SKY brings you clever, close-up magic with a contemporary urban edge. The slick performer specialises in hypnotism, brought into British cultural fashion by fellow industry professional, and one of SKY’s own inspirations: Derren Brown. Having now performed for both the Pakistani and English cricket teams, and celebrities such as Raveena Tandon as well as basically half the cast of Desi Rascals, this modern magician possesses a unique street-wise charm which serves everybody well. “The best part of being this kind of performer is using wonderful pieces of magic and mentalism to introduce people to their more relaxed, beautiful sides. It’s especially important in this climate of distrust and suspicion. People can be sceptical, but once they’ve had their minds so explosively broadened, they begin to relax and let what I’m doing in.” This is certainly helped by SKY’s very humorous spin. From cardistry and guessing people’s mobile passwords to getting their friends to believe they’re Batman and turning miscellaneous objects into glass, SKY performs a variety of traditional, digital and purely signature tricks. “My favourite is definitely the hypnotism,” he emphasised, “because it’s so powerful.” This was just before he guessed which university I had attended by gauging my tone over an impromptu phone call. More than the standard ability to read character and power of persuasion then, comes SKY’s defining personability: hard to pull off while preserving the profession’s mandatory class and mystique.
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As well as private events - for corporations and lively weddings - SKY gives smaller, intimate performances and provides charity work for institutions such as Richard House Children’s Hospice. “There is nothing better than seeing the smiles on people’s faces. More than the repute or money, the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life is the main reason for my love of the trade. There’s always a feeling of celebrity, but it’s also a spiritual experience to be able to resonate with people and bring them out of their shells. This was never so clear than during the time I spent with terminally ill children at the hospice - my little marvels could give them such light.” SKY has informally enjoyed building relationships through his immersive medium, with his other work too. Among other exciting jobs, he has a consulting role for the local government and provides music therapy as part of a virtual school. “Magic is a great way to break the ice and music has always been another passion of mine, partly because it is also an expressive way to reach out. Combining the two makes for tremendous impact.” But a deep soul does not compromise SKY’s intense sharpness or mental mastery: “I always work to finesse my tricks so they are world-class, sophisticated acts, as if you’re being brought a show that might air on TV. It’s probably why I’ve attracted such a high-profile clientele. I have an impeccable high standard that’s also accessible.” As well as having an expected creative flourish, SKY elaborated that “a really good magician excels at problem-solving and thinks outside the box.” If you can pass a MENSA test or solve a difficult newspaper puzzle, you’ve got a shot at wizardry! “A highlight moment was Morocco,” SKY, also a seasoned world traveller, shared. “My friend and I had decided to get a drink at the Radisson Blu Hotel as our accommodation at the time was not fit for human occupation. I started to perform some tricks and impressed the bartenders. Soon the manager came by – he was having so much fun, he asked me what it would take to perform again in 5 nights time. I was able to negotiate a very forthcoming 5-night stay in exchange for my magic We were even treated to massages.” Thus, being performatively and philosophically open, SKY not only delights people in the moment, but creates mind-altering memories that last. “I’ve never been as attracted to stage or theatre magic,” he aptly commented. “It’s somewhat removed from real life. I enjoy entertaining and really moving my audience. I gift people a four-dimensional experience -one that gets them to really appreciate the present,” and at once, as we’ve seen, the blessing of life. “A concept that’s championed by Oprah Winfrey, I’ve always believed in The Secret: if you focus on a goal strongly enough, the universe will bend to your will.” Here, there is actually a theory in physics - the double-split experiment - which supports this. By observing a particular outcome before it has happened, you actively stop the likelihood of all others. With SKY then, magic really does transcend the impossible.
Have you ever had someone persistently bother you to reveal a trick?
There are always people. The most common frustration is someone trying to debunk me. Especially when you’ve got a a group of alpha males! They get very protective over the women they are with – hurt egos are an occupational hazard!
How does one study magic?
You have to be a good storyteller – the narrative has to be inspiring. My initial training as a primary school teacher really helped me after getting my degree. When you combine engaging stories with magic, you get a wow factor.
What does the future hold for you?
I’d love to take my magic to India. I can imagine having a knock-out TV Show. Visualise me tricking a famous Bollywood actress into thinking I am Shah Rukh Khan. Then the real deal walks in and this actress thinks he’s just a waiter who has got her order wrong… For the immediate future, I am taking a group of challenged young people for an enlightening trip to in India. We’ll be surrounded by the Himalayas. Infusing the magic in all I do makes life truly enjoyable.
Finally, what’s your advice to others who have chosen alternative performance careers, who might be starting out with nothing but self-belief?
As tired as it might sound, I think you have to follow your heart. They say if you’re doing something you love, you never work a day in your life. If there isn’t an industry or infrastructure for you, create one.
Also remember, people might put you down but as long as you are secure in your subject knowledge and respective discipline than no one can touch you.
