MK’s career has always been music, and yes, of course, he finally got a chance to study for his music engineering degree and passed most of his practicals with flying colours. But as MK gets a step closer to his dream of becoming a well-known DJ, he faces so many hurdles and painful obstacles on his way to finding his true potential, that he decides to give up his career and sit home to think about his next step.
MK lives with his mother, Lindiwe, and his two sisters, Ayanda and Maphindi, who are still in high school completing grade 12. MK’s courage comes from his love for music. He believes that this is his gift, and he never intends to let it go. MK prepares his long journey to the cities and decides to leave his family to pursue his dream.
“Mama, nisale kahle ekhaya (stay well at home. I will see you soon.)”
“MK mtanam, ungakhohlwa ikhaya ubuye mfana wam (don’t forget home. Come back, my child),” Lindiwe reminds him.
“Hawu, Ma, I am 21 now. Don’t worry. I am grown now. I’m no more a boy. I know how to take care of myself, Mama. Don’t worry, but anyway, I will miss Flagstaff, Ma. this is my hometown. Stay well, everyone.”
MK waves goodbye to his family. The taxi arrives. MK gets in, and it finally takes off on a 4-hour journey to Durban. MK sleeps on the taxi for 30 minutes. As he wakes up, he finds that the sun is setting. It’s now evening. He eats the foods that his mother has made for him for his long exhausting trip.
MK thinks, Lord, I wish this journey will be a success. l wish, Lord, that I will be able to grab all the deejaying opportunities that come my way. If all this could happen so, you Father, will never be forgotten.
He prays to himself and makes it clear. MK is really terrified as it’s his first time to take such a long trip to Durban: a city of opportunities.
It’s dark. “Wow, have we reached Durban? The lights are so cool. Wow, the different colours are amazing, damn.”
MK is looking through the taxi window and is looking at the tall buildings that are scattered everywhere in this city. He is surprised to see people busy at such a time. It’s dark, but people are still walking as if they’re confused. The roads are bright. There are pole lights that are making the road bright. MK is astonished and very thrilled at the same time. He is still looking around when his phone rings in his pocket. MK takes it out and answers immediately.
“Hello, Aunt.”
“Usukephi Mk? (where are you?)”
“I don’t know these places, Auntie. Mama said you will tell me where the taxi will drop me off.”
“OK, MK, tell the driver to drop you at workshop. From there I will fetch you, uyezwa?”
MK’s aunt stays in the city where she works as a cleaner. MK will be staying with her for a while until he finds his way to his career. His family is giving him all the support and motivation that they can. MK is the first person in their family to have such great educational background and such ambition. He is so young.
When the taxi arrives, MK does not come out of the taxi. He is not sure of which workshop his aunt mentioned, but he sees a few people coming out. He then takes out his cell phone and checks his airtime balance, only to find out that there’s no airtime on his phone…
***
Tell us what you think: Do you think MK will miss his stop and get lost?