Rihanna celebrates 20 years in music, pens heartfelt note to Navy: 'I'm forever grateful'

Pop icon Rihanna is celebrating a major milestone in her illustrious career - 20 years since the launch. The singer, who released her debut single 'Pon de Replay' in 2005, marked the anniversary with an emotional message to her fanbase, Navy.

Rihanna shares video celebrating 20 years in the industry

Taking to her social media handles, the star shared a video recap of her professional and personal journey in the industry as a singer, actress, businesswoman, fashion icon and philanthropist.

Rihanna pens heartfelt note

Reflecting on her journey over the past 2 decades, Rihanna 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 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! .”

Singer thanks her team and support system

The Grammy winner expressed gratitude for her supporters, calling them the “most loyal, die-hard fans,” and acknowledged the teams, collaborators, and industry figures who believed in her early on. "I just wanted to take this moment to say thank you! 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, and to all the people who said yes to me and gave me a chance before it was “cool” to (Execs, DJ’s, writers, producers, dancers, choreographers, directors, fashion designers, photographers, glam, journalists, brands, mentors, etc etc) 20 years worth of thanks to you!!"

She concluded her note giving thanks to God, saying, "I thank God, He’s been very generous to me and the Glory belongs to Him!”

About Rihanna's professional journey

Since debuting two decades ago, Rihanna has become one of the world’s most successful artists, with nine Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy awards, an Oscar nominee, becoming the best-selling female artist of all time, besides holding multiple chart records and streaming records. She also heads a thriving business empire through her fashion and beauty brands.

Rihanna's estimated net worth as of February 2025 is $1.4 billion, mainly due to the success of her cosmetics company.