Khaby lame, a 21-year-old Senegalese boy who lives in Chivasso, became the first TikTok creator in Europe and the second in the world to reach 100 million followers – Charli d'Amelio is the first.
Lame's stardom also drew attention to his status as citizenship in Italy, which he describes as a long and difficult process.
Despite living in the country since his family arrived when he was one year old, he is still not recognized as Italian citizen. Italy has notoriously strict laws when it comes to jus soli – citizenship by land right.
During an interview with New York Times in June this year, Lame, better known as “the Italian TikToker"He revealed that he still uses his Senegalese passport."
Khabane (your real name) highlights the fallacy of Italian citizenship and immigration laws. In fact he hopes that his recent fame and recognition will encourage the Italian authorities to welcome him as a true Italian citizen. “Maybe I can change the law with my popularity,” he optimistically told the New York Times.
Popularly defined by his fans as the Italian TikToker, Lame is the most followed character in Italy, with 100 million followers on TikTok and almost 42 million followers on Instagram (Two months ago he had around 25 million).
He started using Tiktok in March 2020, after losing his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his videos, he usually doesn't say a word. Instead, he uses facial expressions and hand gestures to mock other Internet stars.
This has been praised as the likely key to his success, as his movements and expressions transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, making his message universal.
But without Italian citizenship, the second largest TikTokers around the world see their chances of winning international sponsorships and collaborations with global brands outside of Italy being harmed.
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