Behind the infectious smiles of countless children and bringing light to the darkest days of young warriors stands Uncle Jack Black, a magician whose life story is as captivating as his tricks.
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 July 2025) – Behind the bright smiles of many joyful, countless young faces, captivated by tricks and wonder, is beloved magician Uncle Jack Black.
He’s the friendly entertainer at children’s events and the one who brings whimsical joy through the Reach for Dream Foundation to young warriors facing their toughest health battles.
Good Things Guy connected with the magician known for spreading good vibes and wonder everywhere he goes.
Born in the DRC to a royal family, Uncle Jack Black only arrived in South Africa in 2000. He settled in the southern part of Johannesburg after his family was devastated by war and lost everything, except the magic skills he’d learned from his father.
“I learned to do tricks from my dad back in Congo. He helped me learn magic because I struggled with communication at a young age,” Jack shares.
Although he was born a healthy child, Jack experienced challenges with his health well into his childhood, and was in and out of the hospital until he was about 12.
“The doctors couldn’t pinpoint anything. To this day, I still don’t know what was wrong,” Jack says.
“Magic tricks helped build my confidence. But back then, I didn’t know I would become a magician.”
Little did he know that these early lessons would shape his destiny.
“When I arrived in South Africa, I saw magicians on TV, and I wanted to become one because it was something I loved.”
He founded his own company in 2012, UBJ Community, which he describes as a middleman between clients and artists. It is through it that he has been able to provide entertainment for the Reach for a Dream Foundation. You will find him bringing laughter to the children in many of South Africa’s hospital wards.
Asked what he loves most about what he does, the answer is simple:
“I love bringing smiles.”
His magic has not only opened countless doors, allowing him to make a living from his passion, but more importantly, it has allowed him to transform personal adversity into a powerful force for good.
“All these factors make me happy, and that’s why I keep doing it.”
We’re fans of your work, Uncle Jack Black. Keep spreading magic and smiles!
Sources: Nothando Mthembu | Uncle Jack Black
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