Some entertainers defy stereotypes, challenge norms, and inspire others to embrace their passions. Farah Azra, a remarkable 26-year-old Muslim hijabi, has emerged as a trailblazer in voice acting, gaming, cosplaying and streaming. With her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to her craft, she has not only captivated audiences but also shattered misconceptions along the way.
How it started
Farah's journey began as a simple hobby, gradually becoming more significant. It all started with an encounter with a TikTok video that propelled her to fame. Farah duetted a video which featured a voice that sounded like an anime character and that resonated with viewers, and from that point forward, her online presence skyrocketed.
Voice acting has always been a passion for Farah. She began honing her skills in this domain as a hobby, and her dedication has paid off.
“It’s not something I would pursue as a career(voice acting), but if someone takes me as a voice actor, that would be cool. It’s just a hobby, my main goal when it comes to the social media platforms is to become a full-time streamer,” adds Farah.
She aspires to entertain her audience by sharing her singing talents and streaming her daily activities. Farah's resilience in the face of adversity is noteworthy, as she has encountered her fair share of hate and criticism. However, she has learned to brush off negativity and normalise that hate should never define a person's worth or abilities.
Self-Learning Japanese
Her interest in the Japanese language and culture has been a longstanding affair, dating back to when she was just ten years old. Inspired by animes like Naruto, she was captivated by the language and taught herself Japanese through online resources, such as YouTube tutorials, live streams, and anime.
“I got exposed to the Youtube community when I was 11, and I watched content and realised that what I was watching was Japanese; from there, I picked it up slowly.”
P.S. In case you were wondering, Her favourite anime is Oshinoko from Netflix, which holds a special place in her heart.
Cosplaying
Cosplaying, another creative outlet that Farah embraced, came into her life at a young age. Since she was 17, she has delighted in the art of transforming herself into a beloved character. However, she acknowledges that cosplaying can be an expensive hobby and doesn't foresee it becoming her full-time pursuit. Nevertheless, she continues to enjoy cosplay while focusing on her ambitions as a streamer.
Advice on how to start
Regarding advice for aspiring creators, Farah emphasises the importance of having fun and putting effort into whatever you do, especially with your hobbies. She acknowledges that posting content online can sometimes attract hate, but she ensures that her posts reflect her passion while maintaining appropriateness.
“You have to be able to put the effort to make your hobbies look legit instead of making it look half-hearted cause when you post something online, you might get hate, so I ensure my videos are of quality and is good,” says Farah.
Regarding cosplay and hijab, Farah acknowledges that it may not be suitable for everyone but assures that she will always make an effort to ensure her wig doesn't resemble natural hair, respecting the purpose of the hijab. She advises others to wear loose clothing and maintain modesty while indulging in cosplay.
Travel dream destination
One of Farah's ultimate dreams is to travel to Japan, immersing herself in J-pop and anime. She has extensively researched places like Akihabara and Harajuku, known for their anime-related offerings. Furthermore, she hopes to expand her platform in collaboration with Wahbanana and potentially venture into makeup or cosplay makeup.
Farah Azra symbolises empowerment, resilience, and passion in the entertainment industry. Her journey as a Muslim hijabi voice actor, gamer, and cosplayer exemplifies the importance of embracing one's passions while staying true to oneself. With her dedication and determination, Farah continues to inspire others to pursue.