Storyteller Bevin Magama

I'm incredibly grateful to the Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru | Arts Council of Wales for awarding me a grant to attend the Nozincwadi Book and Storytelling Festival 2026 in South Africa.

This generous support makes it possible for me to connect with storytellers, writers, and readers from across the globe, celebrate the power of stories, and bring back new ideas, inspiration, and collaborations. It's a wonderful opportunity for both personal and professional growth, and I'm honoured to represent Wales at such a vibrant international festival.

A heartfelt thank you to the Arts Council of Wales for investing in artists and helping create opportunities that strengthen cultural exchange and the sharing of stories across borders. I can't wait to embark on this exciting journey!

Is there a difference between complaining and storytelling?

✨🌍 What an absolutely AMAZING day of storytelling in Newport, Wales! 🌍✨

My heart is full after sharing the magic of traditional African folktales and clever trickster tales with such a fantastic audience. From the enchanting melodies of the **mbira** to the vibrant rhythms of the **djembe** drums, the room came alive with music, storytelling, laughter, and joy.

It was wonderful to see people of all ages—children, parents, grandparents, and friends—coming together to sing, dance, clap along, and immerse themselves in the rich traditions of African storytelling. The energy was simply incredible, and it was a beautiful reminder of how stories connect us across generations and cultures.

A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to the Zimbabwe Newport Volunteers Association for hosting and supporting this wonderful family event. Your commitment to celebrating culture, community, and togetherness made this special day possible.

To everyone who came along, listened, laughed, danced, sang, and shared in the experience—thank you for making it such a memorable celebration. Your enthusiasm and smiles made every story even more magical!

Here's to keeping our stories alive, celebrating our heritage, and bringing communities together—one story, one song, and one drumbeat at a time. ❤️📚🥁🎶

Storytelling is fundamental to organising and promoting cooperation in human evolution.

In myth and legend there is no time. What past is it the tale means when it says 'Once upon a time'?