African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe

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. ECR website channel page

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! ECR website channel page

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 More about Gcina Mhlophe · ECR website channel page

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 More about Gcina Mhlophe · ECR website channel page