Ashley Thomas

‘Being Poor is Expensive’ (Live Deluxe) OUT NOW

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

It's been an intense, beautiful and emotional 12 months.

November 12th and 13th last year, I played two sold out shows in front of a sold out crowd at the historic Bush Hall, London.
Those nights were pure energy. Real and honest. Every bit of truth and connection right there in the room and an album that told our story and brought us together. Black Boys - the song that started it all for me, played live for the first time in 15 years.
This Friday, I'm releasing Episode 1 of an intimate behind the scenes short film, directed by myself, with cinematography by Rashid Kaysire, bringing you moments from the build-up and show preparation. Please watch the trailer if you can.

You'll see the rehearsals, the team working together, the energy before stepping onto the Bush Hall stage. These were the moments that made the show what it was. Laughter, nerves, focus, family. We were celebrating life, purpose and the journey that got us here.

And then next week Friday I'm releasing Episode 2, the full live show on YouTube.
Thank you to everyone that came out on those nights, my team, George Power, George Vicary, Link Up TV and Natcho Creative.

https://t.co/ut4lNgsdIS

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

'SOLD OUT' Episode 2 Out Now on YouTube

This is a chance to relive the moment if you were there or a chance to experience it live if you missed it. The band, the crowd, the community, the spirit - all documented so you can feel it.

#ukrap #bashy #rap #grime #livemusic

https://t.co/h7Njm2BNID

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

Someone else’s light is not gonna take away your light, so you might as well put your lights together.

Shine brighter.

🕯️

#OUTNOW on YouTube

Episode 1 of an intimate behind the scenes short film directed by Ashley Thomas with cinematography by Rashid Kaysire bringing you moments from the build - up and show preparation. Please watch if you can.

You will see the rehearsals the team working together the energy before stepping onto the Bush Hall stage. These were the moments that made the show what it was. Laughter, nerves, focus, family, celebrating life, purpose and the journey that got us here.

Next week Friday Episode 2, the full live show on YouTube.

https://t.co/VxnIuLWrXH

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

New Album. Now Streaming. Listen if you can.

Being Poor is Expensive - Live at Bush Hall
This one is special. My two-time MOBO award-winning and Ivor Novello nominated record Being Poor is Expensive performed live in front of a sold out crowd at the historic Bush Hall, London.

This is a special moment for me, l've always wanted to do a live album growing up; like some of my favourite artists - Nina Simone Live at Montreux 1976, Jay-Z Unplugged, Live! Bol Marley and the Wailers. I am by no means putting myself in the mix with those legends, I'm just giving you the motivations and inspirations behind some of my creative dreams.

It's been a year since those nights, time flies. So whether you were in the crowd, watching clips via stories, or just discovered me in the summer - this album puts you front-row and has been mixed in full by Toddla T, so you can experience every moment like you were there.
If you know someone who will appreciate this information, please share it with them.

Thank you for reading, listening and all the love. It never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.

I hope you enjoy.

https://t.co/k6IwxCIXQZ

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

'Lost in Dreams' feat Roses Gabor [COLORS ENCORE]

https://t.co/R4nl8cccb7

In case you've missed it.

I hope you enjoy.

[The Observer New Review @ObsNewReview]

On my radar: Bashy’s cultural highlights

The actor and rapper on Senegalese food, his favourite new hip-hop album and YouTube economics.
https://t.co/PJZ7VjSMQM

[Michael Hogan @michaelhogan]

Senegalese food! His favourite new hip-hop album! YouTube economics! In this weekend's @ObserverUK, I spoke to rapper and actor Ashley Thomas, aka
@Bashy, about his cultural highlights https://t.co/ZRIFWJHoHA

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

In case you missed it.

My COLORS debut performance!

https://t.co/PwpyYVbqMX (Full Performance Here)

“Trailblazing British Rapper and Actor with an evocative performance of ‘Midnight in Balans’, the closing track to his award winning sophomore album ‘Being Poor is Expensive’”

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

“I’m not as good as my compliments, I’m not as bad as my criticisms”.

[Old Flame @Wretch32]

You can Pre-Order my new album “HOME?” Now links in my Bio ❤️

[Abraham Adeyemi. @abeislegend]

Our beautiful film is finally out into the world for everyone to watch worldwide on YouTube.

Unequivocally the proudest I’ve ever been of a piece of work in my career thus far. I hope you all love it as much as we did making it. ❤️

🎞️: https://t.co/C5ojyhkFg1

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

ITV NEWS INTERVIEW

https://t.co/7q1v6SCi7A

GOT 10MINS? CHECK IT OUT IF YOU CAN.

POSITIVE VIBES.

PLEASE CIRCULATE + SHARE

LOVE

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

If you get a moment and looking for something to watch please check out Toddla T & Steeze Factory’s documentary “From the Production Line” - An intimate look at creators behind ‘Being Poor is Expensive’ - https://t.co/UQPAjGM1NB

[MOBO Awards @MOBOAwards]

A full-circle moment. 🏆🙌🏾 @Bashy reacts to winning TWO #MOBOAwards and reflects on his journey to this point. Humble, grateful, and always pushing boundaries—this win means a lot. 💫

What’s one thing people don’t know about his come-up? He breaks it down right here.

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

Special moment. Winning Album of the Year for Being Poor is Expensive at 2025 MOBO Awards https://t.co/oto1sfJD7v @MOBOAwards

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

Album of the Year
Best Hip Hop Act

This feels like a win for truth, art and the culture.

For the everyday people playing with the cards we've been dealt, surviving a challenging environment but finding magic within it. For those that are no longer here, for the survivors and for our community.
I meant everything I said up there last night.

It hasn't even sunk in.

I'm thankful beyond words.

Love.

🙏🏾

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

Big up for the love you are all showing - Family, friends, supporters, peers, my ends, surrounding areas and all over the UK.

Respect and thank you.

If you're interested, I'm performing at the 2025 MOBO Awards for the first time.
You can watch it LIVE.

FEB 18TH @ 8PM

https://t.co/sPGfZW9EuI

LOVE

[Ashley Thomas @Bashy]

I believe as adults we are sometimes still just the kids we once were. Some of the thoughts and feelings are there still deep rooted.

When you reach that moments you thought of as a kid, as an adult, that younger version can resurface.

Feeling blessed to announce I will be performing music from “Being Poor is Expensive” at the 2025 MOBO Awards @MOBOAwards

I actually wrote “Black Boys” after watching the 2006 MOBO Awards, secretly hoping I would be on the stage one day. Some people get things quickly, for others it takes longer. I hope this inspires someone’s journey today whatever you’re pursuing. You get there when you get there, on God’s timing.

This is a nice moment still, the younger version of myself is smiling inside, the older version of me respects the journey.

See you on Feb 18th in Newcastle, UK.

[Blade Brown @Blademusic]

Don Londrés is the first alcohol Brand to launch in @Selfridges and sell out same day 🙏🏽 it’s available all December exclusively in all uk Selfridges stores and online!