Barbadian singer and businesswoman Rihanna has been declared a national hero by the country’s prime minister.
The 33-year-old was awarded the honour by Mia Mottley during an event to celebrate the island nation becoming a republic.
Rihanna was born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, before moving to the United States after she was discovered by New York-based music producer Evan Rogers.
She has since gone on to become one of the biggest artists in the world, as well as starring in movies including Battleship and Ocean’s 8, and launching her own fashion brand, Fenty, in 2018.
Since 2018, Rihanna has had the honorary title of Ambassador for Culture and Youth in Barbados.
In 2008, former prime minister David Thompson declared February 22 “Rihanna Day” – and although it is not a bank holiday, Barbadians celebrate it every year.
The latest honour was awarded to the star from her homeland as it celebrated becoming a republic – 55 years after gaining independence from the UK.
