The Durban University of Technology’s Journalismiziko, the Journalism online publication, invited alumni, Zayn Nabbi, to chat live about his journalism career as a sports producer at CNN in London.
Form 2011, Nabbi has risen from being a sports journalist to a producer at CNN in London. He has directed huge sports events such as CNN’s coverage of the Euro 2016, UEFA Champions League finals in Berlin, FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo, Laureus Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur and the NFL international series in London.
He has also been one of the network’s lead field producers at the Rio and London Olympics, FIFA World Cup in Brazil, UEFA Champions League and Premier League matches, Wimbledon, as well as the British Open.
Nabbi chose to study at DUT, formerly known as Natal Technikon because it was known for producing good journalists.
“I learned a lot from this institution and I just fell in love with storytelling. I wanted to be a sportsman but it wasn’t for me, but journalism gave me a platform where I can still engage in sports,” he said.
During the Q and A session, Nabbi spoke about how he got his big break at CNN and the struggles and disappointments he went through to be where at the point where he is today.
“The industry is tough, I wrote for free for many publications in order to build my foundation. I applied to almost all broadcasters and I was rejected but that didn’t discourage me. Your career is what you make of it and one needs to be consistent, proactive and have professional resilience,” said Nabbi.
He started making his mark in South Africa, from being a contestant on Survivor South Africa to a continuous presenter for Eastern Mosaic during the festival of Diwali and now CNN’s producer in London.
“My success took time as compared to my peers because everyone went to Johannesburg and Cape Town and made a mark for themselves but I stayed in Durban because I wanted to go international. When people from CNN in London saw the work I had done in Durban, I knew I had made the right decision,” said Nabbi.
Pictured: Zayn Nabbi and the DUT Journalismiziko team.
Nomfundo Ngcobo
