Rihanna, (born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 18, 1988) is a Barbadian (Bajan) R&B singer with influences from Raggamuffin/dancehall and pop music.

Rihanna was born on the Caribbean island of Barbados in the parish of St. Michael. She was introduced to music producer Evan Rogers by a friend. Evan was in Barbados, vacationing with his wife Jackie, who is also a Bajan.

Rogers, along with his partner Carl Sturken, helped Rihanna record demo material containing close to twelve tracks including the 2005 pop hit "Pon de Replay". The demos were sent to various recording companies including Def Jam Recordings, where Rihanna was eventually signed by CEO Jay-Z.

Rihanna's musical inspirations include Alicia Keys, Beyoncé Knowles, and Mariah Carey.