AT just 8 years old, Kailash Naidoo is already making a name for himself in the music world. This young violinist from Amanzimtoti in Durban recently scored 94% in his Trinity College exam.

The Trinity College (London) is an internationally-recognised awarding organisation that specialises in music, drama, and other performative arts. The exam for music is a globally recognised examination that assesses musicianship for various musical instruments. Kailash took the first exam and the exams continued (based on skill level up until level 8 or Grade 8). This grade is not the same as a grade in school.

“I started playing the violin last year when I was in Grade one. It was difficult at first, but as I kept practising, it got easier. I enjoy playing the violin because it makes beautiful music, and I like listening to music in movies and shows,” said Kailash, a Grade two pupil at Durban Preparatory High School.

Kailash’s love for music is evident in the way he talks about the violin — Kailash Naidoo playing the violin

Kailash’s love for music is evident in the way he talks about the violin.

“My favourite song to play is Flash of Lightning from the Trinity Grade 1 book but I also love playing Christmas carols, especially Jingle Bells!”

Aside from playing the violin, Kailash is learning the piano and kazoo. He enjoys reading and plays chess and hockey at school. Kailash loves to swim and will compete in the Midmar Mile next year.

He said he also reviewed children's books for Jonathan Ball Publishers on Instagram (@teatalesandtomes).

Kailash belongs to the first Amanzimtoti Scouts group where he is a cub and through this, he has learnt life and survival skills.

"I hiked up Sani Pass in winter this year. It’s a challenging 16km hike that took about eight hours, and I did it for charity (Childhood Cancer Foundation). I am planning on doing my first five-day hike with my parents next year."

He wants to become a botanist because he loves plants and exploring.

His mother, Natasha Govender, said Kailash completed the Trinity College exam at his music school in Durban North and the examiner flew in from Trinity College in London.

“For the exam, he had to play three pieces of music on his violin, do scales, sight read music, and aural, which is listening and interpreting music that is played. Kai took the exam in his stride but I was a bundle of nerves not knowing what to expect.”

She said the Trinity College examiner visited South Africa twice a year to examine musicians who were ready for their specific exam.

“When Kai took his exam, there was a group of children from Kai’s music school in various age and grade categories that also took the exam. After the exam, Kai casually mentioned that he did really well but I didn’t want him to get his hopes up because I had no idea how this usually pans out. A week later, we received the call that he had scored 94%. It was remarkable.”

Kai has begun working toward his next Trinity College exam, which is the Grade 1 exam.

His mom added that they were proud of him, especially for working hard to achieve his goals.

“Kai’s love for music is contagious. He is always humming or singing, and it’s wonderful to see him express himself in this way. Kai’s passion for music is inspiring."

She said her son practised a little at home.

"He has mini-concerts at home with his little brother Jaspal just because it’s fun and they both love music. He has two formal lessons a week - one at his school and another with his private tutor. I’m usually Kai’s personal chauffeur for his extra-curricular activities.”

His father, Keegan Naidoo, said: “I love watching Kai grow into the outstanding young lad he is becoming. We are grateful to be his parents and to be on this journey with him.”

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