The art and craft of sound effects in two radio isiXhosa dramas

Abstract

This article is a pilot investigation of sound effects which is one of the most important elements in a well-structured radio drama. Sound effects are commonly abbreviated as ‘SFX’ or ‘SX’. The study investigates the role of the sound effects in Ncedile Saule's radio dramas, namely “ULindithuba” (The one waiting for a chance or opportunity) and “Ndixolele” (Forgive me). This will of necessity require a synthetic analysis of the two radio dramas with respect to one of the pivotal structural elements of drama, namely plot structure. The analysis is based on the recorded South African Broadcasting Corporation's (SABC) Radio isiXhosa broadcasts of the dramas backed up by the published text Amaciko (1988).