By: Yomna Walid
Mark Youssef first walked into the NileFM studios in May 2007 as a young DJ driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how music forges connections. Fourteen years later, in 2021, he returned to present a mix on the Pulsar Radio Show, marking another step in a career that continued to gather momentum.
Now in 2025, Youssef is back once more as NileFM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week, recognized for years of dedication, international performances, and an enduring passion for sound.
From experimenting with mixes in his bedroom to performing on stages around the world, Youssef&rsquo;s path has been shaped by a single question; why does music move us the way it does?
At 10.00 PM tonight, he returns to the NileFM spotlight, bringing fresh energy, new stories, and a few surprises for listeners.&nbsp;
1. To begin, Mark, tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and how did your musical journey start? I&rsquo;m Mark Youssef, born in Sydney, Australia, but raised in Egypt, so I always say I carry both worlds within me. Music began for me at a very young age, first as a passion, then as something I couldn&rsquo;t let go of. I started mixing at home, in my bedroom, experimenting and teaching myself, trying to understand why music has the power to shift people&rsquo;s emotions so profoundly. That curiosity is what sparked the journey I&rsquo;m still on today.
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2. Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to become a DJ?
Yes, the moment I felt how one track can completely shift the energy of a room. I realized I wanted to be the person who creates that moment, who tells a story through music. That&rsquo;s when I knew this was more than just a hobby.
3. What were the main challenges early on, and how did you work through them?
Like anyone starting out, the biggest challenge was opportunities. The scene was smaller, and getting noticed wasn&rsquo;t easy. But I stayed consistent, producing, recording sets, playing internationally, building connections. Consistency and patience are what got me through.
4. How would you describe your signature style?
Melodic, emotional, and storytelling. I love music that carries feeling, deep, warm, and connecting. I always try to make my sets feel like a journey, not just a playlist.
5. Your show SLEEK&nbsp;has gone viral. Did you expect it to take off the way it did?
SLEEK has been running for 18 years, so I always believed in it&hellip; It&rsquo;s amazing to see a show I&rsquo;ve built over so many years reach a whole new audience. It proves that when you stay consistent, your work eventually speaks for itself.
6. What was your reaction when you first noticed the show gaining traction and generating responses online?
It felt incredible. When people started sharing the episodes, talking about the sound, and connecting to the journey of the show, it reminded me why I started SLEEK&nbsp;in the first place, to create a space for deep, emotional music that people can get lost in.
7. You&rsquo;ve been named NileFM&rsquo;s DJ of the Week. How does that recognition feel?
It feels great. NileFM is iconic in Egypt, so being recognized by them means a lot, both emotionally and professionally.
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8. What does being featured on a major station like Nile FM mean to you?
&nbsp;Personally, it feels like a proud moment. Professionally, it&rsquo;s a strong push and a reminder of how powerful the Egyptian scene is today.
9. In a crowded music scene, what makes a DJ set truly stand out today?
Authenticity. Anyone can mix technically&hellip; But not everyone can create emotion. A set stands out when the DJ is honest with their sound and tells a real story.
10. What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Playing internationally, especially at events like Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), because every crowd gives a different energy. Those moments shape you as an artist.
11. How do you stay inspired and keep evolving your sound?
I stay curious. I explore old and new music, different genres, and different cultures. Inspiration comes from life itself, not only from tracks. The more you grow personally, the more your sound grows.
12. Which DJs or artists influenced you growing up?
Sasha, Digweed, and Hernan Cattaneo are the legends who defined progressive music. Their storytelling influenced my entire approach.
13. What advice would you offer to young DJs in Egypt trying to build their name?
Be consistent, be patient, and stay original. Don&rsquo;t follow trends; create your own sound. Identity is everything in this industry.
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14. Finally, what can fans expect next? Any upcoming sets or projects?
Definitely. More sets are coming, new music is on the way, and some collaborations I&rsquo;m excited about. 2026 is going to be full of surprises, so stay tuned.
Think you&rsquo;ve got what it takes to be our next DJ of the Week on NileFM?
This is your moment&mdash;don&rsquo;t miss it! Send your best mix to djoftheweek@nrp.net.eg, and you could be the next DJ spinning for millions across Egypt on NileFM.

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