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 o...
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
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15:05
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
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15:01
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
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
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.
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