Public attention is synonymous with TikTok. Despite it being somewhat “common:” filming a 15-second dance, strolling a city’s bustling streets to capture a “day in the life,” or whatever consists of “trendiness” nowadays, choosing to record a clip while being out and about isn’t something that rests well for most creators on its platform—though a 22-year-old Malaysian living in London films herself with utmost confidence on the Tube.
@sabrinabahsoon Gotta match the vibes when i arrive #londontiktok #nickiminaj ♬ where dem girls at – fee✩
TikTok: @sabrinabahsoon
Sabrina Bahsoon amassed a global following through her lip-synced cover of Nicki Minaj’s verse of David Guetta’s “Where Them Girls At,” generating over 11.5 million views and 805.2k likes. The output generates somewhat of a “reimagined musical.ly,” similar to a handheld tripod capturing various angles through a 0.5 lens, with a track playing in the background.
Beyond her #TubeGirl persona, Bahsoon sees the opportunity as a means of spreading self-confidence through her videos. “I think that the Tube Girl has already become something more than just dancing on the Tube. So I think it's about confidence and it's about being more comfortable with your authentic self,” the law graduate from Durham University mentioned to BBC News.
Creators across the Philippines have embraced the trend, providing their unique spin on the Bahsoon-inspired movement. Variations of #TubeGirl emerge in the cramped environments of local jeepneys and rail transit systems, showcasing confidence intertwined with virality.
@joafrvryoung Replying to @ig: joafrvryoung synced on my iCloud eyyyy! Here’s the result y’all been waiting! #tubegirl #jeepgirl #LearnItOnTikTok #TikTokAwardsPH2023 #SeptemberDump #viral #fyp ♬ original sound – habz.fx
Tiktok: @joafrvryoung
@krustyni_ Channeling the tube girl in me #tubegirl ♬ original sound – habz.fx
Tiktok: @krustyni_
@itsmaedj hirap bhie🥲
Tiktok: @itsmaedj
