Rihanna is one of the top 10 best-selling music artists of all time. With her strong spirit, hard work, courage, generosity and willingness to help others, she is happy in the glory of her success.
However, her childhood was a complete contrast to her life now. Having endured domestic violence, poverty and bullying, Rihanna has proven that nothing is impossible if you stay strong.
1. A miserable childhood
Rihanna had to grow up much earlier than her peers. She was born and raised in Barbados and instead of growing up in the safety and care of her parents, she had to face family problems from an early age. The singer grew up in a very disadvantaged environment. The main cause of the family problems was Rihanna’s father, who had unhealthy habits and was the source of domestic violence.
The singer recounted how her father would constantly beat her mother and once hit her as punishment for staying on the beach longer than expected. The family lived in constant fear, she shared, “every time he walked in the door, all eyes were on him” and her father spent too much money, so the family was on the brink of poverty. To make ends meet, she had to sell clothes on the streets to help support her family as a child. This is Rihanna’s childhood home in Barbados.
2. Discrimination at school
As a young girl, her schoolmates did not accept her and she was bullied throughout her school life. Her friends teased Rihanna and she teased them back. The future celebrity became a “good girl gone bad”.
However, every cloud has a silver lining and Rihanna has managed to benefit from the abuse. “This thick skin has developed since the first day I went to school, it didn’t happen after fame; I couldn’t have survived fame if I didn’t have it. So sometimes the hardest thing in life is to be vulnerable,” Rihanna shared.
3. Her big break
Rihanna grew up under the influence of reggae music. She chose a musical career after finishing high school. The future world-famous singer formed a musical trio with her classmates when she was 15. She began recording under the direction and guidance of Record Producer Evan Rogers, who was impressed with Rihanna.
She landed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for the label’s president, rapper Jay-Z. When the producer met Rihanna in person, he wouldn’t let her leave the building until she signed to his label. That was the beginning of her rising stardom.
4. Suing your father
Rihanna, who has become famous, continues to face inappropriate behavior from her father. The singer-songwriter has accused him of defamation for contacting the media and feeding them false information about her daughter for a negotiated fee: “My dad went to the press and just told them a bunch of lies. He never called to ask how I was. He went straight to the press and gave them conflicting information about me,” she shared.
A few years ago, she made the difficult decision to sue her father for illegally exploiting her name for profit. Rihanna felt that her father’s company had damaged the interests of her Fenty brand and deceived the public.
Every success has its dark side, Rihanna constantly has to deal with those who want to take advantage of her fame. Unscrupulous media outlets deliberately spread false information to gain a share of the attention and financial gain.
5. A person with a big heart
Rihanna’s troubled childhood and constant rumors have not been a problem for her. Instead, she has become known as a generous philanthropist and donor. The singer began her philanthropic journey at the age of 18. Rihanna helps others fight serious illnesses like cancer and AIDS, and has also raised money for a hospital in Barbados in honor of her beloved grandmother. She has also made significant efforts to support victims of domestic violence and provide educational supplies to children in need.
6. A new chapter
Rumors and gossip didn’t stop Rihanna. In October 2022, the singer delighted fans by releasing her first song in six years. The single, called “Lift Me Up,” was featured on the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
She has yet to announce an exact release date for the new album. Fans are interpreting the singer’s every word in their own way in anticipation. The only information that can be said for sure is that the long-awaited ninth album will be different from all the others, “I’m looking at my next project completely differently than I’ve ever wanted to do it before. I think this way suits me better, a lot better,” Rihanna revealed.
