Storytelling festival returns to the storytelling tree on The Bluff
The Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust brought the 17th edition of the Nozincwadi Storytelling Festival back to the heart of The Bluff.
THE storytelling tree at the Bluff Showgrounds came alive again with song, laughter and powerful stories when the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust hosted its 17th annual Nozincwadi Storytelling Festival recently.
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The festival’s theme:
This year’s theme, Impilo Yam Ulimi Lami Lwebele, drew together storytellers, musicians and learners from across KZN in a celebration of language, heritage and cultural pride. The event coincided with National Storytelling Day, which also marked the birthday of the Trust’s founder, renowned storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe.
Pretty Olifant, the festival’s spokesperson, says the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust continues to celebrate Africa’s rich oral tradition while nurturing young writers and performers.
“It reminds us that language is not only a vessel of communication but a heartbeat of identity, wellness, and belonging. When we speak our languages, we nourish our spirits, strengthen our roots, and pass on the wisdom of generations,” said Olifant.
The line-up:
The festival featured renowned storytellers such as Siyabonga Ndlela, Hlobisile “Qhawelentombi” Mkhize, Nozi the Storyteller, Zenzele Mvelase, Nompumelelo MaNdlovu Mzelemu and Nokwethemba Vilakazi. The energetic musical line-up comprised Zinhle Madela, Pretty and The Music, The Red Lights Choir, Ndyebo Siko, Zawadi Yamungu and Abafana beVaar Gumboot Dancers.
In keeping with the festival’s commitment to developing storytelling at grassroots level, learners from schools across KZN appeared on stage alongside established storytellers, celebrating their mother tongues.
Dr. Gcina Mhlophe’s message:
Dr. Gcina Mhlophe said that storytelling is the heartbeat of our culture. “Each year, Nozincwadi reminds us that our languages carry our healing, our wisdom, and our hope,” said Mhlophe.
With the support of the Mzansi Golden Economy and other cultural partners, the Gcinamasiko Arts and Heritage Trust continues to use innovative learning and performance to drive literacy, cultural pride and arts development.
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