Global pop icon Robyn Rihanna Fenty has marked her 20th year in the music industry with a heartfelt message to her fans, family, and the people who helped shape her career.
In a post on X and Instagram on Saturday, the 36-year-old singer looked back on her journey since leaving her home in Barbados two decades ago to pursue music.
“Twenty years ago, I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music,” Rihanna wrote. “So many of you were a part of my life and career since the very beginning, and some of you have joined the adventure along the way. I’m forever grateful to all of you.”
The singer, who has sold over 250 million records worldwide, praised her loyal fan base, calling them her strongest supporters over the years. She also thanked industry professionals — from producers and DJs to designers and journalists — for believing in her from the start.
“I just wanted to take this moment to say thank you! Thank you for the greatest first 20 years ever! 20 years of the most loyal, die-hard fans that don’t play about me whatsoever, 20 years of hard work and hardworking teams around me, 20 years of lessons, 20 years of unforgettable experiences and accomplishments, 20 years of my family being my number one support system, and to all the people who said yes to me and gave me a chance before it was ‘cool’ to,” she said.
Rihanna also gave credit to her faith, adding, “I thank God, He’s been very generous to me and the glory belongs to Him.”
The “Diamonds” hitmaker first rose to fame in 2005 with her debut single “Pon de Replay.” Since then, she has won nine Grammy Awards, broken multiple Billboard chart records, and built a billion-dollar business empire through Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
A video shared on her Instagram page captured highlights from her career, her contributions to communities, her rise as a fashion and beauty mogul, and personal moments as a mother.
