In 2019, my friend Athambile Masola and I approached Kaya FM about a podcast we wanted to make about how we were questioning and practicing our spirituality as young modern Africans. We were interested in exploring the various modes and influences of spiritual practice in our lives and work and specifically, understanding how modern Africans are thinking about our sense of being and belonging.
Who are we as aBantu? What makes us human? We wanted to centre these questions around the realms of indigenous knowledge systems such as iSintu to explore what ubuntu is in the 21st Century? Beyond that, how do we view our bodies, intimate partnerships, friendships and work through the lens of African spirituality? How do we integrate the Christian influences of our formative years with our curiosity and deep hunger to know indigenous modes of spirituality?
Politically speaking, what is the role of love and spiritual identity in the aftermath of apartheid? While the conversations we had encompass the universal principles of spirituality, we were particularly interested in excavating the values and practices of African Spirituality.
I’m really proud of the line of questioning that the 10 episodes we did opened up. We only did one season, but it was rich enough that we are still processing and importantly, using some of the lessons from these conversations today.
Pull up a chair and enjoy!
On National Healing with Mongane Serote.
Episode 2. On National Heading with Mongane Serote.
At a time when current affairs focus on naming everything that is wrong with the world, the spiritual essence of how we got here is often ignored. Reflection on events that have taken place since the dawn of democracy in South Africa has never been more important than it is now. Athambile Masola and Milisuthando Bongela explore the idea of national healing and forgiveness as necessities with the guidance of Poet laureate, freedom fighter, healer and cultural activist, Ntate Mongane Wally Serote. The conversation took place at the Freedom Park Museum in 2019.
At a time when current affairs focus on naming everything that is wrong with the world, the spiritual essence of how we got here is often ignored. Reflection on events that have taken place since the dawn of democracy in South Africa has never been more important than it is now. Athambile Masola and Milisuthando Bongela explore the idea of national healing and forgiveness as necessities with the guidance of Poet laureate, freedom fighter, healer and cultural activist, Ntate Mongane Wally Serote. The conversation took place at the Freedom Park Museum in 2019.
The Spirit of the Womb with Gogo Sophia
Episode 2. The Spirit of the Womb with Gogo Sophia
On this episode of Umoya, Milisuthando Bongela and Athambile Masola host Gogo Sophia to demystify womb health. Gogo Sophia is a Johannesburg based film maker Sangoma, integrated shaman and energy healer; trained in advanced meditation and African therapy.
On this episode of Umoya, Milisuthando Bongela and Athambile Masola host Gogo Sophia to demystify womb health. Gogo Sophia is a Johannesburg based film maker Sangoma, integrated shaman and energy healer; trained in advanced meditation and African therapy.
The Metaphysics of Ukujola (Dating) with Vela Maseko and Mpho Makhanya
Episode 3: The Metaphysics of Ukujola (Dating) with Vela Maseko and Mpho Makhanya
How do romantic relationships and the act of sex intersect with African Spirituality? This is the grand question explored in this episode of Umoya. Athambile Masola and Milisuthando Bongela sit down with healers, Mpho Makhanya and Vella Maseko to unpack the metaphysics of Ukujola.
How do romantic relationships and the act of sex intersect with African Spirituality? This is the grand question explored in this episode of Umoya. Athambile Masola and Milisuthando Bongela sit down with healers, Mpho Makhanya and Vella Maseko to unpack the metaphysics of Ukujola.
The Power of Voice with Zoya Mabuto
Episode 4: The Power of Voice with Zoya Mabuto
Voice is that which we use to express ourselves in various contexts, but more often than not we find it challenging to speak from a place of honesty. In this episode, Milisuthando Bongela and Athambile Masola speak to award-winning public speaker, Zoya Mabuto about her journey in discovering her authentic voice and how she has used it in coaching others to nurture their own.
Voice is that which we use to express ourselves in various contexts, but more often than not we find it challenging to speak from a place of honesty. In this episode, Milisuthando Bongela and Athambile Masola speak to award-winning public speaker, Zoya Mabuto about her journey in discovering her authentic voice and how she has used it in coaching others to nurture their own.
The Art of Fetching Yourself with Msaki
Episode 5: The Art of Fetching Yourself with Msaki
As a burgeoning spiritual practice and carrier of ancestral energy, song has been a search light for song catcher Msaki’s journey into Ukuzilanda: the Art and Practice of Fetching Oneself. In this episode of Umoya: On African Spirituality, Athambile Masola and Milisuthando Bongela sit down with their friend and peer - acclaimed singer, songwriter and artist Msaki - to navigate the role that spirit has played in her craft, as well as to delve into her genesis and current reality as an artist who seeks to restore pride in the idea of African spirituality.
