12. August 2024
When her debut album was released, Rihanna was only 17. © Universal
Even though Rihanna hasn’t released a new album since 2016, the pop singer and her music seem to be omnipresent. The broadcaster Arte has dedicated a nearly hour-long documentary to the artist from the Caribbean island of Barbados. The report, entitled “Rihanna – Island Child, Pop Star, National Heroine,” can be seen on Wednesday, August 14, at 10:20 p.m. Director Aaron Thiesen goes in search of clues, talks to former neighbors and music experts.
Kleiner Bungalow am Rihanna Drive
The street where Robyn Rihanna Fenty grew up in Bridgetown is now called Rihanna Drive. Tourists flock to the small bungalow every day and take photos. The building is fenced in so that fans have to keep their distance. The people in the neighborhood take the hustle and bustle in their stride. Otherwise she would have to move away, says a neighbor. People are proud of Rihanna, who they once knew as Robyn and some still call that today.
No one in the area could have imagined that the girl from humble beginnings would become an international pop star. Today, Rihanna is more than a celebrity for Barbados. She is a national hero.
Discovered at a talent competition
As a teenager, she was discovered at a talent competition. Music producer Evan Rogers brought Rihanna to New York. In 2005, her first single, “Pon de Replay,” was released and shot straight into the charts. From then on, things went from strength to strength. The single “Umbrella” from the 2007 album “Good Girl Gone Bad” gave the singer her breakthrough. And at the same time, she acquired a new, more mature image.
In 2009, she made headlines privately: it was about the beating of her then-boyfriend Chris Brown. Months later, the singer spoke out in an interview and said that what had happened to her could happen to anyone. In this way, she focused on the issue of domestic violence – and the people of Barbados were just as concerned about Rihanna’s success. She is building a billion-dollar empire bit by bit.
When the island of Barbados broke away from the British crown in 2021 and became an independent republic, Rihanna was there – as was today’s King Charles. Rihanna was named a national heroine. The islanders honored the singer, who never severed ties with her homeland, was socially active and boosted tourism. With her music and public appearance, Rihanna contributed to social discussions in Barbados and to the dawn of a post-colonial era.
