African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe is back!

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 bad about himself. 

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.

Listen to Sunset Colours below in either English or isiZulu. Make sure you listen right to the end for the bonus content from Dr Mhlophe, who explains why she loves this story so much.

Lalela isiqephu esisha sesiZulu ngenhla:

Season two of African Story Magic is proudly brought to you by McDonalds Happy Meal Readers.

Season one of African Story Magic has won the following awards:

• Winner of Podcast of the Year at the 2024 DStv Content Creator Awards
• Winner of a Bronze at the 2024 Bookmark Awards
• Silver winner at the 2024 New Generation Awards
• Honourable Mention for Excellence in Podcasting at the 2023 DStv Content Creator Awards
• Winner of 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.

READ: Where all the stories began: African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe (Episode 1) 

Find more stories from African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe in the channel below:

READ: Nozincwadi: Mother of Books - with Gcina Mhlophe

• Follow ECR's social media channels for new episode alerts