Rihanna Buff

Rihanna: ‘My life is a fairytale’

by Melody on October 3rd, 2007

Rihanna, pop’s Caribbean Queen talks to Sunday Life about her phenomenal career

Rihanna’s story is a real-life fairytale. One of three children she formed a musical trio with two of her secondary school classmates and in 2004 won a local Barbados beauty pageant, during which she performed the Mariah Carey song Hero.

“I used to practise in the shower and the neighbours were always complaining,” she laughs.

At the age of 15, Rihanna was introduced to music producer Evan Rogers who was holidaying in Barbados. He took her to New York to record some material, which caught the attention of Jay-Z, who signed her up to his Def-Jam record label.

“Yes, I’m very lucky,” admits Rihanna. “It’s definitely a fairytale and I wake up every day so thankful. It’s proof that no matter who or where you are, if you work very hard and believe in your dreams they can come true.

“I’ve always dreamed of becoming a singer and entertainer, and now I’m fulfilling my dream.”

Finish reading article under the cut!

Rihanna’s debut album, Music of the Sun, was released in August 2005 and the then 17-year-old found herself with her first hit single, Pon de Replay to promote and going on tour to support Gwen Stefani. Was the sudden fame not a bit hard to deal with?

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” replies Rihanna. “I had always lived in Barbados so I was far away from seeing what this (fame) could be like.

“All I knew was that I love to sing and wanted to do this, so I kinda took it in my stride.

“Now I’m able to stick with it and put up with all the hard work because I love what I do so much.”

A second album, A Girl Like Me, was released in April 2006, less than eight months after the first and debuted at number four in the UK album charts. The accompanying single, SOS, peaked at number two in the UK singles chart.

Proof if any were needed that this young woman has earned the respect of her peers is on her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, which features collaborations with Timbaland and Jay-Z.

The Trousersnake himself, Justin Timberlake, (with whom there was rumours - strenuously denied - of romance), also contributes lyrics and vocals to the album.

After the phenomenal success of Umbrella, second single Shut Up And Drive is currently riding high in the charts and Rihanna will be giving Ulster fans the chance to hear both songs live when she plays the Odyssey Arena on Monday, December 3.

Unlike Umbrella (which was “about being there for the ones you love whether it is a friend, family or boyfriend. We all have or need someone like that in our lives”), Shut Up and Drive is “a high energy song and a different kind of song for me because I’ve never done a real rock song before”.

She adds: “It’s very cool and I had a lot of fun recording it. I can’t wait to perform it live.

“I love touring and can’t wait to come to Ireland. Singing gives me the chance to visit lots of places that other girls my age don’t ever get to see and even though I’m only ever in one place for a night or two, you get to feel the atmosphere.

“And I’ve had some great experiences on tour.”

She may indeed be a megastar, but it’s certainly not how this modest young woman sees herself.

“I definitely don’t consider myself a world-famous person,” she says, sounding a bit horrified. “The downside of doing what I do is that I’m away from my friends and family a lot, so when I get any time off I head straight back to Barbados to hang out on the beach and eat some of my mom’s cooking.”

And she’s certainly learned to keep her private life under wraps - she refuses to confirm or deny reports that she is currently dating Transformers actor Shia Lebeouf.

As well as an incredibly successful pop career, Rihanna reveals that she is keen to branch out into other areas as soon as possible and was pictured last week wowing the crowds by modelling for Italian designers Dsquared2 at Milan Fashion Week.

“There’s definitely much more I want to do. I want to act some more, I want to set up some of my own businesses (fashion lines and stuff like that), but I also want to continue with music.”

She’s touring right up to a few days before Christmas, then she’s flying home to Barbados to be with her family - but only for a few days. She’ll be back on the road before the decorations are down. Surely such a young girl must get fed up with all the hard work?

“Yes, sometimes I get exhausted and just want to rest for a while. But this is what I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’m living my dream, so that makes it OK.”

› Rihanna plays the Odyssey Arena on December 3. Tickets from Ticketmaster and usual outlets.

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