There are gigs, and then there are moments.
As a luxury magician, I spend my life chasing those singular experiences where the venue, the crowd, and the energy align perfectly. Last week, I traveled to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, for exactly such a moment: the historic grand opening of the largest Rolex store in Africa.
It was a whirlwind trip defined by high stakes, elite corporate magic, and a personal milestone I didn’t expect.
The Moroccan Connection: A Duo’s Genesis
For this event, I wasn’t flying solo. I was joined by my good friend and colleague, Hicham Illusions, who flew in from Morocco to join me.
Here is the incredible part: despite knowing each other for years and having immense respect for each other’s craft, we had never actually performed together as a duo.
We’ve shared meals, late-night conversations about the art of illusion, and plenty of laughs, but never a stage. Deciding to debut our collaboration at one of the most prestigious events in Africa was a bold move. There was no time for weeks of rehearsal—just trust in our individual skills as entertainers.
“The Manhattan of the Tropics” on a Tight Schedule
Abidjan is often called the “Manhattan of the Tropics,” and even from the window of our transport, the energy of the city was undeniable. However, for a Reda Illusion experience, professionalism comes before sightseeing.
The schedule was incredibly tight—a classic “plane-to-hotel-to-show” sprint.
- The Challenge: Battling travel fatigue while maintaining the elegance required for the brands like Rolex, Fred, Messika, and the many others that were there.
- The Comparison: It reminded me of the intense logistics involved in destination weddings—where you have one shot to make the moment perfect, regardless of the travel time.
- The Goal: Deliver a flawless, high-energy performance worthy of a historic opening.
Corporate Magic for a Timeless Brand
The venue was spectacular. Opening a flagship store for Rolex isn’t just about cutting a ribbon; it’s about representing a legacy of precision and excellence. As a closeup magician in this environment, the magic has to be just as precise as the timepieces on display.
But the moment Hicham and I stepped out, the pressure vanished.
Because we are such close friends off-stage, the non-verbal communication on-stage was instant. We anticipated each other’s rhythms and improvisations as if we had been touring together for years. The audience was elegant and appreciative—a crowd that understands the value of an exclusive experience.
Why It Worked
Reflecting on the flight home, I realized why this risk paid off. Whether it’s an intimate destination wedding in Greece or Sicily or a massive corporate magic event in Abidjan, the secret ingredient is always trust.
When you trust your partner on stage, you can take risks. You can be present. The tight schedule forced us to stop overthinking and just craft and perform. And Abidjan, with its warm hospitality and vibrant pulse, provided the perfect backdrop.
Until Next Time
Leaving Ivory Coast, I felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. We successfully launched a new duo project at a landmark event for one of the world’s most iconic brands.
To Hicham : here is to the first of many. And to Abidjan: thank you for the energy. Reda Illusion will be back.
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