Amy Roko

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

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

Contents

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 positing 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]

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References

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  2. 1 2 3 4 5 ""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. 1 2 3 4 5 "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. 1 2 3 4 5 Bhoyrul, Anil (March 1, 2023). "The Amy Roko Phenomenon". Arabian Business. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  5. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 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.