bag—a beloved book. She sits with the baby giraffe and reads to it, and the young calf listens as if it understands every word. This becomes a daily routine for Sisanda, who is often accompanied by her grandfather. Her gentle connection with the giraffe captivates even tourists, who take pictures, amazed by the unique bond they witness. The story explores themes of compassion, healing, and the power of empathy. Sisanda’s act of kindness toward the orphaned giraffe demonstrates how small gestures can make a big difference, while also showing the beauty of human-animal connections. Please listen to the end for the bonus content from Dr Mhlophe, who explains why she enjoys this story so much. . Credits: Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice of Sisanda: Nqobile Ntuli Voice of Sisanda’s Grandfather: Hopewell Mncwangi Voice of Sisanda’s Father: Langalethu Cele Voice of Sisanda's Mother: Pinky Ntuli Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson #AfricanStoryMagic

    9 min
  6. isipho sikaSisanda (S2 Epi12 in isiZulu)

    27/11/2024

    isipho sikaSisanda (S2 Epi12 in isiZulu)

    ‘Sisanda's Gift’ is about a young girl named Sisanda who lives near a game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, where both her parents work. When Sisanda hears about a young giraffe calf that has lost its mother, she’s heartbroken. Her parents, understanding her sadness, allow her to visit the calf. Sisanda brings a special gift from her school bag—a beloved book. She sits with the baby giraffe and reads to it, and the young calf listens as if it understands every word. This becomes a daily routine for Sisanda, who is often accompanied by her grandfather. Her gentle connection with the giraffe captivates even tourists, who take pictures, amazed by the unique bond they witness. The story explores themes of compassion, healing, and the power of empathy. Sisanda’s act of kindness toward the orphaned giraffe demonstrates how small gestures can make a big difference, while also showing the beauty of human-animal connections. Please listen to the end for the bonus content from Dr Mhlophe, who explains why she enjoys this story so much. . Credits: Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice of Sisanda: Nqobile Ntuli Voice of Sisanda’s Grandfather: Hopewell Mncwangi Voice of Sisanda’s Father: Langalethu Cele Voice of Sisanda's Mother: Pinky Ntuli Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson

    12 min
  7. Imibala yokushona kwelanga (S2 Epi1 in isiZulu)

    13/11/2024

    Imibala yokushona kwelanga (S2 Epi1 in isiZulu)

    In episode one of the brand-new season of African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe, we journey to a rural KwaZulu-Natal village where young Themba dreams of becoming a great hunter, like others in the village. But his true gift lies in creating beautiful portraits and paintings. While the villagers admire his artistic talent, they laugh at his dream of hunting, leaving him feeling inadequate. However, inspired one evening by a stunning sunset, Themba embarks on a journey of self-acceptance that transforms not only himself but the entire village. Listen to this episode to hear how a young boy’s unique talent finds a way to shine. Credits: Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice actors: Hunters: Msizi Maphumulo, Andile Nathan, Sanele Mthethwa, Ndumiso Miya, Linda Mbatha, Asanda Qumbisa Village women: Ellaine Phungula, Dumisile Msomi, Manile Motaung, Princess Makhanya and Zanothando Cele Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson

    15 min
  8. Sunset Colours (S2 Epi1 in English)

    13/11/2024

    Sunset Colours (S2 Epi1 in English)

    In episode one of the brand-new season of African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe, we journey to a rural KwaZulu-Natal village where young Themba dreams of becoming a great hunter, like others in the village. But his true gift lies in creating beautiful portraits and paintings. While the villagers admire his artistic talent, they laugh at his dream of hunting, leaving him feeling inadequate. However, inspired one evening by a stunning sunset, Themba embarks on a journey of self-acceptance that transforms not only himself but the entire village. Listen to this episode to hear how a young boy’s unique talent finds a way to shine. Make sure you listen right to the end for the bonus content from Dr Mhlophe, who explains why she loves this story so much. . *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** Credits: Storyteller: Gcina Mhlophe Voice actors: Hunters: Msizi Maphumulo, Andile Nathan, Sanele Mthethwa, Ndumiso Miya, Linda Mbatha, Asanda Qumbisa Village women: Ellaine Phungula, Dumisile Msomi, Manile Motaung, Princess Makhanya and Zanothando Cele Production Team: Production Engineer: Lango Cele Production Assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson

    14 min
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About

Step into the wonderful world of African storytelling with Gcina Mhlophe. In the multi-award-winning African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe, Gcina shares many of the tales you grew up with plus new stories – so we can keep the magic of African storytelling alive for new generations. Season 2 of African Story Magic is proudly brought to you by McDonalds Happy Meal Readers. Listen to each episode in either English or isiZulu and let's keep the storytelling magic alive! This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. #AfricanStoryMagic #GcinaMhlophe #Podcasts Accolades for African Story Magic: Winner of Podcast of the Year at the 2024 DStv Content Creator Awards Silver winner at the 2024 New Generation Awards Bronze winner at the 2024 Bookmark Awards Honourable Mention for Excellence in Podcasting at the 2023 DStv Content Creator Awards Best in Fiction at the 2023 APVA Awards More about Dr Gcina Mhlophe: Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a celebrated author, storyteller, and founding director of the Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, including all official South African languages and even Braille. Dr Mhlophe has directed her theatrical plays in the USA, UK, and Greenland, with her most renowned and studied work being "Have You Seen Zandile?" She has been awarded honorary doctorates from eight universities globally and has received numerous accolades, such as the SAMA, OBBIE, and Joseph Jefferson Awards, as well as the SAFTA Lifetime Achievement award for her acting and contributions to film in South Africa. As a leading figure in South African storytelling, her birthday, October 24th, has been designated National Storytelling Day since 2019, celebrated at her own venue, The Storytelling Tree, in Durban. • Follow the podcast or listen via the ECR website under Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!

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