Rihanna has marked 20 years since her debut album, reflecting on her journey from Barbados to global stardom.
The 37-year-old musician and Fenty Beauty founder posted the message on X and Instagram, reflecting on her journey since leaving Barbados to pursue music in 2005 and the release of Music Of The Sun.
“I left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music,” she wrote.
20 years ago, i left my country, my culture, my food, and family to embark on a journey that started with the release of my very first body of music! So many of you were a part of my life and career since the very beginning, and some of you have joined the adventure along the… pic.twitter.com/aXdcAlo1St
— Rihanna (@rihanna) August 29, 2025
“So many of you were a part of my life and career since the very beginning, and some of you have joined the adventure along the way.
“I’m forever grateful to all of you. Each of you played a very crucial role in where this journey has taken me thus far.”
Released after she was signed by then-Def Jam Recordings president Jay-Z, the singer’s debut album featured the hit Pon de Replay.
The single reached number two on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100.
Rihanna, born in Saint Michael, Barbados, first gained attention after auditioning as part of a musical trio for producer Evan Rogers in 2003.
Two years later, she moved to the US at 16 after impressing Jay-Z enough to secure a six-album deal.
“Thank you for the greatest first 20 years ever! 20 years of the most loyal, die-hard fans that don’t play about me whatsoever, 20 years of hard work and hardworking teams around me, 20 years of lessons, 20 years of unforgettable experiences and accomplishments, 20 years of my family being my number one support system,” she wrote.
To celebrate the milestone, the songstress also announced the launch of new merchandise and a vinyl album boxed set on her website.
Her sophomore album, A Girl Like Me, released in 2006, spawned such hits as SOS, Unfaithful and Break It Off.
Rihanna has since released eight studio albums, earning nine Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty, which has grown into a multi-billion-pound brand.
