Rihanna 'proud' to accept new Barbados ambassador role

Artist is one of the best-selling singers of all time

Rihanna has been given a new ambassadorial role by the government of Barbados, which will see her promote education, tourism and investment.

The artist, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, said she “couldn’t be more proud” after being named “ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary” on Thursday 19 September.

“Every Barbadian is going to have to play their role in this current effort, and I’m ready and excited to take on the responsibility,” she said. “I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley and her team to reimagine Barbados.”

Rihanna is one of the best-selling singers of all time, with 250 million records sold around the world. Born in Saint Michael in Barbados, she grew up in Bridgetown until being discovered as a teenager by an American record producer, who helped her break into the US charts.

She has also enjoyed success as an actor and fashion designer. She launched a makeup collection last year, Fenty Beauty, that was praised for its diverse range, and she released a new lingerie collection earlier this month.

She recently confirmed to fans that she has been working on a new album, which is said to be heavily reggae inspired.

Last year a street she used to live on was renamed Rihanna Drive in her honour.

“Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in the areas of health and education,” Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said in a statement.

“She also shows her patriotism in the way she gives back to this country and continues to treasure the island as her home.

“She has also demonstrated, beyond her success as a pop icon, significant creative acumen and shrewdness in business. It is therefore fitting that we engage and empower her to play a more definitive role as we work to transform Barbados.”