The Moth is a highly acclaimed weekly podcast that showcases curated stories from live events around the world. Recently, legendary poet and performer Lebo Mashile hosted The Moth: Live from Johannesburg, marking the first mainstage show by The Moth in the city in seven years.
The event, which took place on 9 January at the University of Johannesburg’s Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, centered around the theme of “Power and Possibility.” The storytellers featured in the show were graduates of The Moth’s renowned global storytelling workshops, where participants craft and refine their personal narratives to shed light on important societal issues.
In a conversation with The Citizen, Mashile expressed her excitement about collaborating with The Moth. She mentioned that prior to getting involved, she was unaware of the global scale and impact of The Moth. For over 27 years, The Moth has presented over 60,000 stories to standing-room-only crowds worldwide, both live and online.
Mashile emphasized the significance of storytelling in breaking down barriers and creating connections based on shared human experiences rather than societal labels. The intimate format of The Moth, where storytellers speak directly into the microphone, fosters a sense of community and warmth that resonates with audiences.
While the podcast was recorded in South Africa, the event showcased stories not only from South Africans but also from individuals across Africa. Highlighting diverse African voices is crucial, especially in a time of increasing global polarization and xenophobia.
The Moth’s platform provides individuals from all walks of life with the opportunity to share their personal journeys, challenging misconceptions and bridging divides. The openness of The Moth’s stage welcomes storytellers of all backgrounds, from celebrities to everyday individuals, creating a space for authentic storytelling and connection.
Sarah Austin Jenness, The Moth’s executive producer, described the Johannesburg event as a standout of the season, with both the audience and storytellers delivering an electrifying experience. The show sold out quickly, and millions of listeners worldwide can now enjoy the recordings from that special night.
Looking forward, The Moth plans to bring the mainstage back to Johannesburg in early 2026, continuing to celebrate the power of storytelling and the diversity of voices from the African continent and beyond.
