Madoda Ndlakuse, Babalwa Kona and Anele Ramabele are literary ambassadors who are working together to put the spotlight on IsiXhosa storytelling.
The trio are organising their IsiXhosa Storytelling Explosion event in Port Elizabeth this weekend.
The three will each bring their own expertise in the arts, gained over the past 10 years, through poetry, music and storytelling.
Organised by Izinwe Concepts, the IsiXhosa Story Telling Explosion will take place on Saturday April 27 at ArtEC in Central.
It is ideal for a family outing and the programme will include a variety of storytelling from the contributors, with the inclusion of music and dance.
There will also be a storytelling session by a surprise storyteller.
The event will run from 2.30 to 5.30pm.
“As Africans, we know the history and the richness of the stories – and the power that comes from the wisdom we find in stories,” said Ndlakuse, who is the organiser of the event.
This Mdantsane-born writer, poet, interpreter and reading initiatives activist has also worked with Nalibali as a literacy development activist.
He is an author of a Xhosa children’s book called Umtshato WeNtlanzi Nenkukhu and is also a founder of the Eastern Cape Festival.
He has spent time reading to children in many schools.
“His stories build, teach and are very helpful for people,” Ndlakuse said.
Ramabele often includes his four-year-old daughter in his storytelling sessions as a way to encourage fathers to be more interactive with their children.
Kona is a literary activist, writer and Nalibali storyteller. She is also a coordinator at a literacy centre and mentors young people through reading and writing.
“Her stories are gripping and entertaining, especially when there is music added to make the story come alive.” Ndlakuse said.
Ndlakuse has worked with renowned story-teller Gcina Mhlophe and wants to use the event to put the spotlight on Xhosa stories.
“It is important for us as Xhosa people to become more accustomed to telling our stories in our language.”
Tickets will be available at the door at R80 a person and R120 for couples.
For more information, contact 076-183-7260.