A TikTok sensation, who has gained the most followers in the platform’s history, has made a significant career decision that could secure his future.
Initially dismissed as a frivolous app, TikTok has evolved into a platform where individuals can showcase their comedic, educational, and unique talents to a broad audience.
This transformation has resulted in newfound fame, financial success, and lucrative sponsorship and brand deals, turning ordinary users into celebrities overnight.
The app has produced numerous stars, including Charli D’Amelio, Bella Poarch, Addison Rae, and many others.
Some of these personalities have ventured into acting, launched music careers, and achieved international recognition.
However, for the most-followed TikToker, his financial success is astonishing.
Khaby Lame, a 25-year-old comedian from Senegal, boasts 160.4 million followers on TikTok and is renowned for his silent commentary on people’s mishaps.
Despite only launching his account in April 2021, Khaby, a former factory worker from Italy, rapidly gained fame as a meme for his expressions in response to overly complicated ‘life hacks.’
His popularity has since soared even higher.
He recently secured a significant business deal worth $975 million, connected to the tech sector.
Rich Sparkle Holdings has acquired Step Distinctive Limited, a company associated with Lame, which could potentially expand his net worth in the future.
According to VT, the deal includes plans to develop an AI-powered version of Lame, utilizing his Face ID, Voice ID, and behavioral models to produce multilingual content and virtual livestreams, thereby extending his brand’s reach.
As part of this acquisition, Lame will become a shareholder in the newly formed partnership, giving him influence over its direction.
The idea of this ‘AI Digital Twin’ could allow him to engage with his audience 24/7 without active participation.
It’s an impressive career launch without ever speaking a word.
However, his rise to fame hasn’t been without its challenges.
Surprisingly, he faced legal issues in the US for breaking immigration rules last year, leading to his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he attempted to leave the country on June 6.
Lame arrived in the US on April 30 to attend the Met Gala on May 5, in connection with his collaboration with Hugo Boss.
In a statement to AFP, ICE confirmed: “US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, June 6, at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada for immigration violations.”
The agency explained that he was detained for ‘overstaying the terms of his visa’, but he was released the same day and ‘has since departed the US.’