Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born on February 18, 1988, principally known by the stage name Rihanna, is a Barbadian (Bajan) R&B singer with influences from Raggamuffin/Dancehall and Pop. Rihanna's musical inspirations include Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé Knowles.


Rihanna was born on the Caribbean island of Barbados in the parish of St. Michael. She was discovered by music producer Evan Rogers while he was vacationing in Barbados with his wife Jackie, who is also a Bajan.


Evan Rogers, along with his partner Carl Sturken, helped Rihanna record demo material that was sent to various recording companies including Def Jam, where Rihanna auditioned for CEO Jay-Z and was signed on-the-spot.


Her debut album Music of the Sun was released during the summer of 2005 and was led by the single "Pon de Replay", which peaked at number two on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK singles chart. The second single, "If It's Lovin' That You Want", was less successful than its predecessor but stilled reached the top twenty in most regions. The album itself peaked within the top ten in Australia, Canada, and the U.S., and within the top forty in the UK. Music of the Sun has received several Platinum certifications around the world since its release, and has helped solidify Rihanna's presence on the music scene.

Follow up:

In 2006, Rihanna landed several endorsement deals, including ones for Nike and J.C. Penney. In addition to a cameo role in Bring It On 3, she is also releasing her next album, titled A Girl Like Me, this spring. The lead single off the album "S.O.S. (Rescue Me)" was recorded for her recent endorsement deal with Nike.


Despite some lack of support from Urban stations Rihanna's new single "S.O.S. (Rescue Me)" manage to strive into the billboard top 40, the songs has charted on almost all the billboard charts with the exception of the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart. The song is currently #35 on the billboard Hot 100.


Pon de replay


Rihanna’s first single “Pon de Replay”, Barbadian for “On the replay”, was a huge summer success, blazing the airwaves and the music charts not only in Barbados and in the United States but in several countries where it debuted. You can also hear Rihanna’s vocals backing Memphis Bleek in the song “The One” on his album 534. Rihanna’s hectic schedule now includes numerous concerts and performing at award shows and functions all over the world.


Nike Deal & JC Penny


In addition to her success with Music of the Sun, Rihanna has also made history by becoming the first non-athlete to sign a deal with the internationally renowned sportswear giant Nike. The US $20 million dollar compaign for Nike women's wear will include a television commercial, as well as online promotion. Rihanna has also signed a deal with the world renowned clothing line JC Penny to be the new face of Miss Bisou.


Barbados Music Awards


Rihanna's achievements were celebrated in her homeland Barbados when she won the lion's share of awards at the inaugural Barbados Music Awards. Her eight awards included the Best Reggae/Dancehall album, Best Dance Single, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artiste, Female Artiste of the Year, Best Selling Female Artiste and Entertainer of the Year. Rihanna thanked her family, producer Evan Rogers and his wife Jackie, her alma mater the Combermere School, as well as Barbadians for their support.


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