‘May you continue to shine like a diamond’: Rihanna honored as ‘national hero’ in Barbados
The billionaire businesswoman and multiple Grammy-winning singer was honored in a ceremony that marked Barbados’ new status as a republic.
For many of her fans around the world, Rihanna is considered a queen not only because of her successful music career but also because of the causes she supports, and the message she sends out that speaks of body positivity and inclusivity through her brands Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
Rihanna has received many accolades throughout her career but on Nov. 30, she received an important national recognition—she was officially named a national hero of her home country of Barbados.
The superstar was honored in a ceremony that took place in her hometown in Bridgetown, after Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as Barbados’ first ever president.
VIDEO: ?? Rihanna declared national hero as #Barbados welcomes new era
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 30, 2021
As the Caribbean island nation became the world's newest republic, its prime minister's first act was to officially declare its most famous citizen, singer #Rihanna, a national hero pic.twitter.com/z8fguraZas
The ceremony marked a historic celebration of Barbados becoming the world’s newest republic after it formally cut ties with the British monarchy, which was widely supported by Barbadians.
The country’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the 33-year-old singer, who wore a burnt orange silk Bottega Veneta gown for the ceremony, commanded “the imagination of the world through pursuit of excellence with her creativity, her discipline, and above all else, her extraordinary commitment to the land of her birth.”
In 2018, Rihanna was appointed an ambassador of Barbados, where she was responsible for promoting education and tourism in the island country.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty,” Mottley said.
“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your words, by your actions, and to do credit, wherever you shall go,” said Mottley, whose message was in reference to one of Rihanna’s most famous hits, Diamonds.
The prime minister also acknowledged Rihanna’s humble beginnings, from being born in Saint Michael and raised in the capital of Bridgetown.
Rihanna was only 15 years old when she was discovered by American producer Evan Rogers and from there, she was propelled to fame after her debut single Pon de Replay came out in 2006. From there, she has amassed 14 No. 1 singles in the Billboard Hot 100 and has multiple Grammy nods and wins under her belt.
She also ventured in business, setting up her cosmetics and fashion empire—Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
Just in August, Rihanna became the richest female musician in the world according to a Forbes report, which estimates her net worth at $1.7 billion. This comes from the value of her cosmetics company Fenty Beauty, a partnership with French fashion giant LVMH.
According to AFP, Rihanna was among many nominees for national hero submitted by the people of Barbados. Mottley said others would be named by National Heroes Day in 2022.
With her title, Rihanna joins a select group of 10 other Barbadians including Garfield Sobers, regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time and the only other living national hero of the island nation.
Also in the independence ceremony was guest of honor Britain's Prince Charles, who acknowledged the "appalling atrocity of slavery" the island suffered under colonial rule. (With a report from AFP)
