Superstar Rihanna is celebrating 20 years in the music industry with an impressive catalogue of hits that have left their mark globally.
Her music resonates deeply with many due to her unique blend of Caribbean rhythms and contemporary pop, R&B, and dance sounds. These are some of her most popular songs that solidified her status in the music industry.
RIHANNA’S PON DE REPLAY (2005)
Rihanna’s debut single Pon De Replay came from her very first demo tape, which she recorded before signing with a record label.
Songwriters and producers Vada Nobles, Alisha Brooks, Carl Sturken, and Evan Rogers wrote and produced the track. They blended pop, dancehall, and reggae-inspired sounds to create an infectious dance anthem.
The song combines pop, dancehall, and reggae elements that reflect her Caribbean roots. Before signing with Def Jam, Rihanna auditioned for Jay-Z, according to Billboard.
Jay initially thought the song was too big for a new artist, yet it became her breakthrough hit. The track’s title means “play it again” in Bajan Creole.
UBRELLA (2007)
Umbrella came from a songwriting collaboration between Jay-Z, The-Dream, Christopher Stewart, and Kuk Harrell.
The original writers crafted the song with Britney Spears in mind. However, after her team declined it due to a full album tracklist, they offered the song to Rihanna.
She embraced it and made it her own. Rihanna then released it as the lead single from her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad. Rihanna’s team saw its potential to shift her image towards a more edgy and versatile artist.
The song’s slick production mixed pop and R&B with a catchy hook symbolising protection and loyalty, which resonated deeply with listeners worldwide.
RIHANNA’S DIAMONDS (2012)
Written by Sia, Benny Blanco, and Stargate, Diamonds was developed as part of Rihanna’s Unapologetic album.
The song originally had a gospel-tinged demo, but the final production was tailored to let Rihanna’s emotive voice shine with a lush, anthemic feel.
Diamonds celebrates shining bright and finding one’s inner strength, themes that resonated deeply with many.
The song’s uplifting message and memorable chorus made it an anthem of hope and self-worth across many communities
WE FOUND LOVE (2011)
Written and produced by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, Rihanna had initially turned down several of his tracks. She finally agreed to this one for her album Talk That Talk.
The lyrics, “we found love in a hopeless place,” came about almost accidentally, as Calvin Harris was experimenting with melodies and nonsense singing to fit the tune.
This electro, house, and dance-pop track became a massive worldwide success, marking Rihanna’s longest-running number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The accompanying music video, filmed in Northern Ireland, portrayed a tumultuous and passionate relationship, stirring much attention and acclaim.
RIHANNA’S DON’T STOP THE MUSIC (2007)
The song was written by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, and produced by StarGate and Kuk Harrell. Don’t Stop The Music was inspired by a sample from Michael Jackson’s Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.
The upbeat dance-pop track captured Rihanna’s desire for a party anthem that would keep people moving. She aimed to create a feel-good, club-ready song, blending-house beats with her Caribbean influences.
Rihanna wanted to make music that people could lose themselves in and celebrate life, and this song delivered exactly that.
RIHANNA’S LOVE FOR AFRICA
Rihanna has openly admired African music and culture. She even performed the South African dance “gwara gwara” at the Grammys, further cementing her ties with the continent.
She once said, “If I ever go to West Africa, it would probably be for a free concert… just for the people”.
Her collaboration interest with South African maskandi artist Mbuzeni highlighted her respect for local sounds. Mbuzeni called this “a big thing for South Africa and for maskandi as a whole”.
A GLOBAL ICON
Rihanna’s songs continue to inspire many, combining infectious beats and universal messages. For many, she is not just a global icon but a music force that speaks directly to South Africa’s vibrant and diverse audiences.
This celebration of her 20 years honours a career full of hits that fuel dance floors, hearts, and hope, from Barbados to South Africa and beyond.
WHICH RIHANNA SONG DO YOU THINK MADE THE BIGGEST IMPACT IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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