Seeking Help Sign of Strength, Says African Storyteller Bongiswa

Visakhapatnam: In a world that is increasingly getting dominated by digital entertainment, Bongiswa Kotta, a renowned storyteller from Pretoria in South Africa, is going around the world telling stories that connect and heal.

In Visakhapatnam now, her journey in India as a storyteller began in 2018 at the LIT LANTERN FEST. Since then, she has been a regular presence at cultural events and corporate offices across India.

Bongiswa belongs to the Xhosa tribe, known for their distinctive clicking sounds in language and music. She has conducted around 1,000 storytelling sessions, weaving traditional wisdom into contemporary narratives.

"Any struggle is comparable to a ripe cargopan fruit, ready to burst. It symbolises the weight of unresolved pain. Healing comes when we finally let go," the storyteller told Deccan Chronicle in a conversation.

Adorned in traditional attire, complete with beaded sticks and cow tails, Bongiswa says in her culture, seeking help when facing challenges is a sign of strength. “Throughout my journey, I have realised that storytelling heals both the listener and the teller. It brings gratitude, growth and joy. Stories touch lives and inspire change,” she says.

Her impact extends beyond South Africa's borders. She has performed in Kenya, Norway, and Hong Kong. She has found a special connection with India, where she regularly conducts sessions at corporate offices and cultural events.

"India stands out as a leader in preserving and elevating storytelling as an art form," Bongiswa observes. She says Indian culture is like her own, rooted in tradition and pride in its heritage. “Whenever I am in India, it makes me feel at home,” she said.

Her storytelling sessions span diverse audiences, from corporate employees seeking stress relief to children discovering the magic of traditional tales.

“At festivals, I've seen children, teachers and parents alike become captivated by stories. They often approach me afterward, saying my tales remind them of their grandparents or bring back fond childhood memories. This reinforces my belief in storytelling as a universal language of healing,” Bongiswa concludes.