She is often in the news for her sexy music videos or unique fashion flair but early this year -and again in recent weeks – the singer Rihanna was a cover story for different reasons. The Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations honoured the Barbadian chanteuse with their Harvard Humanitarian of the Year award in February, for her many years of active philanthropy in both Barbados and the United States. In her acceptance speech Rihanna joked with the audience, saying, “So I made it to Harvard.” She went on to articulate her definition of a humanitarian, saying, “All you need to do is help one person, expecting nothing in return. To me, that is a humanitarian.”
Never taking her foot off the chart-topping brake, Rihanna earned her 30th top 10 hit in the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with the song Love on the Brain. With this landmark, the celebrity joined Madonna and The Beatles as the only acts with at least thirty Billboard top 10s.
Long regarded as one of the most creative and exciting fashionistas on the international stage, and having teamed up with various fashion houses and labels, the singer’s collaboration with the fashion sportswear brand Puma – Fenty x Puma – has continued to be an exponential success this year. Fenty Beauty, the long awaited make-up line which Rihanna has developed over two years and which is strongly complexion focused, with 40 shades catered for, made its entrance in September. It is already available in over 150 countries.
On Thursday 30 November the government of Barbados celebrated the country’s Independence Day by naming a street after its global superstar; Westbury New Road, where the singer grew up, has now become Rihanna Drive. Attending the name-changing ceremony, the 29 year old icon urged those present to “believe their dream”.
It’s been a bumper year for Miss Robin Rihanna Fenty, and Soca News sends its warmest congratulations for all the well-earned achievements amassed in 2017.
