| Who: Sinalo Mtwana (aka Khalo Magic) – South African magician Where to see Khalo Magic: In Makin’ Magic – featuring students and graduates from the College of Magic in Cape Town, Saturday June 6 at 3pm and 7pm, Sunday June 7 at 12pm and 3pm at Artscape Bookings for Makin’ Magic: Webtickets Where to watch Khalo Magic on social media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KhaloMagic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khalo_magic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@khalomagic Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/khalo.gosa Note: At time of publication, May 2026, Mtwana is 18 years old |
At the age of 18, South African magician, Sinalo Mtwana has astonished audiences with his, sleight-of-hand artistry and charismatic stage presence. The multi-award winning magician (yes, multiple awards at 18), is performing in Makin’ Magic at Artscape, June 6 and 7pm which features students and graduates from the College of Magic in Cape Town. Mtwana (aka Khalo Magic) talks about the genesis and growth of his magic. Khalo Magic is emblematic of his personal journey, his identity as a Black magician from Africa: “Magic is universal and wonder has no colour, but it is true that there have been fewer Black magicians recognised globally in the mainstream … I carry more than props and routines onto the stage. I carry my story, my community and the hopes of young people who want to see what is possible for themselves.”
TheCapeRobyn: Can you tell us about your origin story – growing up in Khayelitsha?
Sinalo Mtwana: I grew up in Khayelitsha, where it’s easy to get pulled into gangsterism and drugs. Magic became a way out. It gave me something positive to focus on, kept me busy, and helped me stay away from trouble. Through practicing and performing, I found purpose and a different path for my life. I went to school in the local community, where I learned to stay disciplined despite the challenges around me. For my junior grade I went to Isikhokelo primary school and for my senior grades I went to Intlanganiso secondary school which both my schools are located in Khayelitsha. Overall, my upbringing in Khayelitsha played a huge role in shaping my perspective. It gave me a deep appreciation for community, perseverance, and making the most of opportunities when they come.
TCR: Your magic journey?
SM: My journey into magic is bigger than performance. It is a story of transformation. Magic gave me focus, discipline, and belief in myself. It became a way to rise above difficult circumstances and imagine a different future. Because of that, when I perform, I carry more than props and routines onto the stage. I carry my story, my community, and the hopes of young people who want to see what is possible for themselves.
TCR: How did your stage tag as Khalo Magic, come about?
SM: I use “Khalo Magic” because “Khalo” is my interpretation of “Carlo”, an Italian name meaning “free man.” I adapted it into a Xhosa-written form to reflect who I am and where I come from. For me, the idea of “khalo” represents freedom and mindset. It reminds me that I have no limits to what I can achieve except the ones I create in my mind. It’s not just a name; it’s a personal philosophy that keeps me focused, creative and driven in my journey as a magician.
TCR: Did you study Italian?
SM: I never studied Italian as a subject, but the name stayed with me from a young age. The name “Carlo” became part of my identity through childhood experiences, music, and later personal meaning tied to freedom and ambition.
TCR: Are any of your family involved in magic, the performing arts, music, theatre? Your mom has been a major influence and support?
SM: I’m the first magician in my family, and no one else is involved in magic or the performing arts like theatre or music. My parents come from a more traditional background, focused on making a living and supporting the family. My mom, though, has been a huge influence in my journey. Even though she didn’t fully understand magic at first, she always believed in me and supported my passion. Over time, she’s become one of my biggest supporters, encouraging me to keep going and grow in my craft.
TCR: What led you to the College of Magic? Did you know someone who attended?
SM: I was first introduced to magic when I was in Grade R, when a graduate from the College of Magic, Asiphe Mnqika, came to my school and performed a sponge ball effect – a classic trick where a ball vanishes, reappears and multiplies, often in the spectator’s hand. That moment stuck with me I was completely amazed, and that’s when I fell in love with magic. From then on, I knew I wanted to be part of the College of Magic. I later joined and started taking classes there, where I spent several years developing my skills and growing as a performer.
TCR: Can you tell us about the role of the COM in developing your craft and in fast tracking your career as a magican, during your studies, leading to your many awards at Magicana?
SM: The College of Magic played a major role in developing my craft and fast-tracking my career as a magician. During my studies, I received training in both magic and the theatrical arts, which helped me grow into a confident performer. The College also focused on leadership and excellence, pushing me to reach my full potential. It gave me access to performance opportunities, resources and industry exposure. Most importantly, it empowered me as a young person, helping me gain respect in my community. This support and guidance inspired me to stay creative and disciplined, which contributed to my growth and success, including winning multiple awards at Magicana.
