The people of Africa have been telling stories for so long, it continues to flow like enchanted rivers through time. These rivers traverse all the way up to the sky and transform into the milky way, reminding us that we are not only tasked with the responsibility to honour each star with our very souls. But also to keep telling the stories to future generations. The evening star steps up to wave goodbye to the setting sun and calls on the elders to gather the family around the fire for story time! My joy in telling these stories takes pride in the indigenous knowledge of my people. Astronomy has a special place in my heart and it is great to be able to celebrate our connection with the celestial beings.
Campfire under the African Skies
- Duration: 60min
- Language: English and isiXhosa
- Ages: All Ages
- Date: October 08, 2020 20:00
- Recorded: Live session with recording available afterwards
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Dr Gcina Mhlophe
Gcina Mhlophe is an author, poet, playwright, director, performer and storyteller. Influenced by her grandmother’s tales when she was a child, Mhlophe’s written and performance talent has transported her from South Africa to South and North America to Europe, Greenland and Japan. She has performed her stories in theatres like Royal Albert Hall, the Kennedy Centre in the US and collaborated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo on a children’s CD. She again worked with Ladysmith Black Mamabazo and Francis Bebey quartet in a unique production, Africa at the Opera, which toured Opera houses in Germany. She is also one of the 21 ICONS in 2015 with the likes of Lillian Cingo, Bishop Tutu, Nadine Gordimer and Tata Mandela.
She has released several CDs as part of her work promoting indigenous languages, oral traditions and literacy. She has written over 18 books which have been translated into all South African languages as well as Italian, Swahili, Japanese, German and French. She has received seven honorary doctorates from the likes of London Open University (UK); University of KwaZulu – Natal; Pretoria University and Fort Hare, for a body of work that has contributed to Literature and helping to preserve the Heritage of African storytelling. Dr Mhlophe has also received several Lifetime Achievement awards for this work amongst many others.
Dr. Mhlophe has worked tirelessly since 2001 running NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign to help make South Africa a Reading Nation. The Nozincwadi: Mother of Books, is available as a book which is accompanied by a CD that formed the joyful soundtrack of the roadshow.
She founded the GCINAMASIKO ARTS & HERITAGE TRUST in 2012, in efforts to preserve the dignity and wealth of our indigenous cultural heritage in South Africa. She continues to lead the organization as its Executive Director
