Sabrina Bahsoon, better known as ‘Tube Girl,’ propelled herself into the spotlight with a TikTok video showcasing her lip-syncing prowess while riding the London Tube to Nicki Minaj’s “Where Them Girls At.” What began as a creative lip-sync turned into a viral sensation, creating a transformative movement aimed at inspiring confidence and combatting social anxiety.
With her distinctive filming style, captured amidst the gusts of wind from open Tube windows, Sabrina, adorned in casual streetwear and minimal makeup, swiftly earned the title of an overnight ‘Fashion It Girl.’ The #tubegirl hashtag on TikTok garnered over a billion views, sparking a viral movement that revolutionized morning commutes. Sabrina’s infectious energy and empowering presence resonated with followers, leading to the adoption of the ‘Tube Girl’ effect to conquer personal boundaries and alleviate social anxiety.
The trend has evolved beyond Tube journeys, with participants practicing in various settings, from school hallways to empty buses and city streets abroad. Sabrina’s impact has transcended digital platforms, leaving a lasting imprint on real-world scenarios.
The liberating self-confidence displayed in Sabrina’s videos is reminiscent of childhood dreams of pretending to be a supermodel, but for ‘Tube Girl,’ this dream became a reality. In September 2023, she walked the runways for M.A.C Cosmetics at London Fashion Week and for Christian Cowan at Paris Fashion Week. Her runway journey included guidance from supermodels Naomi Campbell and Coco Rocha, as reported by British Vogue.
As she navigates the fashion world, Tube Girl keeps her fans engaged, sharing experiences of meeting celebrities like Penn Badgley. Her collaboration with brands such as Hugo Boss and Valentino underscores her rising influence and impact on the fashion and entertainment industry.
While Tube Girl’s videos are embraced by Generation Z for their empowering message, some find them cringe-worthy. However, the humor and confusion elicited from businessmen encountering Sabrina’s energetic presence add a unique charm to her content.
Beyond her dance videos, Tube Girl has collaborated with various artists like Yungblud and Omar Apollo to promote their music. Artists like Troye Sivan have lauded her carefree attitude, emphasizing that shyness has no place in her videos.
Hailing from a Malaysian background, Sabrina has challenged stereotypes for Southeast Asian girls, debunking the nerdy stereotype. In an interview with Glamour, she proudly declares, “We’re baddies! We can show up and show out.” This shift in attitude is not only encouraging but also provides representation for young girls on TikTok.
Sabrina’s journey, as she breaks barriers and celebrates self-expression, has redefined perceptions and instilled a sense of confidence in her followers. The ‘Tube Girl’ playlist on TikTok Music reflects her influence, turning dancing to The Pussycat Dolls into a celebration of self-expression and a rejection of judgment.
