Snoriezzz
Inspiring Your Child to Love Sleep,
One Story at a Time
Mufaros Beautiful Daughters

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters

Two beautiful sisters are invited to meet the King, and possibly marry him. But one sister is selfish, the other is kind. Which one will the King choose?
Podcast Spotify Youtube
View all Channels
Mufaros Beautiful Daughters

About this Episode

Two beautiful sisters are invited to meet the King, and possibly marry him.  But one sister is selfish, the other is kind.  Which one will the King choose?  

Snoriezzz, a children’s mindful bedtime podcast and part of the GoKidGo universe of shows for kids, is co-created and co-hosted by Academy Award Winning actor Marcia Gay Harden (she/her), and actor and comedian Natalie Peyton (she/her).  Building love of self and love of sleep at the same time, the Snory godmothers use affirmations,  calming routines, and a beautiful fairy tale to help you make bedtime the peaceful,  bonding moment you need!     

Snoriezzz Segments:

00:43  MINDFUL TALK

03:11  GROUNDING WITH YOUR SURROUNDINGS 

5:29    INTRO TO TISHA

5:50    SNORY MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

19:48  CALM YOUR BODY MEDITATION

You can always revisit the affirmations, Snory, or meditations as your little one needs! We’ve provided the timing for each segment above.

Host/Snory godmother: Marcia Gay Harden (she/her)

Host/Snory godmother: Natalie Peyton (she/her) 

Guest Snory godmother: Tisha Campbell

Segment music composition: Nana Simopoulos (she/her)

Story music composition and foley: Sterling Steffen (he/him)

Editing: Sterling Steffen

Cover art: Eulie Scheel (they/them)

Production Manager: Kyle Dempsey (he/him)

Branding/marketing: Julitta Scheel (she/her)

Share with a Friend

Get ready for Connect & Learn!  Where you and your adult dive deeper into the Snoriezzz episodes you’ve heard at bedtime or naptime! 

WELCOME TO ZIMBABWE BUT… WHERE IS ZIMBABWE ANYWAY?

“Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” was written by the wonderful African American author John Steptoe. This beautiful book – which he also illustrated, won a Caledecott award and is much beloved by many people around the world. Steptoe was born and raised in Brookly, New York, but his work focused on the African American experience, helping children to feel pride in their rich heritage. The story takes place south of Nyanda, in and
around the great fortress city of Zimbabwe. You can purchase a copy of the book below, and enjoy his beautiful illustrations as you listen to the story!

A special thanks to Bweela Steptoe and Javaka Steptoe for allowing us to tell this beautiful tale from your fathers book, on our Snoriezzz podcast! Here is a link to purchase the book so you can follow along during the podcast!

Welcome to Zimbabwe, a stunning  country in the south of Africa! Zimbabwe is full of amazing things to see and do. There is lots of history, super tall mountains, and animals everywhere you look! In Zimbabwe, you’ll find friendly people, fun music, and exciting traditions. It’s home to the roaring Victoria Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in the world, and wide-open grasslands where lions, elephants, and zebras roam. Get ready to go on a safari adventure with us and discover the magic of Zimbabwe!

A map of Africa showing where Zimbabwe is
America (green), Zimbabwe, Africa (orange)
An elephant of Zimbabwe
But first…WHO WERE MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS?

Nyasha and Manyara live in a small village in Africa, and are the beautiful daughters of a kind man, Mufaro.  Though they are sisters, they are very different from each other, and this story points out that true beauty comes from the inside. 

The following is from the Forward in the book “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters”  by John Steptoe:

“Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters, was inspired by a folktale collected by G. M. Theal. Details of the illustrations were inspired by the ruins of an ancient city found in Zimbabwe, and the flora and fauna of that region. The names of the characters are from the Shona language: Mufero (mOo-FAR-oh) means “happy man’; Nyasha (nee-AH-sha) means “mercy”: Manyara (mahn-YAR-ah) means “ashamed”, and Nyoka (ner-wikeh) means “snake.” The author wishes to thank Niamani Mutima and Ona Kwanele, of the Afro-American Factors Zimbabwe Mission, for their helpful assistance in the research for this book. THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO THE CHILDREN OF SOUTH AFRICA.”

Cover of Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe
Zimbabwean Landscape & Climate

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country, this means it doesn’t border any oceans or seas, but instead it is surrounded by other countries. It is bordered by Mozambique to the east, South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west and southwest, and Zambia to the northwest.  Zimbabwe is in a super lush part of Africa where you can find wild landscapes and people with rich cultures.  Zimbabwe is a melting pot of traditions, languages, and customs with a lot of influence from its neighbors! From the towering mountains to the sprawling plains, Zimbabwe’s geography is as varied as its people, making it a truly special place to explore.

