By Faten Omar
Performing magic tricks in Kuwait was Abdulwahab Al-Failakawi's dream since he was seven-year-old. Failakawi who won the 'Best magic designer in the Middle East' International Award, spoke with Kuwait Times about his art of illusions, to entertain audiences.
Kuwait Times: When did you start doing magic?
Failakawi: I started doing magic when I was 7 years old.
KT: Who inspired you growing up? And why did you want to become a magician?
Failakawi: David Copperfield was my inspiration in magic, I loved the reaction of people when they saw a magic trick and wanted to make people feel joy and happiness.
KT: How did you learn your magic tricks?
Failakawi: First I searched the internet to learn a magic trick when I began to master what I learned I wanted more so I began buying old books that teach magic and started learning.
KT: You are the first Kuwaiti to receive the award for the best illusion designer in the Middle East. Tell us more about that.
Failakawi: In 2012 I made an illusion design and kept it for myself I heard about the international magicians' society in New York and about a competition they are doing so I decided to submit my design to them and compete& received the award as stated.
KT: Who is your favorite magician? What is your favorite trick that you have not done yet?
Failakawi: David Copperfield is a great inspiration to this day, flying above the Kuwait towers.
KT: What other hobbies do you have?
Failakawi: I love music started learning lately how to play the piano.
KT: Is being a magician your full-time job?
Failakawi: I am a full-time engineer and part-time magician.
KT: Where do you hope magic will take you?
Failakawi: I love traveling and magically made this easier it took me to a lot of places and introduced me to many cultures.
KT: What organizations and tournaments have you been affiliated with?
Failakawi: International magician society is the only organization that I competed in.
Do Arabs get talent to consider as a tournament if yes I competed in it.
KT: How have you gained such a following on social media, and then retained that following?
Failakawi: I was the first to start doing magic videos on social media at the region got off a lot of popularity.
KT: How do you ensure audiences of all demographics are engaged during your performances?
Failakawi: I love making them part of the show to keep them engaged all the time.
KT: Are your designed tricks safe?
Failakawi: Hmm you can say that yes 99.9% safe.
KT: Tell us a funny/weird situation you faced during your career.
Failakawi: I fell down while I was levitating (I am not joking)
KT: Have you performed in other country than Kuwait?
Failakawi: Kuwait, Dubai, Oman, Los Angeles, San Diego.... and a lot more.
KT: What is your advice to beginner magicians?
Failakawi: Learn magic from the right place don't buy fake magic.
KT: What is your next plan?
Failakawi: This I will keep a secret and it will be something really big.