Rihanna "proud" to accept the new role of ambassador of Barbados

The Barbados government has given Rihanna a new ambassadorial role, which will see her promote education, tourism and investment.

The artist, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, said she "could not be more proud" after being named "Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary" on Thursday, 19 September.

"Every Barbadian will have to play her part in this current effort and I am ready and excited to take on this responsibility," she said. "I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley and his team to re-imagine Barbados."

Rihanna is one of the best-selling singers of all time, with 250 million records sold worldwide. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, she grew up in Bridgetown until she was discovered as a teenager by an American record producer, who helped her break into American charts.

She has also enjoyed great success as an actress and fashion designer. She launched a makeup collection last year, Fenty Beauty, which was hailed for its diversity, and she released a new lingerie collection earlier this month.

She recently confirmed to fans that she was working on a new album, which would be heavily inspired by reggae.

Last year, a street she lived on was renamed Rihanna Drive in her honor.

"Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected in her philanthropy, particularly in the areas of health and education," Premier Mia Amor Mottley said in a statement.

"She also shows her patriotism in the way she gives back to this country and continues to cherish the island as her homeland.

"She has also demonstrated, beyond her success as a pop icon, a keen sense of creativity and insight into business. It is therefore fitting that we commit ourselves and give it the means to play a more definitive role in the transformation of Barbados.