Sakhab Ruslanovich Makalov (born May 20, 1995, Khambi-Irzi village, Achkhoy-Martan district, Chechen Republic) is a video blogger and public figure. He is known as the creator of the YouTube channel "MAKALOV", where he publishes social experiments, analytical content, and videos dedicated to social conflicts, behavior on social networks, and issues of public morality.

Biography

Sakhab Makalov was born on May 20, 1995, in the village of Khambi-Irzi, Achkhoy-Martan district, Chechen Republic.[1]

He graduated from the Grozny State College of Information Technology. At the beginning of his professional career, he worked as a teacher of additional education at the Center for the Development of Children's Creativity.

Activity and Channels

In 2014, Makalov created the YouTube channel "Kentucky TV", where he published social pranks, street experiments, and interviews. The channel quickly gained popularity and attracted a wide audience.

In November 2015, he represented the Chechen Republic at the "VideoFun" festival in Moscow. At that time, the "Kentucky TV" channel had about 32 thousand subscribers.[2]

In 2021, Makalov launched a new YouTube channel "MAKALOV", focused on analytical content, public discussions, and analysis of high-profile events in the media space. Some videos on the channel receive hundreds of thousands of views.[3]

In addition to YouTube, Makalov runs the Telegram channel @siykoman and is also active on TikTok and Instagram.

TV Appearances

Sakhab Makalov participated in the program "Studio 94" on the state TV channel CGTRK "Grozny". The episode was published on the official resources of the TV channel.[4]

Public Activity

Sakhab Makalov has repeatedly publicly criticized the actions of the Chechen Republic authorities. In June 2025, "Novaya Gazeta Europe" reported possible threats against the blogger related to his public activities and statements.[5]

Materials from "Kavkaz.Realii" and "Radio Liberty" noted that such threats are considered in the context of a broader practice of pressure on critics of Chechen authorities located outside Russia.[6]

Makalov himself stated that he intends to continue his media activities and coverage of socially significant topics.

Music Career

In August 2025, Makalov released the music track "Polirovshchik" (The Polisher), dedicated to conflicts and discussions on social networks. The composition was published on digital platforms and video hosting sites.[7][8]

Notes

1. Sakhab Makalov: biography, history of Kentucky TV — vc.ru, 06/12/2024

2. Video bloggers from Chechnya will participate in the "Videofan" festival — Grozny-Inform, 11/06/2015

3. Shaved head, doused with green paint… — Kavkaz.Realii, 04/05/2024

4. Playlist "Studio 94" on CGTRK "Grozny" channel — YouTube

5. No extradition from Chechnya — Novaya Gazeta Europe, 06/10/2025

6. "Part of systemic practice" — Radio Liberty, 06/04/2025

7. "Polirovshchik" — release — YouTube, 08/31/2025

8. Amazon Music — Sakhab Makalov

Sources

• Sakhab Makalov: biography, history of Kentucky TV — vc.ru, 06/12/2024

• Video bloggers from Chechnya will participate in the "Videofan" festival — Grozny-Inform, 11/06/2015

• Shaved head, doused with green paint… — Kavkaz.Realii, 04/05/2024

• No extradition from Chechnya — Novaya Gazeta Europe, 06/10/2025

• Blogger kidnapped in Moscow — Radio Liberty, 06/03/2025