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

The artist, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, said she “couldn’t be more proud” after being named “ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary” on Thursday 19 September.

“Every Barbadian is going to have to play their role in this current effort, and I’m ready and excited to take on the responsibility,” she said. “I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley and her team to reimagine Barbados.”

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



She has also enjoyed success as an actor and fashion designer. She launched a makeup collection last year, Fenty Beauty, that was praised for its diverse range, and she released a new lingerie collection earlier this month.

She recently confirmed to fans that she has been working on a new album, which is said to be heavily reggae inspired.

Last year a street she used to live on was renamed Rihanna Drive in her honour.

Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Show all 14 1 /14 Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Models walk the runway for the Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 show BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Models walk the runway for the Savage X Fenty Fall/Winter 2018 fashion show during NYFW at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on September 12, 2018 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty ) Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Bella Hadid was one of the stars Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Heavily pregnant Slick Woods also walked the runway Getty Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show The show was lauded for its diverse range of models Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Gigi Hadid walked alongside her sister BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Model Gigi Hadid walks the runway for the Savage X Fenty Fall/Winter 2018 fashion show during NYFW at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on September 12, 2018 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty) Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Rihanna took a bow, wearing one of her designs Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show The theme was Garden of Eden BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Models walk the runway for the Savage X Fenty Fall/Winter 2018 fashion show during NYFW at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on September 12, 2018 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty ) Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Model Gigi Hadid poses with models on the runway for the Savage X Fenty Fall/Winter 2018 fashion show during NYFW at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on September 12, 2018 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty) Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Models walk the runway for the Savage X Fenty Fall/Winter 2018 fashion show during NYFW at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on September 12, 2018 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty) Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show Rihanna's Savage X Fenty autumn/winter 2018 NYFW show

“Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in the areas of health and education,” Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said in a statement.

“She also shows her patriotism in the way she gives back to this country and continues to treasure the island as her home.