African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe

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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. Sisanda’s Gift (S2 Epi2 in English)

    11 HR AGO

    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
  2. isipho sikaSisanda (S2 Ep12 in isiZulu)

    11 HR AGO

    isipho sikaSisanda (S2 Ep12 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
  3. Imibala yokushona kwelanga (S2 Epi1 in isiZulu)

    13 NOV

    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
  4. Sunset Colours (S2 Epi1 in English)

    13 NOV

    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

  5. 12 NOV

    Season 2 drops 13 November 2024!

    Season 2 of the award-winning African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe launches on November 13, 2024, bringing you six enchanting new stories in both English and isiZulu! Listen to the first episode, Sunset Colours, and dive into the magic of African storytelling. Proudly brought to you by McDonald's Happy Meal Readers, each episode in this family-friendly podcast celebrates culture, creativity, and the joy of stories. Don’t miss the return of this beloved series—perfect for all ages!

    1 min

  6. 17/05/2023

    Nozincwadi, uMama Wezincwadi (S1 Epi6 in isiZulu)

    The sixth episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’ is a very special story. It’s written by Dr Gcina Mhlophe herself to honour her great-grandmother, Nozincwadi, who – while unable to read or write – loved the magic of words. "I have loved stories and books from a very young age. My childhood was filled with amazing characters, songs, and magical places. I remember the joy and wonder that filled my heart when I heard a good story. Those family times still linger inside me; they give me the courage to keep on sharing old folk tales and newly created stories with my audiences,” says Dr Gcina Mhlophe. “So, I humbly ask them to go back in time and rekindle the spirit of my great-grandmother Nozincwadi, who couldn't read or write. But she collected anything with words on it, believing that someday she would be able to read. I'm told that she often said, 'There is magic in these words; one day they will speak to me.' “Sadly, she died without ever reading a single one of those books. As a storyteller, I developed a strong desire to share the story of her life but took it further. In my retelling, I took Nozincwadi to an Adult Learning Centre where she finally learned to read and write. “What a triumph! “Since 2001, while telling this story, I have felt like a medium tasked with the responsibility to go out there and plant the seeds of curiosity and hunger. Yes, hunger to learn, learn, and never stop learning. This story has been told to so many audiences, published in a book, and recorded on CD as the aptly named NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign. Through this roadshow, we have traveled to all nine provinces of our beautiful country and donated thousands of books in my great-grandmother's name, Nozincwadi! “Now, on this amazing platform of East Coast Radio, we are able to reach even more story lovers – young and old. Hoping to fill their hearts with wonder.” *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** Production Engineer: Lango Cele

    10 min

  7. 17/05/2023

    Nozincwadi: Mother of Books (S1 Epi6 in English)

    The sixth episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’ is a very special story. It’s written by Dr Gcina Mhlophe herself to honour her great-grandmother, Nozincwadi, who – while unable to read or write – loved the magic of words. "I have loved stories and books from a very young age. My childhood was filled with amazing characters, songs, and magical places. I remember the joy and wonder that filled my heart when I heard a good story. Those family times still linger inside me; they give me the courage to keep on sharing old folk tales and newly created stories with my audiences,” says Dr Gcina Mhlophe. “So, I humbly ask them to go back in time and rekindle the spirit of my great-grandmother Nozincwadi, who couldn't read or write. But she collected anything with words on it, believing that someday she would be able to read. I'm told that she often said, 'There is magic in these words; one day they will speak to me.' “Sadly, she died without ever reading a single one of those books. As a storyteller, I developed a strong desire to share the story of her life but took it further. In my retelling, I took Nozincwadi to an Adult Learning Centre where she finally learned to read and write. “What a triumph! “Since 2001, while telling this story, I have felt like a medium tasked with the responsibility to go out there and plant the seeds of curiosity and hunger. Yes, hunger to learn, learn, and never stop learning. This story has been told to so many audiences, published in a book, and recorded on CD as the aptly named NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign. Through this roadshow, we have traveled to all nine provinces of our beautiful country and donated thousands of books in my great-grandmother's name, Nozincwadi! “Now, on this amazing platform of East Coast Radio, we are able to reach even more story lovers – young and old. Hoping to fill their hearts with wonder.” *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** Production Engineer: Lango Cele

    12 min

  8. 03/05/2023

    How Tortoise Won Respect (S1 Epi5 in English)

    In a world that often values talkativeness and showy displays of knowledge, this timeless story of the tortoise who won respect serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential of those who may be overlooked or underestimated. “One thing I appreciate about the story of ‘How the Tortoise Won Respect’ is its message about how we often underestimate others who don't speak much, or who may not seem particularly knowledgeable or clever. However, when faced with difficult challenges and when others have run out of ideas, it's often these seemingly overlooked individuals who can offer valuable insight and solutions that were right in front of us all along,” says Dr Mhlophe. “I love how the tortoise in the story ultimately earned respect and saved everyone by tapping into her strengths and resourcefulness. It serves as a reminder to not judge others based on surface-level traits and to always remain open to hearing different perspectives and ideas, no matter who they come from.” *** This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. *** (Production Engineer: Lango Cele. Executive Producer: Diane Macpherson)

    11 min
See All (18)

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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