Even though Zimbabwe doesn’t have an ocean next to it, there are still lots of cool places to see with water features… like Lake Kariba, the Zambezi River & Victoria Falls – one of the world’s largest waterfalls! 

Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls

Victoria falls is 354 feet high – this is twice the size of Niagara falls!  Its spray rises higher than the Empire State Building!  This is why the indigenous people of the area call Victoria Falls “The Smoke that Thunders”, because its mist looks like smoke – like a massive cloud of smoke that seems to sit on top of  the Zambezi River.  So what is the thunder?  The thunder, of course, is the roar of the falls!

LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE
Woman with a canoe in Lake Karibe
Lake Karibe
Lake Karibe
The Plains in Zimbabwe
The Plains in Zimbabwe

Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake and reservoir, it’s full of fish, hippo’s, and  crocodiles!  But it looks like people swim there too – out where it’s deep and the crocs don’t go! 

In Zimbabwe, most of the country sits atop a plateau, which is like a super tall mountain with a flat top.

Plateau in Africa
Plateau in Africa
Weather

Because  Zimbabwe is in the south of Africa it’s  usually a lot  warmer than the United States and Europe, but for the most part it’s really pleasant, with temperatures in the mid 70’s.

Zimbabwe has distinct wet and dry seasons. During the rainy season, between October and March the air feels hot and damp. Then from June to August, or the dry season, Zimbabwe gets much cooler.

Zimbabwe is below the Equator (the imaginary line that divides the earth), so its seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, (which is where America, Canada, Mexico, Asia, and lots of countries are.)

Remember, Australia is the same way?! So, when it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere (December to February), it’s summer in Zimbabwe! And the same is true when it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere (June to August), it’s winter in Zimbabwe. If you ever visit Zimbabwe during Christmas time, don’t pack a coat, because it will be summer!

 

The Northern Hemisphere is in green divided by the red line of the equator, and the Southern Hemisphere is white
The Northern Hemisphere is in green divided by the red line of the equator, and the Southern Hemisphere is white
Zimbabwe Culture

In Zimbabwe, people treasure their sense of community and togetherness. They often gather in groups to share stories, enjoy delicious food, play music, and dance. This collective spirit is an important part of Zimbabwean culture.

One way of life  Zimbabwean’s try to live by is called “Tsika,” which is an honest, kind, polite, and moral way of behaving according to Shona cultural standards.

Here are some important values of Tsika:

  1. Respect for Elders: Zimbabweans believe in honoring and respecting their elders. Your elders are people older than you like your adults, parents, or grandparents.
  2. Practicing Patience: In a fast-paced world, patience is valued as a virtue. Deep breaths, don’t lose your patience!
  3. Obedience to Parents: While children may sometimes disagree with their parents’ decisions, the Shona culture asks kids to obey and respect them.

These values shape the way Zimbabweans interact with each other and contribute to their strong sense of unity and togetherness.

Community in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Traditions
Traditional Shona People of Zimbabwe
Traditional Shona People of Zimbabwe
Shona People

Music and dance are also big parts of Zimbabwean traditions. People gather together to play drums, shake rattles (in the Play & Learns we will teach you how to make a rain stick)!, and move their bodies to the rhythm of lively music.  Dancing and music are a  joyful way to express emotions and celebrate special occasions like weddings, harvests, and holidays.

Totem Pole
Traditional Shona People of Zimbabwe

One very cool thing In Zimbabwe is the use of totems.  Totems – known as “mitupos” are special symbols that connect people with their clan. (A clan is a family or group of people.) Unlike physical items, (like a totem pole you may know about from First Nations People in America) these totems are symbols like animals, plants, or natural things such as rivers or mountains, and they represent something meaningful.  Each clan has its own unique totem that helps identify them and connects them to their ancestors. 

For example, the Mudenda clan’s totem is the elephant,  the Mweetwa clan’s totem is the crocodile.  What would your totem be? Snory godmother Marcia’s is a dragonfly!  Totems are important because they remind people of their heritage and carry deep cultural meanings.

Zimbabwean instruments:

Another unique thing from Zimbabwean culture is the mbira, a traditional musical instrument with sacred roots. The mbira is made of  metal keys of different  lengths attached to a hollow soundboard, usually made of wood. When the keys are plucked or struck, the vibrations echo through the soundboard, creating beautiful melodies!