As a burgeoning spiritual practice and carrier of ancestral energy, song has been a search light for song catcher Msaki’s journey into Ukuzilanda: the Art and Practice of Fetching Oneself. In this episode of Umoya: On African Spirituality, Athambile Masola and Milisuthando Bongela sit down with their friend and peer - acclaimed singer, songwriter and artist Msaki - to navigate the role that spirit has played in her craft, as well as to delve into her genesis and current reality as an artist who seeks to restore pride in the idea of African spirituality.
The Spirituality of Friendship
Episode 6: The Spirituality of Friendship
The hosts of Umoya turn their gaze to the spiritual nature of their own friendship. In this episode Milisuthando Bongela and Athambile Masola allow themselves to be vulnerable in order to navigate the vantage points that their friendship roots itself in. As spiritually observant storytellers, Milisuthando and Athambile throwback to their individual upbringing, to eventually converge at the idea of loving with a purpose. A love that birthed the prayer that is this podcast series.
The hosts of Umoya turn their gaze to the spiritual nature of their own friendship. In this episode Milisuthando Bongela and Athambile Masola allow themselves to be vulnerable in order to navigate the vantage points that their friendship roots itself in. As spiritually observant storytellers, Milisuthando and Athambile throwback to their individual upbringing, to eventually converge at the idea of loving with a purpose. A love that birthed the prayer that is this podcast series.
Understanding Dreams - We are never alone
Episode 7: Understanding Dreams - We are never alone
In this episode we explore the world of dreams through personal reflection with friends. This episode takes a seemingly taken for granted aspect of our humanity—dreams—and sheds light on the thin veil between the world that is seen and unseen. Given the nature of dreams, the conversation was deeply personal which yielded stories which demystify dreams but also shed more light on the significance of the dream world.
In this episode we explore the world of dreams through personal reflection with friends. This episode takes a seemingly taken for granted aspect of our humanity—dreams—and sheds light on the thin veil between the world that is seen and unseen. Given the nature of dreams, the conversation was deeply personal which yielded stories which demystify dreams but also shed more light on the significance of the dream world.
Umlindelo wamakholwa: A gathering of believers with Sabelo Mlangeni
In this episode we speak to photographer Sabelo Mlangeni about his photography with a particular focus on the 2018 exhibition Umlindelo Wamakholwa. This exhibition was a deeply spiritual representation of amaZiyoni, who occupy a marginal place in the cultural imagination. Sabelo shares his journey with photography and how it intersects with his journey as umZiyoni. Please note that this conversation was largely conducted in isiZulu and there are no translations.
Integrating African Spirituality and Christianity with Rev. Mandla Gamede
Episode 9: Integrating African Spirituality and Christianity with Rev. Mandla Gamede
With an increasing number of Africans seeking to explore how their Christianity can coexist with indigenous African spiritual practices, episode 9 features Methodist priest, theologian and marriage healer Reverend Mandla Gamede, who integrates Christianity with African spirituality in his work with the Magadlela Institute of Authentic Leadership. Reverend Gamede is an example of someone who has found synergy in his practice in spite of the contested history between African Spirituality and Christianity
With an increasing number of Africans seeking to explore how their Christianity can coexist with indigenous African spiritual practices, episode 9 features Methodist priest, theologian and marriage healer Reverend Mandla Gamede, who integrates Christianity with African spirituality in his work with the Magadlela Institute of Authentic Leadership. Reverend Gamede is an example of someone who has found synergy in his practice in spite of the contested history between African Spirituality and Christianity
The Spirituality of Freedom with Thandiswa Mazwai
Episode 10: The Spirituality of Freedom with Thandiswa Mazwai
For more than two decades, singer Thandiswa Mazwai has captured, probed and illuminated our public imagination with her unyielding loyalty to an African world view, shared through her music, first as a member of Bongo Maffin and in latter years, her solo career. In our final episode of Umoya, we journey with the rebel singer in a conversation that brought her indelible spirit to the politics of freedom
For more than two decades, singer Thandiswa Mazwai has captured, probed and illuminated our public imagination with her unyielding loyalty to an African world view, shared through her music, first as a member of Bongo Maffin and in latter years, her solo career. In our final episode of Umoya, we journey with the rebel singer in a conversation that brought her indelible spirit to the politics of freedom