Magic 101: Inside the world of illusion with professional magicians

Magicians have mastered the art of illusion.

The craft is growing in South Africa, with hundreds of active performers and institutions available to obtain the skills.

Peel, a mentalist from Gqeberha, says his journey started at a young age, seeing magicians like David Blaine on television, which enticed him to seek more knowledge by reading books at libraries.

The self-taught magician says when he's on stage, it never feels like work. He refers to his art as a "blend of illusion, psychology and theatre".

"Magic is like music in a way; much like there are many different genres of music, there are also many different genres of magic. The one I like to do predominantly is stage magic; it's called mentalism, which is like magic of the mind, creating the illusion of getting inside your head a little bit. I like to add that with traditional illusion and magic, like card and coin tricks, and visual stuff. I try to create an entertaining act."

Sonwabile Mekuto, who goes by "Soso The Magician", says his journey started at primary school when he saw a magicianfor the first time. He honed the craft at the College of Magic in Cape Town, where he studied for six years.

Mekuto says getting his family's buy-in to study magic was not easy.

"My mom never wanted to pay the school fees. I got some support from the College of Magic and got some sponsorships as well because I was passionate."

After Mekuto won the Western Cape Championship, his mom came around to understanding his career choice.

Mekuto says passion drives this career. "For me, not everyone can be a magician. I feel it is a gift.

"With events and shows I have, I have to bring a briefcase with my stuff. We'll make some jokes. I will take you on a journey to do the magic with you."

Watch some of the entertainment below (skip to 1:27:53):

To listen to Peel and Mekuto in conversation with Clement Manyathela on 702, click below: