Rihanna

Biography

Signed at 16 after auditioning for Jay-Z, Rihanna evolved from dancehall-pop newcomer into a fashion and beauty mogul whose Fenty lines are case studies in inclusive branding. Anti (2016) is widely regarded as her artistic peak, and her pauses between albums only increased anticipation.

Barbadian singer and entrepreneur whose music career expanded into the Fenty beauty and fashion empire.

Known for

Umbrella, Diamonds, Anti and the Fenty brands.

Notable works & defining projects

• Anti
• Good Girl Gone Bad
• Umbrella

Notable achievements

• Won nine Grammy Awards
• Founded Fenty Beauty (2017), credited with reshaping shade inclusivity in cosmetics
• Named a National Hero of Barbados (2021)

Timeline

1. 2005Signed to Def Jam and released her debut album Music of the Sun
2. 2007Umbrella and Good Girl Gone Bad made her a global pop force
3. 2017Launched Fenty Beauty, whose 40-shade foundation range reset industry standards

Did you know?

• Rihanna is her middle name; her first name is Robyn
• In 2021 Barbados declared her a National Hero, with the title 'the Right Excellent'