For the Shona people, the mbira holds spiritual importance, as they believe it can be used to communicate with ancestral spirits. It’s not only a source of lively, beautiful music but also a bridge between the living and the spiritual realm.

Today, the mbira continues to be cherished in Zimbabwean culture!  It’s a joyful and affordable instrument that brings people together to celebration and connect with their history.

A mbira
A mbira

Enjoy a lesson from the amazing Mbira player, Hope Masike!

Hope Masike Mbira nyunga nyunga tutorial One

Zimbabwe is known for its wide variety of percussion instruments. Percussion instruments are musical instruments like the mbira above, drums, tambourines, and rattles that create different sounds when struck by an object.  For example, the hosho is a percussion instrument native to Zimbabwe that almost resembles a maraca.

Hosho’s  are made from maranka gourds that are filled with seeds. When you shake a hosho, the seeds rattle against the wall of the gourd, creating a rattling percussive sound. These  instruments are great for creating simple and timeless melodies that are easy to sing along with! What better way to keep time and get the party going!

Hosha Rattles
Hosha Rattles

One famous musical instrument many miles away in WEST AFRICA is the kora.  A kora looks a lot like a lute, but also a bit like a harp, all in one! It’s a 21-stringed instrument that creates sound when someone plucks its strings. In fact, the sweet stringed instrument you hear in Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters comes from the kora! It was played by a wonderful musician by the name of Yacouba Sissoko.

Yacouba Sissoko and a Kora instrument
Zimbabwean Food
Sadza (White Ball of corn maize) with veggies and beef stew
Sadza (White Ball of corn maize) with veggies and beef stew

Zimbabwean food is not just delicious, it’s also full of interesting dishes!

Let’s start with sadza, which is like the superstar of Zimbabwean cuisine. It’s the national dish! Sadza is a special kind of bread made from a mixture of corn flour, and it’s shaped by hand into soft, fluffy balls. People in Zimbabwe love to pair sadza with yummy veggies or tasty beef stew. It’s a meal that brings families and friends together around the table.

Now, let’s talk about mutakura. This dish is like a nutritious powerhouse! It’s made from a mix of peanuts, maize (which is like corn), cow peas (you might know them as garbanzo beans), bambara nuts, and sugar peas. Mutakura is packed with both carbohydrates and proteins, which are important for keeping our bodies strong, healthy and full of energy!  Zimbabweans eat mutakura for breakfast with a cup of tea, or for lunch and dinner with or without meat. It’s so versatile and delicious!

Mutakura - Zimbabwean Bean Dish
Mutakura – Zimbabwean Bean Dish
A bowl of nhopi topped with seeds and nuts
A bowl of nhopi topped with seeds and nuts

Next up, we have nhopi, which is like a special treat for kids (and grown-ups too!). Nhopi is a pumpkin pudding made from mashed pumpkins, mealie meal, peanut butter, and a water squash called a Shamba. It can be served as a snack, a side dish, or even as a dessert with a sprinkle of sugar for extra sweetness. To make it even more delicious, some people add fresh cream and cinnamon. Yum!

Chickenduza Zimbabwe Candy Cake
Chickenduza Zimbabwe Candy Cake

Last but not least, we have chikenduza, also known as “Zimbabwe Candy Cake.” It’s a sweet treat that’s loved by everyone! Chikenduza is made from a mix of tasty ingredients like peanuts, coconut, and sugar, all mixed together into a yummy cake. It’s the perfect snack for satisfying your sweet tooth.

So, whether you’re enjoying sadza with veggies, munching on mutakura for breakfast, savoring nhopi as a dessert, or treating yourself to chikenduza, Zimbabwean food is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more!

 

Zimbabwe art:

There are many wonderful artists from Zimbabwe, take a look at these three we really like!

A painting by Luis Meque
A painting by Luis Meque

Luis Meque worked in Zimbabwe, painting scenes of street life with vibrant colors and strong brush strokes. He invites you to look inside the painting, and wonder what the people are thinking and feeling. 

Another beautiful artist that emerged from Zimbabwe was George Churu.  He was recognized as a significant painter, drawing inspiration from African traditions and the painting style known as cubism.  His colors are so unique and beautiful!  In an interview he once said:  “I must look within Africa and make work from Africa. I know my culture.”

His paintings are displayed all over the world.

A Painting by George Churu
Marjorie Wallace ceramic pieces (image courtesy of Mutapo)

Marjorie Wallace was a celebrated Zimbabwean ceramist, known for her beautiful stoneware and porcelain. Wallace’s ceramics connect pottery with nature, art, tradition, and culture.

