Best African Folktales Podcasts (2024)

Told in Ibibio by Magdalene Idiang and accompanied by musician Michael Mawazo, this story tells of a woman who was jealous of a child, and how that jealousy drove her to her own self destruction. It is full of lessons, and the kind of African horror that is safe for children's enjoyment, as well as some poetic justice. Africa, Folktales.…

1
The Woman Who Ran Mad, an Ibibio story. 11:46

Play Pause

4M ago11:46

11:46

This is a story about greed versus contentment, about trust versus deceit and seeking the love of those closest to us. Africa, Folktales.By Magdalene Idiang and Michael Mawazo

1
Mbuk Ekpe ye Ekpu, Ibibio 6:08

5M ago6:08

6:08

Told in its original Ibibio tongue, this is the story of how resistance comes from the least expected places when there is bad leadership. Africa, Folktales.By Magdalene Idiang and Michael Mawazo

1
The Lion and The Rabbit, an Ibibio story. 9:24

5M ago9:24

9:24

The story about how one arrogant leader got deposed by the smartest, littlest, least expected individual. Africa, Folktales.By Magdalene Idiang and Michael Mawazo

1
The Zone of Interest & Killers of the Flower Moon - Episode 116 1:04:54

5M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

We discuss two international films: The Zone of Interest and Killers of the Flower Moon. Two movies that showcase horrible events and people in very different ways.

1
Motiratika 14:24

6M ago14:24

14:24

Today our magic jeep visits a couple and their dog from a faraway land! Make sure to listen closely for the bell. The bell will ring when I say the “Magic Word of the Story.” Listen all the way to the end to discover if you guessed it correctly, and have fun!By ABF Creative

1
The Goat and Her Young Ones 8:52

6M ago8:52

8:52

Today our magic jeep takes us to visit a Mother Goat and her kids, who live in a beautiful house right by the mountains. When Mother Goat needs to gather grass, she leaves the young ones at home and warns them not to open the door for anyone who doesn’t know her special song. But when sneaky Hyena figures it out, what happens next? Tune in to find …

1
An interview with Rwandan filmmaker Yuhi Amuli 29:38

6M ago29:38

29:38

In this episode, Timothy talks to writer/director and soon-to-be entertainment lawyer, Yuhi Amuli. He talks about his journey as a filmmaker, Rwanda’s film industry and how his personal experiences have inspired his two feature films ‘A Taste of Our Land’ and ‘Citizen Kwame’.

1
How Tomatoes First Grew 8:03

6M ago8:03

8:03

Today our magic jeep brings us to a land where everyone seems to have bad luck. No matter how hard they try to get rid of it, nothing works! It will take the smart thinking of a group of ants to break the cycle. How will they manage to do it?By ABF Creative

1
Why The Lizard Continually Moves His Head Up and Down 12:20

7M ago12:20

12:20

Today our magic jeep visits our friend Hyena, who is determined to win the Queen’s special prize – a magical flute that plays on its own! The only problem is that in order to do so, he must find out what the secret phrase is. How will Hyena figure it out? Come along on our adventure to see what he thinks of!…

1
The Hawks and the Crows 12:14

7M ago12:14

12:14

Today our magic jeep travels back to a time when crows and hawks played together. We’ll meet Koongoo′roo, the captain of the crows, and Mway′way, leader of the hawks. When the two sides are caught up in a game of steal-the-bottlecap, the crows realize there are far too many hawks to defeat. Clever Koongoo′roo must then come up with a way for his te…

1
Savior Complex (with Charity Atukunda & Gerald Odil) - Episode 114 1:12:04

7M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

In a new episode, we talk about the HBO documentary Savior Complex. We are joined by Gerald Odil (Raldy) who worked as a researcher for the documentary and visual artist, Charity Atukunda. We share our thoughts on the film and have a broader conversation about how these types of ‘saviors’ remain present in Uganda.…

1
The Daughter of the Sword 15:33

7M ago15:33

15:33

Today our magic jeep travels to a distant kingdom, where we’ll meet a spoiled princess named Hadiza. After she demands more and more gold from her father, trouble arises when the king’s warriors steal gold from a terrible monster. It’s up to Hadiza to make things right again…but will she succeed? Listen to find out what happens next!…

1
Don't Shake Hands With Everybody 6:15

7M ago6:15

6:15

Today we are bubbling our way to Frogs farm! We see how a kind act went too far. Find out how one frog got so excited to say thank you to everyone that it backfired. Is it better to sometimes work smarter than harder?By ABF Creative

1
Bobi Wine: The People's President - Episode 113 28:03

7M ago28:03

28:03

Timothy and Sharon discuss the Oscar-nominated documentary 'Bobi Wine: The People's President' in this episode.

