Latest news with #ShabazAli
The Sun
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Who is Shabaz Ali? The TikTok comedian taking over the Edinburgh Fringe
THE Edinburgh Fringe has kicked off with a bang, with the best and brightest of comedic talent showcasing their acts across the city. One of those bright young talents is TikTok comedian Shabaz Ali. 3 Who is Shabaz Ali? Shabaz Ali is a 31-year-old chemistry teacher from Blackburn. He started sharing his content on his Shabazsays channel back in Lockdown, and quickly amassed a large viewership. Shabaz calls himself the King of Povvos, and refers to his fans as the Povvogang. It is a self-styled name highlighting how his comedy satirises the fetishisation of "poverty" by the out‑of‑touch displays of wealth. This style of comedy meant that Shabaz garnered a follower base of over 2million on TikTok. 3 It also led to the publication of his book. I'm Rich, You're Poor: How to Give Social Media a Reality Check was published in 2024. Each chapter took on a different societal concept (food, beauty, health and cleanliness) with Shabaz flexing his socio-political muscles about his stance on it. He also hosts a podcast, which he hosts with his best friend Sofia in which they discuss everything from pop culture and gossip to the latest news. The podcast was first released in October 2024 and already has numerous seasons. What is his act? 3 Following the release of his book, it was only natural that he took it on the road in his tour. His debut live comedy tour, Shabaz Ali: I Am Rich You Are Poor, is an hour-long chuckle-fest for his fans. It continues on with his criticism of influencers on social media, showing a highlight reel of their "perfect" day and warping followers' ideas. From designer ice cubes to Stanley Cups and their wild and somewhat varied uses, nothing escapes his comedic commentary. In an interview with the Guardian in 2024, the teacher shared his fears for the youth's excessive social media use, comparing it to his teenage obsession with glossy magazines. He said: 'I loved them. The glamour and beauty was so exciting to me, but I knew everything had been retouched and edited. "I didn't compare myself to anything, because I knew the images were manufactured. It was pure escapism." He explained: "But the way kids now are using social media is very different. "I'm not sure how much they know what is manufactured and what isn't.' This was understood while he observed his students as a teacher, watching their minds change and their shorter attention span as a result of social media. The tour finished on April 5, but will have one more outing as it returns to Edinburgh for the Fringe Fest. He will be performing his show in Studio Two at Assembly George Square Studios.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blackburn TikTok star ‘on crutches' after running London Marathon
A TikTok star from Blackburn has been left needing crutches after taking on the London Marathon at the weekend. However, Shabaz Ali said the pain 'is worth it' after raising more than £9,000 for charity Save The Children, a charity that aims to improve the lives of children around the world, and picking up his finisher's medal. Posting to his two million followers on his TikTok channel, Shabaz Says, he said: 'Everyone is asking me for an update. 'I have done my back in and I can't lift my legs without crutches. 'If you are wondering if you should do a marathon, don't. Watch the videos instead. I did win a medal though, so it might be worth it.' The former Stonyhurst College teacher said: 'I will say, as much as there is pain, if I'd have trained properly, I would have been fine. 'I didn't get a chance to do as much training because I was doing a comedy tour, but it is so worth it! If you are signing up, do it – you will have such a blast. 'It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, both mentally and physically! I wanted to quit multiple times, but wouldn't let that happen! 'I had to keep reminding myself why I was doing it, and it was for Save The Children, and I couldn't be prouder to represent such an incredible charity! "Thank you to everyone who supported, cheered, donated, and just sent me well wishes! Please donate whatever you can and make all of this worth it!' Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Shabaz said he managed to raise more than £9,000 for his chosen cause. He said: 'I am absolutely buzzing to have run the London Marathon and raised more than £9,000 for Save the Children. "The money truly does make a difference to children across the UK and around the globe. 'I am recovering well, you can't keep me down! I keep re-watching my marathon video and feeling inspired to it again, but then I look down at my swollen ankles and bring myself back down to reality.' Shabaz Ali on crutches after London marathon (Image: Shabaz Ali/Save The Children) Over the last year, Shabaz, who worked at Bolton's Rivington and Blackrod School for four years, has used his platform to showcase the pivotal work Save the Children does across the UK. Shabaz, 30, said: 'Save The Children has always been a charity I have campaigned for, way before social media as I love working with children and young people. "I read up about their work and see where their profits go.'