TCR: When did you win the Magicana championships?
SM: I won two Magicana Junior Championship titles, taking 1st place in both Close-Up Magic and Stage Magic in consecutive years, 2024 and 2025. I won my first championship award at the age of 17, which was a proud moment for me and showed that the hard work, discipline and belief from others was starting to pay off.
TCR: What are your study plans? This is your first year out of school and you are interning at the COM this year (2026), ahead of your studies next year?
SM: This is my first year out of school. I’m currently interning at the College of Magic, which is helping me gain more experience while I prepare for my studies next year. I’m planning to study Occupational Therapy at the University of the Western Cape, because I feel like there’s a kind of magic in it—the ability to help and change people’s lives. At the same time, I’m open to other fields within the life sciences, as that was my strongest subject in high school.
TCR: What does it entail – being an intern at the COM – igniting magic in communities in townships – the outreach work that they do?
SM: Being an intern at the College of Magic involves more than just improving my own skills. It is about giving back and igniting magic in communities, especially in townships which are in rural areas. We take part in outreach programs where we introduce young people to magic, often for the first time, just like I experienced when I was younger. Through workshops and performances, we teach basic magic skills while also building confidence, creativity, and discipline. It’s about showing young people that there are positive paths they can follow. The outreach work is powerful because it uses magic to inspire, uplift, and create opportunities, helping others see beyond their current circumstances.
TCR: Can you tell us about performing in Austria, later this year? What is that about?
SM: The College of Magic is presenting Magic of Africa with me and three others, at the Fröhlich Zauberkongress in Austria, a major European magic convention. The congress features international performers and includes tour shows across Austria from September 14 -17. 2026.
The College selected a group of students based not only on talent, but also on our behaviour, discipline, and the trust that we will represent both the institution and Africa well on an international stage. For me, this is a huge honour. It means taking my journey from Khayelitsha to a global platform and sharing my story and skills through magic. We’ll be performing, learning from other international artists, and showcasing the kind of work the College of Magic does in developing young performers. It’s exciting because it’s not just a trip—it’s a chance to represent Africa, inspire others, and show that magic from our communities can stand proudly anywhere in the world.
TCR: Your thoughts on being a Black magician in an industry which is not exactly representative of people of colour in mainstream magic? And here you are – age 18 – stepping out into the international magic arena?
SM: As a young Black magician preparing to step onto the international stage, I understand that representation matters. Magic is universal and wonder has no colour, but it is true that there have been fewer Black magicians recognised globally in the mainstream. That reality makes opportunities like performing in Austria even more meaningful to me. It is not only about showcasing tricks or entertainment, but about showing that talent, creativity, and excellence can come from any background, including communities that are often overlooked.
At 18, I feel proud to be stepping into international spaces with humility and gratitude. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I also know that I bring something unique. My magic is shaped by resilience, African identity, and the belief that impossible things can become possible. If audiences see me and feel inspired, then I am doing more than entertaining. I am helping to expand what people imagine when they think of a magician and what they believe young people from communities like mine can achieve.
TCR: Plans for your future as a professional magician?
SM: My goal is to become a professional magician and perform both locally and internationally. I’m already starting to work with agents in South Africa and abroad, which is helping me get more opportunities and exposure. In the future, I want to tour, grow my craft, and inspire young people from communities like Khayelitsha to believe that their dreams are possible.
TCR: Major magic influences?
SM: The College of Magic has played a huge role in developing my theatrical stagecraft. I also watch a lot of TikTok and YouTube with footage of professional magicians of the past and. I have been inspired by many great magicians such as Jeff McBride. He has influenced me through his powerful stage presence and commanding energy. Shin Lim inspired me with the way he transforms close-up magic into something theatrical and artistic on a larger scale. David Copperfield and Michael Vincent have influenced me in the way they truly own the stage and create unforgettable moments. David Blaine also had a strong effect on me because he made me believe that magic can feel completely real and deeply emotional.
| Khalo Magic (aka Sinalo Mtwana) on social media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KhaloMagic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khalo_magic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@khalomagic Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/khalo.gosa |
❇ Featured image: Sinalo Mtwana performing at Artscape, as part of MAJIKA: Africa’s Greatest Illusionists at Artscape Theatere, 2025. He was the youngest of the ensemble of professional performers. Pic Anya Ramparsad. Supplied. This interview has been edited slightly for length.