1
Why the Moon and the Stars Receive their Light from the Sun 9:48

8M ago9:48

9:48

Today our magic jeep visits Father Anansi and his son Keku, who have a very scary encounter with a dragon! When it snatches them away and locks them up in its castle, the clever Keku must find a way to save everyone. What will his plan be?By ABF Creative

1
Why the Warthog Gets Around on His Knees 7:03

8M ago7:03

7:03

Today our magic jeep takes us to where a Warthog has built a nice big house. But the Warthog sees the Lion from one of our old stories and he becomes very scared. The Warthog runs into his home and decides to try out an old trick he heard from the Jackal, not knowing that the Lion has a very good memory. In this story, I will teach you why the Wart…

1
A Good Fortune in Camels 8:52

8M ago8:52

8:52

Today our magic jeep takes us to where a man named Ali wishes to set out and earn a fortune for him and his wife. After some work, Ali has enough money to buy two camels. But he soon ends up giving away his camels for some valuable advice from the fortune teller. Will this advice end up paying off for Ali? Miss JoJo is here to let you know!…

1
Younde Goes To Town 10:41

8M ago10:41

10:41

Today our magic jeep takes us to Accra! We follow a young man who learns about a mysterious person. Yonde goes on a long adventure and learns some valuable lessons along the way. Is having all the money in the world really that important. Can money buy happiness?By ABF Creative

1
The Baboon Chief 9:53

9M ago9:53

9:53

Today our magic jeep visits Chief Zewdu and his sister Fana, who live deep in the savanna with a group of baboons. Despite being the leader, Zewdu notices the other monkeys bossing each other around! Join us on our adventure to find out how Zewdu and Fana bring order to this rowdy bunch!By ABF Creative

1
The Man and the Sheep 12:39

9M ago12:39

12:39

Today our magic jeep brings us to a small town, where we meet Magala the tailor and his son, Jabulani! The young boy is given a pet sheep by his father…which soon starts talking! Jabulani tries telling his father, but Magala won’t believe him. What happens next? Tag along with Miss Jo Jo to find out!…

1
IMANI 7:09

9M ago7:09

7:09

IMANI - FAITH - to believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. Kwanzaa Time with Aunti Oni series ends by highlighting the 7th principle of IMANI, Faith. Based on a Native American folktale, a loving Grandfather teaches his grandchildren the importance of havi…

1
KUUMBA 5:50

9M ago5:50

5:50

Description: UJIMA: KUUMBA - CREATIVITY, to always do as much as we can, in any way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Aunti Oni shares her creativity with her poem “Kwanzaa All The Time” Aunti invites kids to show off their creativity and rap along with her. ! To create their own poem about …

1
NIA 12:21

9M ago12:21

12:21

NIA - PURPOSE, to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. Listeners get a glimpse into the learning experience of little Nia Wilhemina on day 5 of Kwanzaa Time! Nia learns the ‘purpose’ of her name and how the determination of other African Americans sh…

1
UJAMAA 11:35

9M ago11:35

11:35

UJAMAA - COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS - to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. Listeners will experience the true story of a businesswoman, Maggie Lena Walker.,1864-1934 Miss Walker was the first African American owner of a bank, newspaper, and department store in Richmond, Virginia. Enjoy learn…

1
UJIMA 7:51

9M ago7:51

7:51

UJIMA: COLLECTIVE WORK & RESPONSIBILITY - to build and maintain our community together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them together. In this episode of Kwanzaa Time! w Aunti Oni travels to North Philly where young brother Kai practices UJIMA, the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa. His first haircut changes his life, a…

1
KUJICHAGULIA 8:03

9M ago8:03

8:03

KUJICHAGULIA-SELF DETERMINATION, to define ourselves, speak for ourselves, instead of being defined and spoken for by others. Day 2 of Kwanzaa Time! continues with the story of Kuji. A young man whose attitude of determination and willingness to serve others, won the respect of his teacher, and his classmates. STORY CREDIT: KUJI'S CHOICE - by Oni L…

1
UMOJA 8:03

9M ago8:03

8:03

UMOJA - UNITY, to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. This delightful Day 1 of Kwanzaa Time! Aunti Oni tells of Mr. Anthologist, who travels from North America to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to learn the ways of the people. But what Mr. Anthologists learned was a lesson - in sharing, caring, and unity. STORY CREDIT: UBU…

1
The Magic Wand in the Pot of Butter 11:04

9M ago11:04

11:04

Today our magic jeep introduces us to a man named Chidi, who owns a magic wand that can transport him anywhere! When a neighbor ends up borrowing it without asking, it’s up to Chidi and his friend Baako to get it back. What plan will they come up with? Tag along with Miss Jo Jo to find out!By ABF Creative

1
Clever Jackal Gets Away 6:18

10M ago6:18

6:18

Today our magic jeep takes us to a land with a very clever and smart Jackal. One day when the Jackal was moving through the land he came across a great Lion! The Jackal was scared for his life, he thought the Lion might eat him. So our clever and smart Jackal devised a plan to trick the Lion. Will it work? Listen and find out!…

1
Season 2 | Ep 52 | The Myth of Sisyphus | A Greek Myth 16:05

10M ago16:05

16:05

I end this season with a story that is close to me. I read this one as a young student of Literature and found it echoing through many of the things that have 'repeated' in my life! When does a task become a punishment? When does an endless loop feel overbearing? When and how do you find purpose in something that doesn't seem to end? Listen to this…

