Q&A: Yara El Gendy, Radio Superstar

You turn your music on, you turn the radio up and you find Yara El Gendy talking to you. You switch and there she is on Nogoum FM. You switch back, she’s right there on Nile FM. Don’t get us wrong – we aren’t complaining. There has to be something about the presenter that makes her so in demand.

Get to know the woman behind the voice you know so well.

 

When did you realize you wanted to be a radio presenter?

I never knew I had it in me! I always had an interest in media and before I joined Nile Radio Productions I was working at a magazine and even before that at a broadcasting and media production house, but I was always behind the scenes. Til I heard the promo on Nile FM. They were looking for new presenters through their first-ever reality radio competition. I sent a demo and that’s when it all began…

 

What do you think of the radio industry in Egypt?

Definitely needs to grow and become more diversified. Competition is good and we need that in Egypt!

 

What are your hobbies outside the workplace?

I try to play all kinds of sports but I’m always too tired after I get home from work, so I just end up bumming around! And shopping (yes I consider that a hobby). Sigh.

 

If you could describe yourself in three words, which ones would you choose?

Fluffy, temperamental and zanana (although some people think I’m weird…dunno why).

 

Are you seeing anyone special?

Yes 🙂

 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully in good shape and health, still working my ass off and settled down!

 

If you could be endorsed by one brand, who would you choose to be endorsed by?

Alexander McQueen – it’s all about the shoes!

 

Where do you most enjoy going to take a break from all the craziness of Cairo?

If I have time to get out of Cairo I love going to Hurghada or Sokhna, but if I don’t get the chance to get out of town I’ll chill at home in the garden with my dogs!

 

As a girl, what would you say you couldn’t live without?

My phones!

 

What’s the difference between working in Nile FM and Nogoum FM?

Different atmospheres, Nogoum FM is massive inside and out as opposed to Nile FM, different delivery, completely different audience!

For example, I co-host the morning show on Nogoum FM. Every day we have different guests and we talk politics. The guests are heavy weights in their respective fields so it’s a bit more serious.

Nile FM is more interactive with the listeners, especially my show since it’s the request show, but it’s a lot of fun. I get away from all the political craziness and just have fun with the listeners and music!

Either way, I always end up having fun and love working on both stations!

 

If you could co-host a show with any celebrity who would it be?

Ryan Seacrest. I think he’s extremely smart, the man is huge! He presents one of the biggest show in America (American Idol) he has his own production company and he also presents one of the biggest syndicated radio shows in the world, AT40. I mean, we air his show here on Nile FM, it’s crazy!

Also, Ahmed Mekky. I think he’s tremendously talented and funny as hell!

 

What’s the cause you’re most passionate about?

Animal rights….hands down!

 

WE SAID THIS: She sure doesn’t have a face for the radio!