Two decades ago, a 16-year-old Robyn Rihanna Fenty left the warmth of Barbados for the uncertainty of the United States. It was a leap of faith, driven by talent and sheer determination. That leap paid off when Jay-Z signed her to Def Jam in 2005 after hearing her audition. Almost overnight, Rihanna was introduced to the world with Pon de Replay, a debut single that hinted at the global dominance that was to follow.
By 2007, she had fully transformed into a global superstar with Good Girl Gone Bad and the era-defining hit Umbrella.
The years that followed saw Rihanna become one of the most successful artists in modern music, with hits like We Found Love and Diamonds not only topping charts but reshaping the sound of pop and R&B. Today, she stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 250 million records sold and 14 Billboard No. 1 singles to her name.
Yet Rihanna’s influence has never been confined to music. In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty, a brand that revolutionized the beauty industry by making inclusivity its foundation. With an unprecedented range of shades, it forced the industry to rethink representation. This success expanded into Savage X Fenty, Fenty Skin, and most recently, Fenty Hair—ventures that pushed Rihanna into billionaire territory and made her one of the most powerful businesswomen in the world.
Her reach also extends to philanthropy. Through the Clara Lionel Foundation, founded in 2012, Rihanna has supported education, health, and disaster relief initiatives worldwide. In 2021, her homeland recognized her not only as a cultural icon but as a National Hero of Barbados, an honor that speaks to her significance far beyond entertainment.
Now, as she marks “R20”—20 years since that fateful move from Barbados—Rihanna reflects on a journey that has blended artistry, entrepreneurship, and cultural impact like few others. For her devoted Navy, this milestone is not just a celebration of the past but a reminder that her reign continues.
