Khayelitsha teen's unusual hobby
HIS FRIENDS play soccer or dance in their spare time, but 15-year-old Qaqambile Mnqika chose to dabble in magic and is now the top student at the College of Magic.
Qaqambile, who lives in Khayelitsha, was not only awarded the Student of the Year Award by the college, but represented the college at a magic convention in Las Vegas in August.
The College of Magic is the only organisation of its kind in the world and offers a six-year on campus diploma that covers all aspects of the magic theatrical performing arts.
Qaqambile said he had some reservations about his unusual career choice because it was not something he saw a lot of while growing up.
He described being involved with magic as a “whirlwind of fantastic moments”.
“Studying magic has introduced me to a world of possibilities.”
He said he wanted to be a doctor, but should that not work out he sees magic as a comfortable alternative.
“It is unusual among my friends. They are used to soccer and dancing, and when I perform, it’s like something new to them. They don’t understand that it is also an art, but they always enjoy it and ask me to do more.”
The wizard said he learnt a lot in Las Vegas: “I learnt that everything you do in magic must be done responsibly and that everything you do has consequences, sometimes good and sometimes bad.”
Qaqambile’s grandmother, Tandiswa M kwela, encouraged him to study magic as she saw that he loved it from a young age, even though he didn’t realise it.
“When I would send him to get something, like an egg, he would always play with it and juggle around with things in the house and I told him to go to the college.”
She said they saw him get better each day and were very proud of his achievement and hoped he could take his magic further.
“He came home with three trophies, and they were all his, and 10 certificates. We are so proud of him.”
The college said: “The class of 2016 has been fortunate enough to be a part of a very successful year for the college, one that has included spectacular gala shows involving the students.”