Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

By: Nelson Mandela

Narrated by: Desmond Tutu, Alan Rickman, Whoopi Goldberg, Matt Damon, Parminder Nagra, Forest Whitaker, Sean Hayes, Charlize Theron, Benjamin Bratt, Scarlett Johansson, Ricardo Chavira, Debra Messing, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Hugh Jackman, Gillian Anderson

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales is an extraordinary audiobook featuring Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard with a special message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Original Music by South African legends by Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela, Directed by Alfre Woodard. The audiobook was a truly international affair recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, and Johannesburg.

The stories were chosen by the Nobel Laureate himself, from every region of Africa.


"We hope this audiobook will be enjoyed by people of all ages across the globe, increasing awareness of Africa's rich cultures while creating a better future for South Africa's most vulnerable children," said ANSA Executive Director Sharon Gelman.

In his original foreword for the folktales, Nelson Mandela wrote, "It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books." The audiobook brings his vision full circle, as these timeless tales return to the oral tradition to be heard around the world.(P)2009 Hachette Audio

Brilliant

I loved this book so much that I bought the paper edition as well to learn more about the selections and sources of the stories. Each story is read by a unique voice well chosen for the particular tale. And African music is included whenever song is part of the story, transporting the listener to a culture that is beautiful and unique.

Stories interesting but inconsistent

Some stories were better than others, but I enjoyed the variety and the fact that they were different, in various ways, from American children's stories. If you are really looking for folk tales, be warned that some of these are definitely modern stories. The performances range from good to excellent.

a delightful experience

Fun stories with groovy characters. the tribal music and performances in the native tongue make this a very special experience.

Magical for children and adults alike

What made the experience of listening to Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales the most enjoyable?

The tales of famous African folklore was brought to life by the actors and actresses that took part in the narration. It was awesome to listen to these stories as if each and every Holloywood narrator were reading it to me and only me at bedtime.

What did you like best about this story?

The variety of folk tales that span the entire African continent and not just South Africa.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Alan Rickman's and Whoopi Goldberg's narration stood out for me.

Fantastic

The Nelson Mandela Favorite Folklore are incredible, and indescribably charming. I cannot recommend these stories enough for children or adults who wish to learn more about African Folklore. I recommend getting all the stories, which will run you less than taking your family to the movies. The narrators are brilliant and bring these tales to life.