Amy Roko

Amy Roko
Born
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Occupations
  • comedian
  • rapper
  • model

Amy Roko (Arabic: إيمي روكو; born 1992/1993) is a Saudi comedian, rapper, and model.[1]

Early life and education

Roko was born in Jeddah, but was raised in Riyadh.[2] She is the eldest of five siblings and has credited her sense of humor to her parents.[2][3] She earned a degree in medical sciences.[4]

Career

Online presence

Roko first gained traction online in 2014, when she began posting videos on Vine, and later on Instagram.[2][3][4][5] She later moved to TikTok.[3] In 2016 she began making money through her accounts via brand deals, and by 2018, she was making enough money through social media that she quit her hospital job.[2][4] By May 2019 she had accumulated 1.3 million Instagram followers.[1]

Roko has been a brand ambassador for New Balance.[3]

Television

In 2022, Roko was involved in the Warner Bros reality show Dare to Take Risks.[6] Roko was briefly involved with season two of Netflix's Dubai Bling.[7]

Music career

Roko being rapping in 2020, and posted some of her music on her YouTube channel.[5] She was featured in Benefit Cosmetics' debut music video, "GirlGang!".[8]

Roko released her first single, "Seebee", in 2022.[9] She is the Creative Director of Insomnia Records.[2][9]

Awards

Personal life

Roko has worn hijab since age 11, and been a niqabi since her early 20s.[3][4][9] She has not revealed her legal name online.[4][9]

Roko has been critical of the Saudi government's restrictions on women, including the ban on women drivers, which was lifted in 2018.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Glitzy, ritzy, niqabi: Meet fully-veiled Saudi model 'Amy Roko'". The New Arab. 2019-05-31. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  2. ^ a b c d e ""I'm not timid, I'm bold" — Saudi Humorist Amy Roko on Carving Out a Creative Space Without Ever Revealing Her Face". Vogue Arabia. 2021-06-08. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Saudi comedian Amy Roko talks haters, making global moves and dream to join 'Ramy' cast". Arab News. 2023-08-17. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
  4. ^ a b c d e Bhoyrul, Anil (March 1, 2023). "The Amy Roko Phenomenon". Arabian Business. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Morris, Olivia (2020-09-15). "Amy Roko: The Saudi woman breaking down stereotypes in the GCC". Emirates Woman. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  6. ^ MohammedMirza (2022-10-22). "Saudi Influencer Amy Roko Is Starring In A New Warner Bros Reality Show". Lovin Jeddah. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  7. ^ Kell, Laura (February 9, 2023). "Amy Roko On Dealing With Negativity, Dreams For 2023, And Dubai Bling Season Two". Harper's Bazaar Arabia. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  8. ^ Maisey, Sarah (2020-03-26). "Benefit Cosmetics teams up with influential GCC women including Saudi rapper Amy Roko for new music video". The National. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  9. ^ a b c d Midwood, Milli (March 15, 2022). "(Amy) Roko's Modern Life". Cosmopolitan Middle East. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  10. ^ "The veiled star of social media". BBC News. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
  11. ^ Dmello, Blanche (October 27, 2022). "People's Choice Awards 2022: Here are the nominees for the Middle Eastern Social Media Star". Cosmopolitan Middle East. Retrieved September 12, 2023.