The renowned non-profit organisation, The Moth, has unveiled a special episode of its globally acclaimed podcast, immersing listeners in a rich tapestry of storytelling.
Recorded live during the much-anticipated event, “The Moth: Live from Johannesburg,” this latest episode presents an hour-long selection of personal experiences shared on stage at the University of Johannesburg’s Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre.
The show, which was sold out faster than expected, marked the organisation’s triumphant return to Johannesburg for the first time in seven years.
For the first time in seven years, it returned to Johannesburg, hosting an electrifying evening where a diverse range of voices came together to share humorous and heart-wrenching true stories centred around the theme of Power and Possibility.
Each storyteller, a graduate from the organisation’s storytelling workshops, took the stage to raise awareness about critical global issues through the lens of their personal narratives.
Hosted by Johannesburg’s celebrated poet and playwright Lebogang Mashile, the event spotlighted remarkable storytellers.
The list includes talents from different parts of Africa such Nsovo Mayimele from South Africa, Webster Isheanopa Makombe from Zimbabwe, and Matilda Matabwa from Malawi. Curated and directed by Sarah Austin Jenness and Jodi Powell, the event exemplified The Moth’s mission to harness the power of storytelling as a means of building connections and empathy among disparate communities.
Speaking on the event's success,Jenness, The Moth’s Executive Producer, expressed her enthusiasm: “The Moth in Johannesburg was a stand-out event in our season last year. The audience and the storytellers were electric. The show sold out so fast, we’re thrilled that now millions of listeners around the world can also experience this special night,” she said.
During the podcast episode, listeners can enjoy a medley of narratives, including young Webster Isheanopa Makombe’s poignant tale of being entrusted with his first solo mission to fetch bread, Nsovo Mayimele’s serendipitous encounter that reignited her professional passion, and Matilda Matabwa's leap of faith into an unconventional business venture with her husband.
Each story encapsulates the wide-ranging human experiences that The Moth seeks to illuminate.
Established in 1997 in the United States, the organisation has blossomed into a global phenomenon, sharing over 60,000 personal stories that echo the diversity and commonality of the human experience.
It accomplishes this through live storytelling events, published works, and workshops designed to empower individuals to craft narratives that resonate with broader societal themes.
As it prepares to return to Johannesburg for its mainstage show in early 2026, it continues to connect audiences around the world through the deeply immersive experience of storytelling.
The podcast is accessible on platforms such as iTunes and Spotify, allowing listeners to delve into the profound insights and experiences captured during these unique events.
Saturday Star