Robyn Rhianna Fenty from being banned in seven countries to owning a billion dollar business empire.
The Barbados born 36 year old, mother of 2 has proven her ability to turn controversy into success. The same boldness that made her music videos the subject of global debate became the foundation of her revolutionary lingerie brand, Fenty x savage. launched in 2018, the line champions inclusivity, body positivity, and confidence. Rhianna redefined the lingerie industry, proving that sex appeal and self-expression are for everyone, not just for the traditional beauty standards once dictated by Victoria’s Secret (vogue, 2018).
Rihanna has been using backlash from her provocative music, to fuel her creative empire since she burst onto the scene in 2005 with ‘pon de replay’, she has been unapologetically bold shaping music, pop culture and fashion to this day. Her daring approach to artistry has always sparked controversy, none more so than her 2011 ‘S&M’ (billboard, 2011) and her 2015 ‘bitch better have my money’ music videos, which were banned in multiple countries and removed off of YouTube.
Despite being one of the most successful women in entertainment, Rihanna’s philanthropic work is often overshadowed by her world famous hits and business ventures. in 2012 she founded the Clara Lionel foundation, named after her grandparents, to fund global education, disaster relief , and healthcare initiatives (Harvard gazette, 2017). the foundation has provided millions in aid, particularly in underserved communities.
What is even less known is Rihanna’s dedication to her home country, Barbados. she has invested in local infrastructure and education, she has funded scholarships for Caribbean students to study in the United States. In 2021, her contributions to Barbados were officially recognised when she was named a national hero, an honour given to a select few through put the countries history (BBC, 2021)
Rhiannas global appeal and hard work has often attracted the attention of royalty, socially and romantically, In 2016 herself and a British royal made headlines as they promoted world AIDS Day awareness in Barbados, prince harry and Rihanna both got tested on camera to break the stigma, (people, 2016) then partied the night away keeping the world guessing about their friendship. outside of their charitable work Rihanna and Prince Harrys social circle overlap again when spotted at ‘the box’ an exclusive and infamous nightclub in soho London, known for it’s (we could say) extravagant shows and elite clientele, sparking even more speculation about the two’s relationship and securing Rhianna’s place amongst high-profile personalities.
Beyond British royalty, Rihanna has been romantically linked to Saudi billionaire Hassan Jammel, part of one of the wealthiest families in the Middle East. Their relationship lasted three years, and sparked global intrigued as fans saw a different, more private side of the superstar (Harper’s Bazaar, 2020).
Rhianna’s journey could described as anything but conventional, she has faced criticism, rewritten the script, and forged new territories within industries. From videos bans that amplified her career to her billion-dollar business empire and her often-overlooked humanitarian work, Rihanna has proven that she is more than just a singer-she is a force to be reckoned with in every industry.
By Megan Peach.