In 2015 Nal’ibali’s Story Bosso Talent Search saw Athandiwe Sikade (7 years old), from Chumisa Primary in Khayelitsha, take the title of ‘STORY BOSSO’. A dynamite that packs a punch with her powerful voice and storytelling prowess, Athandiwe is ready to hand over the title to this year’s hopeful.
Nal’ibali’s ‘Story Bosso’ campaign is a nationwide storytelling talent search, aimed at reawakening a love of storytelling and reading among South Africans of all ages. This drive will connect the public to ideas and inspiration on how to tell stories and read aloud to others; showcase a range of local stories (in all South African languages), as well as identify undiscovered storytellers in communities across the country.
Nal’ibali strives to explore, acknowledge and feature different kinds of stories in all of the 11 official South African languages. Stories are a powerful way to not only immerse children in early literacy development, but to create identity and empower young girls and boys. It is vital that children see themselves, their language and their culture represented in stories. In this way, Story Bosso aims to motivate more people in South Africa to think about and share their own stories!
Running throughout September (Literacy and Heritage Month), people of all ages – children, parents, caregivers, teachers, librarians – are invited to take part in the drive. To do this, they must send in a video or audio clip of themselves reading or telling a story. Entries can be submitted in any of the 11 official South African languages; and can be original stories made up by participants, retellings of stories heard before, a narrative poem, or simply an extract from their favourite book or sample story provided by Nal’ibali.
The winner will be crowned South Africa’s second “Story Bosso” and will have their winning story published as a book! Runner-up prizes include books, book vouchers and mobile hanging libraries.
A host of South African literary celebrities have volunteered their time, by participating in our promotional video for the campaign, available for viewing on the Nal’ibali web and mobi-site.
Our celebrity list includes Sindiwe Magona - retired teacher, author, writer, poet, dramatist, storyteller, actress and motivational speaker. She has published two autobiographical works: To My Children's Children (1990) and Forced to Grow (1992). Her first novel, The Best Meal Ever! was published in 1998. Novelist, short story writer, journalist and television scriptwriter, Lauren Beukes, is also involved. In addition, internet sensation artist, illustrator, designer and actress Suzelle DIY weighed in; as well as Rob van Vuuren, an actor, writer, director, dancer and producer across various genres and in different media, and Soli Philander, a comedian, writer and actor.
Not only will the winner receive the title of SA’s second ‘Story Bosso’, they will also get their winning story published as a book, plus cash, books, book vouchers and a mobile hanging library. There will also be runner-up prizes per region of cash, books, book vouchers and mobile hanging libraries.