Childhood and Education Journey of Rihanna in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Rihanna. From birth to education, explore key events.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty, known as Rihanna, is a highly successful Barbadian singer, songwriter, businesswoman, actress, and model. Recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of the 21st century by Guinness World Records and the highest-certified female digital single artist by the RIAA, she is also the third wealthiest musician globally as of 2024. Boasting seven U.S. diamond certified singles and 14 Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, Rihanna has sold an estimated 250 million units worldwide, making her one of the best-selling recording artists of all time.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

February 20, 1988: Rihanna's Birth

On February 20, 1988, Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born. She is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, businesswoman, actress, and model.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Inspiration from 'Æon Flux'

In 2005, Rihanna's new hairstyle with an edgier look was inspired by Charlize Theron's bob cut in the science fiction thriller Æon Flux.

2007: First Met Gala Appearance

In 2007, Rihanna made her first appearance at the Met Gala.

February 8, 2009: Grammy Performance Canceled Due to Assault

On February 8, 2009, Rihanna's scheduled performance at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards was canceled after reports surfaced that her then-boyfriend, singer Chris Brown, had physically assaulted her.

March 5, 2009: Chris Brown Charged with Assault

On March 5, 2009, Chris Brown was charged with assault and making criminal threats following the physical assault of Rihanna.

2009: Early Look Description

In 2009, New York magazine described Rihanna's early look as that of "a cookie-cutter teen queen", noting she has the ability "to shift looks dramatically and with such ease".

October 2011: Rihanna Discusses Performance Outfits

In October 2011, Rihanna stated in British Vogue that her performance outfits and appearances are an act. "That's not me. That's a part I play. You know, like it's a piece of art, with all these toys and textures to play with".

December 2012: GQ "Men of the Year" Cover

In December 2012, Rihanna became the first woman to be featured on the cover of GQ magazine's "Men of the Year" issue.

2015: Style Comparison to Fashion Icons

During the Vogue Festival in 2015, Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing praised Rihanna by stylistically comparing her to fashion icons like Madonna, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, and Prince.

2015: Met Gala Guo Pei Dress

In 2015, at the Met Gala for "China: Through the Looking Glass", Rihanna's Guo Pei-designed yellow dress garnered significant attention, accruing a billion impressions on social media. The dress took two years to make and became the subject of a documentary.

January 2017: Participation in the 2017 Women's March

In January 2017, Rihanna participated in the 2017 Women's March in New York, protesting the day after US President Donald Trump's inauguration, showing support for women's rights and social justice.

June 2018: Purchased House in West London

In June 2018, Rihanna purchased a house in West London for £7 million, intending to be closer to her work with her FENTY fashion label.

December 2018: Hollywood Hills Mansion for Sale

In December 2018, Rihanna put her Hollywood Hills mansion up for sale after a break-in six months prior, eventually selling it for $10.4 million.

2018: Co-chair of Met Gala

In 2018, Rihanna co-chaired the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination themed Met Gala, wearing Maison Margiela.

October 2019: Declined Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance

In October 2019, Rihanna stated that she declined to perform at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show in support of Colin Kaepernick, standing in solidarity with the protests against racial injustice.

September 2020: Sale of London House

In September 2020, Rihanna put her St John's Wood, North London house for sale with a price of £32 million.

2020: Criticism of President Trump's Policies

In 2020, Rihanna criticized President Trump's immigration policies, including Executive Order 13769, and his response to the 2019 shootings in El Paso and Dayton, expressing her views on social and political issues.

February 2021: Support to Indian Farmers' Protest

In February 2021, Rihanna extended her support to the Indian farmers' protest against farm bills through Twitter, raising awareness about the issues faced by farmers.

September 2021: Rihanna drops lawsuit against her father

In September 2021, Rihanna dropped the lawsuit against her father.

2022: Birth of First Son

In 2022, Rihanna gave birth to her first son with ASAP Rocky, becoming a mother.

February 12, 2023: Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show

On February 12, 2023, Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl LVII halftime show, her first live performance in over five years, ending her boycott in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. The show had a revised 121.017 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show in history.