National Association of Black Storytellers engage young minds with songs, stories from the Motherland

Story & Video By John Caesar

ArtsXchange ended November with a brilliant performance by Chicago-based storyteller and musician Shanta Nurullah. Using a host of African-based instruments, Nurullah not only shared the history of each instrument but wove in stories that matched their sounds and spirit, helping attendees drift to the Continent in their imaginations.

Her first story centered around a cow-tail switch, following the five sons of an African chief as they each used their unique talents in a quest to revive their father from the dead. The tale combined imagination, folklore, and rhythm, captivating the young audience.

Her next story explored the budding relationship between two friends, highlighting themes of trust, cooperation, and emotional growth using the Mbira – a percussive instrument made of metal tines on a wooden board; and hers with a gourd as the resonator – which is special to the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

As bright eyes looked on from the audience, Nurullah made them a part of the performance, inviting a child to play the cowbell and challenging her to create her own beat. As the session ended, some children stayed behind for extended lessons about West African lore, eager to learn even more.

A 3Arts awardee, Nurullah has spent her life surrounded by music. Growing up in Chicago, she took piano lessons with her aunt before attending Carleton College in Minnesota. After graduation, she joined the Kuumba Workshop, where she gained experience in African-American theater. Since 1971, she has been a mentor to musicians across Chicago, guiding and inspiring generations of artists.

Nurullah’s many accolades include the M³ Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Association of Black Storytellers’ Zora Neale Hurston Award, and an Illinois Arts Council Artist Fellowship.

The ArtsXchange was honored to host Shanta Nurullah, whose performances continue to educate, inspire, and celebrate African and African-American musical and storytelling traditions.

This performance was part of the National Association of Black Storytellers' Adopt-A-Teller Community Outreach Program (AATP). AATP was held during the 43d Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference based at the Embassy Suites Centennial Olympic Park, November 19-23, 2025. The festival was sponsored by the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. and supported by a grant from the Nora Roberts Foundation, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and NABS Legacy Fundraising Campaign.