Zimbabwean Castles
Nesbitt Castle in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

This Zimbabwean castle was named after adventurer and explorer Theodore Holdengarde Nesbitt. He loved exploring and discovering new places. When he first visited Zimbabwe he loved it so much he decided to build a castle for himself. Nesbitt Castle was built with big stones, towering walls, and even a drawbridge, just like the ones you see in stories about knights and dragons. It was his own little kingdom where he could feel like a king!

Over the years the castle served different purposes, and even became a school. Today, it’s a beautiful hotel where people from all over the world come to stay and explore Zimbabwe.

Great Zimbabwe’s Great Enclosure

Once called the Great Walled City of Zimbabwe, this was an ancient home for local royal rulers. The modern nation Zimbabwe is named after this ancient city.  The fortress is now known as the Great Enclosure – a historical site for people to visit.

But guess what?  This is the great walled city that John Steptoe is writing about when Nyasha and Manyara go to visit the king! Remember the big gate they had to go through to enter the mighty kingdom? It was unlike anything they had seen in their village! The illustrations in the book Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters show this fortress city in ancient times.

It has a large circular wall and tower.  These amazing buildings, with their tall towers, balconies, and big sculptures, were made by the ancestors of the Shona people who live in Zimbabwe today!

The city was a main trading center for the Shona people in the 1400’s, (that’s almost a thousand years ago!) and it was where they sold gold, copper and ivory to Arab merchants. 

Even though Great Zimbabwe is now mostly in ruins, it still holds so much history and wonder. It’s a reminder of the amazing things people can build and the stories they leave behind for us to discover.

The Great Zimbabwe Great Enclosure
The Great Zimbabwe Great Enclosure
Thank you for joining us! Next, visit our Play & Learns on Snoriezzz.com to learn about African animals, make your own African rain stick, solve a maze and more!
The Magic Bed: Mindful Affirmations

Embrace the Power of Affirmations!

Imagine a world where your child starts and ends each day with positivity and confidence! By weaving affirmations into their daily routines, children can boost their self-esteem, build resilience, and cultivate a growth mindset. These skills empower them to face life’s challenges with courage and optimism.

Bedtime Bliss and Breakfast Boost:

Why not make affirmations a delightful part of your family’s routine? Enjoy these uplifting phrases together before bed, creating a peaceful atmosphere for sweet dreams. Then, share them again at breakfast to set a positive tone for the day ahead.

You can inspire our little ones to shine bright and embrace every opportunity that comes their way! 🌟

Play & Learn

Snoriezzz Science Tip

Sleep and Oxytocin

What we do during the day affects how well we sleep at night. But you probably remember this from another Snoriezzz episode!
It’s nice to be kind and help others when we can. Have you helped your friends or family out this week? It felt good to help them out, didn’t it?
When we help people, our brain releases a chemical called oxytocin that makes us feel relaxed and content. We feel good when oxytocin is released in our bloodstream. Oxytocin can even help us communicate better during tough times.
Learn More
Oxytocin is also released when we give someone a hug or when we give our pets snuggles. Oxytocin allows us to feel more trustful and secure in who we are and who we spend our time with. Feeling secure, relaxed and safe helps our bodies and minds easily wind down at nighttime so we can get a good night’s rest. Being kind and helpful is good for the heart, and helps us live longer, fuller lives.
Learn More
The funny thing about oxytocin is that it can also create a relaxed wakefulness in our bodies. This means that it perks us up and alerts our bodily systems, but in a more healthy way than caffeine or other stimulants. As a result, oxytocin released late at night can actually keep our bodies awake longer than we may like. If oxytocin is keeping you up, you may need to limit your pet snuggles!
Learn More
We would love to hear about what you did today to help your adults, friends or siblings! How did you make oxytocin for your brain today? Let us know by messaging us on Instagram @snoriezzz!
Learn More

Discover More Podcasts

The Selfish Giant

The Selfish Giant

September 24, 2024

A grumpy old giant doesn’t like kids and won’t let them play in his garden.  Mysteriously, everything turns to winter.  But in the end he befriends a little boy and learns how nice it is to share,  and spring returns! 

Listen to the Episode
Where to Listen Icon

Where can I Listen to Snoriezzz?

Listen to Snoriezzz on any of the following stations.
View All Channels

Sign Up for New Podcasts

Follow Snoriezzz

Instagram Facebook Tiktok Youtube

© 2024 Snoriezzz. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Sitemap