Moein Al Bastaki is a renowned world-class magician and illusionist, based out of the UAE. The Business Tabloid editorial team has had the pleasure of getting acquainted with him to bring our readers his thoughts and his story.
Congratulations on being featured in the Business Tabloid Magazine. Please tell us how it feels and what it means to you.
I am really pleased and honoured to have an interview with Business Tabloid magazine. It is always great to be talking about the art that I molded in a conservative society to bring some excitement, smiles and a different kind of entertainment to people’s life.
What is magic, is it science, art, trick, or reality?
Well, magic to me is an art similar to any other art. Anybody who is dedicated enough to want to learn magic could learn it, like music dance, painting, or any other kind. In the art of magic, we make sure to use any means possible – of science, chemistry, calculus, or technology to achieve an impossible outcome. As a magician, my main goal would be to change the reality of an individual and give them a sense of impossible lit for even a few seconds or minutes.
How did you become interested in magic? Do you have an inspiration?
I got into the art of magic at the age of six. My grandfather was aware of the arts of magic as he had learned it from a magician. He tried to teach my father and uncle but they were not interested, so I became the victim. He showed me a magic trick and that became a never-ending learning for the future.
I kept learning magic from my grandfather until I did my first performance at the age of nine. My performance was not really good. I performed for my family members and friends, and they actually knew exactly what I was doing.
My dad once took me and my sister at the age of 12 to see a magician performing on a stage. The organizer was his friend, so we went to the magician’s show three days in a row. Even though his magic wasn’t really good, I was still impressed that people didn’t know how he was performing those tricks.
My dad, at the time, had a shop that used to rent out movies and music videos. Among the tapes he used to receive were the TV specials for David Copperfield. He knew I was fond of magic, so he used to give me those tapes and I used to watch them with surprise and amazement. I still remember when I watched David Copperfield cut himself in half and when he made the statue of liberty disappear. So, years later, I decided I will perform a vanishing act, of a landmark. And I made the Burj Khalifa disappear!
Can you tell us about the moment you knew you were going to be a magician?
After being introduced to magic when I was six, my journey continued as I explored the art of magic. I was reading books and learning from my grandfather, what he could teach me. I still remember, I was in high school and I went to my dad after school, telling him that I know what I want to become in future.
He thought I would tell him I wanted to become a doctor or an engineer or a lawyer, but to his surprise, I said, I want to become a magician. He was very upset and slammed the door and said, “Go and continue your education.”
I did continue my education and I got my master’s degree in business, and he was very happy. So, I showed him my certificate and told him that I will make sure to find a job, but I was going to continue to learn the art of magic. I am sure if he knew I will be making it big in this field, he would’ve definitely encouraged me. He would have not minded me continuing on that path, but he was worried that I was wasting my time. God rest his soul in peace. I’m glad that he saw my success in the art of magic before he passed away.
The lockdown has proved to be terrible for most of us. How was it for you as a performer?
It was not easy, to all of a sudden, shift your style of performance. Magic, being a very interactive art, for you to be sitting behind a computer, hoping you will get the same reaction from the audience was not easy. Lots of magic depends on sleight of hand or a misdirection. Those were not possible sitting behind the screen. So as a performer, every magician went through a tough time of performing to get amazed reactions from their audience. I’m glad we are back to normal now and that I can share my magical routines with lovely audiences.
Do you design your own tricks? How long does it take to master them?
I work on an idea when I have one and think towards the details of how to bring it to fruition. I also work with some consultants of mine in Spain, UK and US to create some of the magical effects I perform. Mastering the track depends on the style of magic. Once you have the foundation of magic, getting new ideas to work becomes really not that difficult.
How do you ensure audiences of all demographics are engaged during your performances?
Something that I say about the art of magic is that there are no limitations or barriers. You could be from any background, age, tradition, and country. Even if you don’t speak the language, Magic breaks through all that. If the magician is well aware of what he is performing, and if he has mastered the trick, then he will not fail to impress the audience. The aim of the magician is to create an impossible situation and to change the reality of the audience to believe that he can do so. I’m not saying it is easy but once done well, it becomes impressive.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have done lots of things to be happy and proud of. 12 years ago, in 2010 I went on TV and performed a very special type of magic. It was very shocking to the audience. Mentalism was very new to the people in this part of the world. Vanishing an individual or a big landmark or making them fly or cutting them in half and then putting them back together was not ever thought of being possible. I did all that and more. to be honest, my path is in the beginning. There is much more to be achieved in this beautiful art, and we are planning to do so. To be called the number one magician in the Arab world is an honour for me to cherish, and I always will be working towards keeping the title as strong as I can.
How does it feel now, to be known as UAE’s best-known magician and illusionist?
It is a big title to own, especially being in this amazing and beautiful country. At the beginning of my path, I was very worried about how would people, society, my family, and my friends will take it – me being a magician. I thought everybody would be against me. I thought I would be in lots of trouble. But to my surprise, I was supported more than I had people standing against me. It is an honour to be called the best-known magician in the UAE and I hope that I could always be named as the person that changes the idea of magic in this society.
You are a banker by day and magician and mentalist by evening. How does that work? How do you manage to keep track and excel in both careers?
Let me tell you that it is not easy. To have different hats, and change them on a daily basis. You would need to be really working very, very hard. I love doing them all. I enjoy being a banker, and I give my all while working in the bank and also, I really enjoy performing magic. At this stage, my aim is to excel in both and do great, and do justice to both of them.
Is there some message you would like to tell our readers, who I’m sure, most are your fans?
One thing that I would like to tell them is, never stop going after your dreams. I didn’t know I will be this well-known in the field of magic. Even if your kids have some interest in any kind of art or sport, please support them. I am not saying education is not important – it is, but also you never know if they might become successful in the arts or sports. They are amazing opportunities in the future.
