The “Umbrella” singer is officially a national hero of her native island nation.
On Monday, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, better known as Rihanna, was awarded the honor in Barbados in celebration of the Caribbean country’s rebirth as a republic. Barbados recently removed the Queen as its head of state 396 years after it became part of the British Empire and 55 years after it gained independence from Britain. The country will, however, remain a member of the British Commonwealth.
During the presidential inauguration, Governor-General Sandra Mason was sworn in as the country’s first elected president.
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley also presented the honor to Rihanna, saying, “On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty.”
“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your works, by your actions and to do credit wherever you shall go,” Mason added, referencing the singer’s 2012 hit song, “Diamonds.”
Rihanna is no stranger to honorable awards. Back in 2018, she was also appointed as an official ambassador for Barbados, a title that gave her special duties of promoting “education, tourism and investment for the island.”
The 31-year-old is undoubtedly the country’s most famous citizen. She was first born in Saint Michael, and later raised in the capital, Bridgetown. In 2005, she relocated to the United States and enjoyed early hits with her tracks “Pon de Replay” and “SOS.”
Though it wasn’t until 2007 that she saw international success; her third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad topped the charts with immensely popular songs like “Umbrella,” “Shut Up and Drive,” and “Don’t Stop the Music.”
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She’s since become a successful musician and businesswoman, launching beauty and fashion brands like Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
Art Daniella Sison
