“Sabaho!” is the catchphrase of the immensely likeable Egyptian YouTuber Amr Nassouhy.
A self-proclaimed ‘football-fanatic’ Nassouhy has created a legion of fans—1.5 million and counting—via his near-constant videos about “pretty much anything to do with football!”
But this self-made star of the digital stream is more than just a charismatic man with a passion for the beautiful game, he is someone who believes in the impact of authentic content that needs to provide value to its viewers.
“Growing up, I was never able to go to football games in Europe,” he explains. “In fact the first time I ever went abroad to watch a big game was the World Cup 2014 in Brazil.”
Like millions of fans around the world he dreamt of travelling to the world’s most famous stadiums to watch the world’s most famous teams, and now Nassouhy has built a platform to do so, he wants to take everyone along with him on that journey.
“When I’m vlogging, I want people to experience what I am experiencing, because that’s what I wish I had when I was growing up,” he says. Across the region the internet and explosion of social media has created a cultural revolution in terms of creativity and access, and Nassouhy is a prime example of this.
We sat down with Nassouhy as part of Esquire’s 10 for the next 10 issue. You can read the whole interview below.
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What excites you the most about the online media industry?
What excites me is how creative people are. People have been waking up to the realization that you don’t need to have a lot of resources to make something that is good and something that will have an impact on others.
For our generation the evolution of the internet and technology has been a cultural revolution for creativity and access.
What is one of the most pressing issues of the online media industry?
In our industry the reach and views that a YouTuber has is a key measurement of success, the trouble is however, that when you set that as the only means of success and people start chasing ‘views’ then there is a risk of ruining the authenticity of it.
You have to always remember that what you do needs to add value to people – people watch content in order to get something from it, whether that is educational or entertainment or inspirational. I appreciate content.
When I’m told that I’m someone’s inspiration, it inspires me as well
What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
I’ve always loved football – and at the end of the day I am just a football fan.
I think what I am proud of is what I have created. I’ve always loved football, and like any fan I have a lot of opinions on it! Back in the day everyone was dependent on traditional media to express their opinions and ideas, but having being able to build up an organic fan-base purely off of my own back it is very rewarding for me – especially when people on the street come up to you and tell you that they love the content you produce. When I’m told that I’m someone’s inspiration, it inspires me as well.
Where does Social Media go in the region in the next 10 years?
We are definitely moving away from TV and more into the digital sphere – because what’s important is that there are no limits or boundaries telling you what you can and cannot have an opinion on.
Traditionally, I would never have made it as a football pundit or commentator because I am not an ex-pro and things are a bit political, but today’s infrastructure means that I can show the world that I can do the job and that people genuinely want to hear what you have to say. It’s like the ultimate leveler, if you’re good you’ll do well, if not you wont.
I don’t see it slowing down in the region any time soon, and I think that is great.