1
The Lightning and the Thunder 6:00

10M ago6:00

6:00

Today our magic jeep takes us deep into the night! We go into the sky and follow the story of Lightning and the Thunder. A long, long time ago the Thunder and Lightning lived on the earth with all the other people. So how did they end up in the sky? Listen and find out!By ABF Creative

1
Season 2 | Ep 51 | Dividing the Goose | A Russian Folktale 11:11

10M ago11:11

11:11

Here is a story that I had shortlisted many many weeks ago, but I hadn't recorded it. In ways, I am glad I waited to put this episode together. My response of the story changed after a visit to the Partition Museum earlier this week and I cannot ignore the metaphor that speaks to me. I don’t imagine you will retell Dividing the Goose in your histor…

1
The Sky God's Well 7:58

10M ago7:58

7:58

Today our magic jeep is cruising through a forest! We follow a frog who seems nice and innocent. It is said that once in the old days, the frog was teased by other animals of the forest because she had no tail. She was deeply embarrassed, so she went to the sky god to see if a tail could be given to her. Will it work out? Listen and find out!…

1
S2 | Ep 50 | The Peasant's Riddle | An Italian Folktale 11:56

10M ago11:56

11:56

The Peasant's Riddle is a story suggests an investment strategy that will provoke both your thoughts and emotions. At the face of it, this is a story seeped in patriarchy. It is easy to overlook it, but I chose to retell it to enable immersive conversations in the Classroom, Living Room and the Boardroom. Remember to listen to the original story so…

1
The Monkey Who Was Made King 7:14

11M ago7:14

7:14

Today our magic jeep takes us to a special Kingdom to find out about a monkey who did everything he could to be made the King! Were all the animals happy the monkey became the King? Find out which animal was not very happy about this at all!By ABF Creative

1
S2 | Ep 49 | The Flying Tortoise | A Retelling for a Panchantara / Aesop / Jataka Tale 13:45

11M ago13:45

13:45

You may have heard this one as the Talkative Tortoise or The Tortoise who Wanted to Fly. A tale so popular that Panchantra, Aesop Fables, Jataka Tales, Katha Sarit Sagar all have versions of this. A cautionary tale that warns the 'talkative' to not talk out of turn, I think we have always misunderstood this story. Listen in and let me know what do …

1
The Magic Pot 7:56

11M ago7:56

7:56

A long time ago there lived an old woman who had the best chicken soup in the market. People would come from all over the land to try this incredible soup. One person that enjoyed it more than the rest was a small boy who came up with a plan to get even more soup to eat. Will his plan work? Or will trying to get more to eat hurt everyone else who w…

1
Season 2 | Ep 48 | The Owl Never Sleeps at Night | An African - American Folktale 16:15

11M ago16:15

16:15

This is a story about sleep. If you are listening to this at night, take a moment to listen to your body. Do you know when it needs sleep? Or have you surrendered to sleepless nights like the owl. Here is a story that will spark conversations about sleep in the classroom, living room and boardroom...because sleep is a primal need. **** 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙥𝙤: 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞…

1
The Contest Between Fire and Rain 8:35

11M ago8:35

8:35

Today our magic jeep brings to a princess who is due to be married. The only problem is that she has fallen in love with two strong men. One of them is called Fire and the other is called Rain. Both men must pull out all the stops to win the princess’s heart. Who will win the contest between Fire and Rain?…

1
Season 2 | Ep 47 | How Long will it Take? | A Mullah Nasruddin Tale from Turkey 9:58

11M ago9:58

9:58

What if you could get a route map out to wherever you want to be! That goal you have set in your life, your dream job, a promotion, better grades, that medal, award or certificate, social media growth, a sales target, or revenue…the quest for a better health, your peace of mind, happiness perhaps? Listen to this story, it may hold the clue to "How …

1
Matatu Film Stage - Episode 112 29:48

11M ago29:48

29:48

In this episode, we talk about our experience attending the Matatu Film Stage, showcasing 6 short films from Uganda and East Africa.

1
The Porcupines Shovel 6:32

11M ago6:32

6:32

Today our magic jeep takes us to learn about a special shovel that’s one of a kind. In the beginning, there was only one shovel in the world, and men worked their fields with a knife. Today we learn a very special lesson about all the great inventions in our community. But always make sure not to take advantage of the situation! Story sourced from …

1
Season 2 | Ep 46 | The Fire & The Jar of Fools | A Jewish Folktale 10:55

11M ago10:55

10:55

This week we decided to go back to Chelm, the fictional town of fools and bring to you two stories. Are fools really fools? Or are they so wise that we don't see their wisdom...? Listen to two pretty, pithy and powerful stories that will leave you with enough to talk about. **** 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙥𝙤: 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘼𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘…

1
The Goat and Her Young Ones 10:25

12M ago10:25

10:25

New episodes come out every Wednesday for free, with 1-week early access for ABF Fam subscribers. Today our magic jeep takes us to visit a Mother Goat and her kids, who live in a beautiful house right by the mountains. When Mother Goat needs to gather grass, she leaves the young ones at home and warns them not to open the door for anyone who doesn’…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

African Folktales Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide