The Power of Ancestral Wisdoms Through Storytelling:Celebrating Mother Earth And Father Time
For as long as there have been people on this earth, there have been stories. As human beings attempted to make sense of natural phenomena, the interpreted mysteries and feelings that led them to creating and inventing cultural norms that would endure for centuries. As the sun set at the end of each day, the evening star heralded a time to take a well deserved rest. Around the fire they enjoyed delicious meals and conversations and as a thanks giving, they composed new songs to embrace each other, young and old. The operative word in Gcina's work is sharing. Just like in those olden days, storytellers are language lovers, we cannot share our stories without a language we are comfortable in, to gift our narratives with one another. In the fast world we now live in, now more than ever before, we need to hear ourselves and each other, in calm, serene spaces. Ukuthula kube nani. “May peace be with you” some bird calls sing to us in the early morning hour. Gcina truly believes that every living person has a story to tell. That is why she is humbled in the knowledge that each time she tells a story, she wakes up stories in other people. Together we will not only embrace the natural beauty of the environment, the colours surrounding us, the undulating hills and valleys, the blue skies above and the fresh air we breathe - we will delve deep into our memory banks. Like the unyielding timeless rhythm of the ocean – so too shall we continue to enjoy the gift of our African Story Magic. In the most quiet hour, we will be reminded of a gentle sound of the cowhide drum honouring our individual and unique heartbeats. May the Spirit of Light, walk ahead of you!
In addition to her artistic contributions, Gcina has also been a champion for literacy in South Africa, running the NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign since 2001. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous honorary doctorates and awards, including the National ICON Award from MZANSI MAGIC TV Channel and the Kennedy Centre International Artists Gold Award.
Gcina's works have been widely celebrated, and she has released several CDs, including Songs & Stories of Africa, which won a SAMA award. She has also collaborated with other artists to produce projects that promote African culture, such as the IMILOLOZELO CD, which seeks to resuscitate the culture of African children's rhymes and rhythms with jazz music.
In the theatre world, Gcina has received critical acclaim for her performances, winning an OBIE Award in New York for her role in Born in the RSA. Her autobiographical play, Have You Seen Zandile? has also earned her several awards, including the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival, the Sony Award for Radio Drama from BBC Africa, and the Joseph Jefferson Award in Chicago.
Gcina has founded and directed various storytelling companies, including the Zanendaba storytelling company in Johannesburg, which has helped to preserve the heritage of African storytelling. Her contributions to literature and the arts have been recognized with honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions such as the London Open University, University of KwaZulu – Natal, Pretoria University, and Fort Hare.
Overall, Gcina Mhlophe's talent, passion, and dedication to her craft and the promotion of African culture have earned her a well-deserved place among the most celebrated artists in South Africa and the world. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists and performers.
Her latest accolade is the Inaugural USIBA Cultural Legend Award from the Minister of Arts and Culture in May 2018.
24 October – Dr Mhlophe’s birthday shall be recognized as NATIONAL STORYTELLING DAY celebrated all over South Africa.