The UAE is rich with cultural diversity, and considerable talent. Perhaps one of the most unique individuals is the ‘human torch,’ Arab, Mohammed Khair, or MK, 23 years old, who is a fire performer! He is also as a university student reading environmental science. Tempo learned quickly that MK is hot!
Did you start by playing with fire?
For me it was always about science, and it quickly became my passion. In fact I decided to major in environmental science to get a chance to conduct crazy science experiments.
How did you learn to breath fire?
I was trained by a professional fire breather, called Kimberly Brown.
How did you come up with the crazy idea to learn?
(Laughing) The idea came out of boredom… I was recalling how I burnt my face in a past accident, so that triggered an internal challenge that I set for myself to get over my fear by training myself to deal with fire…
What did you use?
Homemade equipment (smiles deviously).
What did the experience feel like?
It felt amazing, freeing and crazy; nobody had done a stunt like that in the UAE before.
Did you get injured?
I got second degree burns on my left arm…another time I accidently burned some of my facial hair while performing.
You call yourself the Human Torch, why?
After The Human Torch – the super-hero from the movie ‘The Fantastic Four’.
What are the dangers of fire performances?
You perform in front of a huge crowd so it is extremely important to keep a safe distance. At one event there was a stupid drunk who took my fire tools and set a blaze to impress the girls. It could have been very dangerous but I jumped in to avert a disaster.
Can you tell us the secret to fire breathing?
Well for starters, you need guts, strong lungs, as well as mental and physical endurance. Stage fear is a definite no because you’ll definitely be performing in front of a big crowd. When you get nervous your breathing becomes unstable, so you need to be completely fit and confident. Most importantly you need to think fast on your feet in case of an emergency.
Where can we see you perform?
Outdoors events, parties, festivals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
What would you advice someone who wants to try this experience?
Don’t every try this unless a professional is supervising you. It might look cool and easy but it takes training and time.
Facebook: Mohammed Khair M.K
twitter: @mohammedkhairmk
SEE MK IN THIS CRAZY STUNT WHERE HE JUMPS OFF A BRIDGE AND SETS HIMSELF ON FIRE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VNg5Eb1Ps0&list=UUKcuYPLN1y0nNRokWYPXUGQ
TEMPO ALERT! DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. EVER.
By Lama Younes
