Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Barbados, is a globally renowned singer, actress, and entrepreneur who has sold over 250 million records worldwide. Discovered at age 16, she secured a record deal with Def Jam and achieved international success with hits like “Umbrella” and “Diamonds.” Beyond music, she has built a billion-dollar business empire through Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, revolutionizing the beauty and fashion industries with inclusive practices that continue to shape contemporary culture.
A global superstar whose influence extends far beyond the recording studio, Robyn Rihanna Fenty has established herself as one of the most successful entertainers and entrepreneurs of the 21st century. Born February 20, 1988, in St. Michael parish, Barbados, she was discovered at age 16 by American record producer Evan Rogers, who recognized her potential despite her challenging childhood marked by family struggles and her father’s addiction issues.
Her meteoric rise began with an audition for Def Jam Recordings in New York City, where she impressed Jay-Z sufficiently to secure a six-album record deal. The debut single “Pon de Replay,” released in 2005, became an international sensation, establishing the foundation for her first album, Music of the Sun, which sold over two million copies worldwide.
Her second album, A Girl Like Me (2006), featured her first number one single “SOS,” cementing her position among pop and R&B’s emerging talents. The transformative third album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), marked her evolution from Caribbean-influenced dancehall artist to sleek R&B and dance-pop performer. Like other contemporary artists who have successfully navigated genre transitions, she demonstrated remarkable adaptability in her musical style. Notable hits including “Umbrella,” “Take a Bow,” and “Disturbia” dominated charts globally, with “Umbrella” earning her first Grammy Award.
Throughout her career, she has accumulated nine Grammy Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and thirteen American Music Awards, while selling approximately 250 million units worldwide. In 2024, the RIAA awarded her Diamond records for Most Diamond Singles and Most Diamond Certified Titles for a Female Artist. Beyond music, Fenty has revolutionized beauty and fashion industries through strategic business ventures.
Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017, received widespread acclaim for its inclusive approach to cosmetics, while Savage X Fenty, her lingerie brand, earned praise for diversity and representation. Her entrepreneurial success reached unprecedented heights when she became the first woman of color to head a luxury fashion house under LVMH with the Fenty brand, contributing to her status among the world’s wealthiest musicians.
Her cultural impact extends to philanthropy through the Clara Lionel Foundation, which supports global education and emergency response initiatives. She has consistently advocated for disaster relief, healthcare, and social justice causes, hosting annual Diamond Ball fundraisers and contributing considerably to COVID-19 relief efforts. As one of the best-selling recording artists with estimated sales of 250 million units globally, she holds the Guinness World Record for best-selling female recording artist of the 21st century.
Recognition of her multifaceted contributions culminated in 2021 when Barbados named her a National Hero for her contributions to country and culture. Frequently appearing in Time and Forbes rankings for influence and wealth, she has also ventured into acting with appearances in Battleship (2012) and Ocean’s 8 (2018), demonstrating her versatility across entertainment mediums.
