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. Fudukazi’s Magic (S2 Epi6 in English)

    5 FEB

    Fudukazi’s Magic (S2 Epi6 in English)

    Long ago, all the animals in the land were the same dull brown colour. They lived in harmony, respecting one another. Among them was a wise and magical Queen Mother Tortoise, loved by all and known as Fudukazi. One fateful day, Fudukazi decided to share her special gift. With her gentle singing voice, she turned an ordinary summer’s day into an enchanted, joyful one. As each creature closed their eyes and made a wish, something incredible happened. By sunset, the name of the wise old Queen Mother Tortoise was forever etched in the memories of every creature she had touched. Storytellers sang her praises for generations to come. Listen to Gcina Mhlophe bring this magical tale to life in the latest episode of African Story Magic. Episode 6 credits: Voice of Fudukazi (English) – Carol Ofori Voice of Fudukazi (isiZulu) – Khosi Zwane Voice of Hyena (both) – Ndabe Zondi Voice of Leopard (English) – Natarah Nadesan Voice of Leopard (isiZulu) – Gcinokuhle Malinga Voice of Giraffe (English) – Danny Guselli Voice of Giraffe (isiZulu) – Ntsikelelo Khanyile Production team: Production engineer: Lango Cele Production assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive producer: Diane Macpherson ECR website channel page

    15 min
  2. Umlingo kaFudukazi (S2 Epi6 in isiZulu)

    5 FEB

    Umlingo kaFudukazi (S2 Epi6 in isiZulu)

    Kudala, zonke izilwane ezazihlala emhlabeni zazinemibala efanayo ensundu engathi ayinampilo. Zaziphila ngokuthula, zihloniphana. Phakathi kwazo kwakukhona unina wazo ohlakaniphile futhi onobugugu, iNdlovukazi uFudukazi, othandwa yizo zonke izidalwa. Ngelinye ilanga elibalulekile, uFudukazi wanquma ukwabelana ngesipho sakhe esiyigugu. Ngezwi lakhe elithambile, waguqula usuku olujwayelekile lwasehlobo lwaba usuku olugcwele umlingo nenjabulo. Njengoba isilwane ngasinye savala amehlo senza isifiso, kwenzeka isimangaliso. Lapho ilanga lishona, igama likaFudukazi, iNdlovukazi ehlakaniphile nenamandla omlingo, labe selihlala phakade ezinhliziyweni zabo bonke abathintwe nguye. Abaxoxi bezinganekwane baqhubeka bemdumisa izizukulwane ngezizukulwane. Lalela uGcina Mhlophe elandisa le ndaba emangalisayo esiqeshini se-African Story Magic. Episode 6 credits: Voice of Fudukazi (English) – Carol Ofori Voice of Fudukazi (isiZulu) – Khosi Zwane Voice of Hyena (both) – Ndabe Zondi Voice of Leopard (English) – Natarah Nadesan Voice of Leopard (isiZulu) – Gcinokuhle Malinga Voice of Giraffe (English) – Danny Guselli Voice of Giraffe (isiZulu) – Ntsikelelo Khanyile Production team: Production engineer: Lango Cele Production assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive producer: Diane Macpherson ECR website channel page

    15 min
  3. The Singing Chameleon (S2 Epi5 in English)

    22 JAN

    The Singing Chameleon (S2 Epi5 in English)

    This is a story about a lonely chameleon who lived on a riverbank a long time ago. All the other river animals shunned him. They mocked and disliked him, calling him ugly and a disgrace. The chameleon always tried to hide and be alone, away from all those who hated him. But one day, a big change came into his life, all because of his special talent: the gift of music. On that day, he was playing a small instrument called the imbengwe and singing with his beautiful voice! Before he knew it, all the other animals had gathered around him to listen to his special performance. That was the day he received acceptance and respect for the very first time. His music gave him a sense of identity—he became known as the Singing Chameleon. Credits: Voice of Chameleon: Sbongiseni Nkatha Voice of forest animal: J Sbu Voice of old man: Andile Tsotetsi Production Team: Production engineer: Lango Cele Production assistant: Ntsikelelo Khanyile Executive producer: Diane Macpherson ECR website channel page

    12 min
  4. Unwabu Oluculayo (S2 Epi5 in isiZulu)

    22 JAN

    Unwabu Oluculayo (S2 Epi5 in isiZulu)

    Lena indaba yonwabu oluhlala lodwa osebeni lomfula kudala. Zonke ezinye izilwane zasemfuleni zazimgwema. Bemubhuqa, bengamthandi, bembiza ngomubiza nehlazo. Unwabu njalo wayezama ukucasha futhi abe yedwa, kude nabo bonke ababemzonda. Kodwa ngolunye usuku, kwafika ushintsho olukhulu ekuphileni kwakhe, konke ngenxa yethalente lakhe elikhethekile: isipho somculo. Ngalolo suku wayeshaya insimbi encane ebizwa ngokuthi imbengwe futhi ecula ngezwi lakhe elimnandi! Ngaphambi kokuba azi, zonke ezinye izilwane zase zibuthanele kuye ukuze zilalele ukudlala kwakhe okukhethekile. Ngalolo suku athola ukwamukelwa nokuhlonishwa okokuqala ngqa. Umculo wakhe wamenza wazizwa ukuthi ungubani—wabe esebizwa ngokuthi Unwabu Oluculayo. ECR website channel page

    15 min
  5. ABC Prayers (S2 Epi4 in English)

    8 JAN

    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 ECR website channel page

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

    8 JAN

    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. ECR website channel page

    7 min
  7. 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 ECR website channel page

    12 min
  8. 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! ECR website channel page

    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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