
07 Jul San Antonio’s Favorite TikTok Star, AdamRayOkay Gains Recognition For His Persona “Rosa”
It’s almost impossible to have never seen one of Rosa’s videos if you’ve been on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, which due to quarantine, we know you have. You’ve probably come across a video of the hilarious Rosa who is portrayed by San Antonio native, Adam Martinez (AdamRayOkay). Adam created Rosa to transport us back to middle and high school because there was always at least one “Rosa” in class. Her look is complete with lavish misplaced false eyelashes, way too much makeup, and of course those very long acrylic nails with maybe one or two missing. Rosa re-enacts scenarios many females who grew up in the South Texas will relate to. Anything from asking a friend for a chongo, pad or a dollar for a slushie, rushing to get ready to go out, talking to teachers like besties, and seeking attention on your birthday by getting way too dressed up at school.
Adam Martinez as “Rosa”. Photo Sourced From Youtube.
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Rosa’s story began when Adam uploaded his first video as “the diva” Rosa on Christmas Day, 2019. His video blew up receiving over 17,000 retweets and nearly 60,000 likes on twitter overnight. Since then, with a towel wrapped head, falsies, and a whole lotta bronzer, Rosa became a star, making the Southwest High graduate a TikTok legend. His account has reached 6.4 Million followers with a total of 76.2 Million video likes. Each 30-60 sec video reaches anywhere from 1.7 to 26.8 Million views. In a YouTube video titled ‘THE PERSON BEHIND ‘ROSA’ Q&A’, he said: “My life before Rosa was so fucking boring. I would sit in my room, bitch. I worked a 9-5 in some office typing some shit up. I would come home, go on TikTok for hours and hours and then I would crash the fuck out. And then I would do it all over again.” Now Adam is making a name for himself with his own Youtube Chanel, merch line, video collabs with some huge names on Youtube and has even been recognized by Alexander Wang, PAPER Magazine and most recently, Cosmopolitan Magazine. His videos even went as far as reaching Rihanna, who invited the TikTok star to the Fenty Beauty TikTok House. Adam shares that he didn’t actually get to meet RiRi but “did touch the same doorknob as her. So I’m winning somehow.”
Adam Martinez as “Rosa” for PAPER Magazine, 2020. Photo Sourced From PAPERMag.com
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“I’m able to put my community out there like that, in a positive way.” Martinez tells PAPER Magazine, when asked why he thinks Rosa resonates with so many he explains that “She’s everywhere. So, even if you didn’t grow up with somebody like her, you know how she is. She’s predictable in an unpredictable way. She’s just so familiar… she is part of everybody.”
Adam Martinez as “Rosa” for Cosmopolitan 2020. Photo Sourced From Cosmopolitan.com
“Adam as Adam is a focused version of Rosa—silly, but direct. He, like Rosa, has strong opinions and convictions about who he is, but he laughs at himself in an endearing way that feels like a hug around his own identity.” Cosmopolitan shares about Adam. He tells the mag that his inspiration for Rosa came from the women in his family, who he’d watch getting ready every morning, gossiping and laughing.
“I was around women growing up my whole entire life, so it’s kind of just in my head all the time now. He explains, “Rosa’s there to help you out, and she’s going to protect you, no matter what it takes.” He continues, “She’s an outspoken sweetheart who will welcome a new student just as quickly as she’ll confront her ex at a party. Don’t come for Rosa. Coming for Rosa is a grave mistake.”
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Adam has only been on TikTok for the last year, but the millions of adoring fans on his TikToks speaks volumes on the connection he has made to each individual. I can just hear Rosa’s bold voice as she tells us “you’re so prettyyyyyy-uh” with every short video. He has inspired his viewers to be their true selves, to never take yourself too serious and to just laugh. Our San Antonio comic is going far and we are in complete support as Rosa has become a friend in more ways than one, after all we did give her our dollar for her slushy.
Adam Martinez as “Rosa” for Cosmopolitan 2020. Photo Sourced From Cosmopolitan.com
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