Rihanna was honored as part of the celebrations marking Barbados’ transition to a republic, with president-elect Sandra Mason set to take over as head of state after the country announced last year that it would sever ties with the monarchy.
With the generosity and charity she performs to enhance the standard of living of her people, artist Rihanna demonstrates that she is more than a musician, a business magnate, but a very proud citizen of her country.
The announcement was made today as part of the celebrations marking Barbados’ transition to a republic, with president-elect Sandra Mason set to take over as head of state after the country announced last year that it would sever ties with the monarchy.
At its republican celebrations in her hometown of Bridgetown, Barbados declared the hit singer a national hero. ‘On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we, therefore, present to you, the designee, for a national hero of Barbados, ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty, may you continue to shine like a diamond,’ said the country’s prime minister, Mia Mottley. “May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your country through your works and actions.”
Rihanna was born in Barbados in 1988 and nurtured in Bridgetown until she was discovered as a teenager by American record producer Evan Rogers and moved to the United States to pursue a career.
The singer was appointed as a Barbadian cultural ambassador in 2008. In 2018, Rihanna was named Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for her native nation, a post that includes promoting education, tourism, and investment.
When the Barbados government announced plans last year to “fully leave” their “colonial past behind” by becoming a republic in 2021, fans joked that Rihanna should take over as head of state in place of Queen Elizabeth II.