8 Incredibly Geeky Facts About Rihanna

Rihanna is one of the most successful women in the world, whether it’s because of her charity work, her distinct eye for fashion, or her stack of best-selling records – but how much do you really know about her?

1. Rihanna isn’t her real name

It’s actually Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

2. She was discovered by Jay Z

After sending in her demo tapes to Def Jam Records, she was auditioned by their (then) president, Jay-Z, who signed her afterwards. Jay-Z was reportedly so impressed that he demanded Rihanna not leave the building until the contract was signed.

3.She credits Madonna as her biggest influence

She once said that she wanted to be the “Black Madonna,” explaining that she admires the way Madonna constantly reinvents herself.

4.Calvin Harris says Rihanna ‘changed everything’ for his career

Talking to The Sun in 2012 about his 2011 Rihanna collaboration ‘We Found Love’ he said: “Career-wise it was the best thing that could have happened… It changed absolutely everything.

5.In Barbados there is a Rihanna Day

In 2008 former Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson, announced that there would be an annual Rihanna Day every year on 22nd February. Although this is not a bank holiday, people come together to celebrate it every year by listening to her music. Occasionally she even returns to perform. What’s more, the street where she used to live has been renamed to ‘Rihanna Drive’.

6.She’s been in the Giuinness World Book of Records six times

Her records include being the first female artist to have a UK No. One five years in a row (2007-2011), Best Selling Digital Artist (US), as well as being the most-liked person on Facebook in 2014

7.She was supposed to be maid of honour to Katy Perry

Although Rihanna could not attend Perry’s 2012 wedding to Brand, (she apparently had to record some music for her album ‘Loud’) she still arranged Katy’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas

8.She’s the first woman to win ‘Shoe of the Year’ award

Footwear News awarded this to Rihanna after her collaboration with Puma. The year prior, Kanye West’s Yeezys won. This year Virgil Abloh’s Nike Air Jordan’s got the coveted prize.