For the first time since marrying Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan—famously known as “The Boss Lady”—Shakib has opened up in detail about his life, family, and the reality of living in the spotlight. His appearance on the podcast-3 Truths No Lies podcast, this week was candid, deliberate, and a refreshing break from the speculation that has followed their union.
Shakib addressed the sensitive subject of family blending. The 31-year-old revealed that while he does have two children from previous relationships, he has intentionally kept them separate from Zari’s five children. According to him, the decision is not about division but about preserving peace.
“They’ve met once,” Shakib admitted, “but since I don’t want to bring their mothers and kids into this thing, I don’t like mixing them up.”
Shakib added that whenever he is in South Africa, he dedicates time to his children but keeps those moments off social media. “I want them to have their childhood and their moments without the pressure of the cameras,” he said.
When Shakib and Zari made their relationship public, the internet wasted no time unleashing opinions. Their age difference—Zari is 43, Shakib is 31—became headline fodder. Critics painted Shakib as an opportunist, while some doubted the authenticity of the marriage altogether.
The boxer-turned-businessman did not shy away from addressing this scrutiny. “People have always had something to say,” he said firmly, “but I live my life. I married the woman I love. That’s what matters.”
On the podcast, Shakib spoke with excitement about joining the popular reality show Young, Famous & African , calling it a chance for audiences to see a fuller picture of who he is.
“The show gives me a platform to be seen for myself, not just as ‘Zari’s husband,’” he explained. He even encouraged viewers to offer honest feedback about his performance, signaling that he is open to both growth and criticism.
The most striking part of Shakib’s podcast appearance was his insistence on financial independence. Rumors have long swirled that Zari bankrolls their lifestyle, but Shakib set the record straight.“My wife is a supportive woman, she supports me, but not financially,” he emphasized. “Everything I own, I work hard for.”
He pointed to his social media trail dating back to 2013 as evidence of his hustle, long before his marriage to Zari. He even cited the BMW he purchased as an example of the work he put in independently
Shakib and Zari’s marriage remains one of East Africa’s most intriguing celebrity unions. From age gaps to blended families, financial independence and public image.