As Barbados becomes a republic, Rihanna is hailed as a "national hero."

Barbados has named Rihanna a national hero in honour of the country's transition to an independent republic.

In allusion to her 2012 single Diamonds, the country's prime minister, Mia Mottley, stated at an investiture ceremony for the pop singer, fashion star, and entrepreneur, "May you continue to shine like a diamond."

Barbados' most renowned native, Rihanna, was named an official ambassador for culture and youth in 2018. Her Bajan accent has never been softened, and her music, while influenced by pop, R&B, and dance, has remained true to her Caribbean roots.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we thus present to you Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the designee for national hero of Barbados," she continued.

Rihanna, 33, was born in Saint Michael and grew up in Bridgetown, the capital. After American producer Evan Rogers noticed her potential, she shot to prominence. Her 2007 single Umbrella cemented her status as one of the world's biggest pop performers, and then-Prime Minister David Thompson declared Rihanna Day in 2008.

Rihanna has had a tremendously successful business career with her Fenty group of enterprises, in addition to continuing to perform music. Forbes put her worth at $1.7 billion (£1.3 billion) in August, with $1.4 billion coming from her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, which she co-owns with the French fashion conglomerate LVMH.

"The world's imagination was captured by her quest of excellence with her ingenuity, discipline, and, above all, her tremendous commitment to the land of her birth," Mottley said.

Rihanna joins a limited group of ten other Barbadians, including Garfield Sobers, the only other living national hero and one of the best cricketers of all time. Sobers was also there at the wedding and gave Rihanna a hug.