Global superstar Rihanna is commemorating 20 years in the music industry with a heartfelt message to her fans, family, and collaborators. In a post shared on X, the Barbadian singer reflected on her journey since leaving her home country two decades ago to pursue her dreams.

Rihanna's journey began with the release of her first album, "Music of the Sun," in 2005. In her message, she acknowledged the sacrifices she made, stating, "Twenty 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!".

The singer expressed immense gratitude to those who have been a part of her life and career since the beginning, as well as those who joined along the way. She thanked her "loyal, die-hard fans" for their unwavering support over the past two decades. Rihanna also acknowledged the executives, DJs, producers, writers, choreographers, designers, mentors, and teams who helped shape her career, expressing her appreciation for their belief in her potential and for providing opportunities.

Rihanna, now 36 years old, has sold over 250 million records worldwide. She has achieved 14 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and has won nine Grammy Awards. Beyond her musical achievements, Rihanna has built a billion-dollar empire with her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands.

In her message, Rihanna expressed her faith, stating, "I thank God, He's been very generous to me and the glory belongs to Him!". She also mentioned the "20 years of hard work," "20 years of lessons," and "20 years of unforgettable experiences and accomplishments" that have contributed to her success.

The singer's anniversary sparked excitement among fans, who are eagerly awaiting new music. Her last studio album, "Anti," was released in 2016. While she has released singles since then, including "Lift Me Up" from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, fans are hoping that her next message will include an announcement about her highly anticipated ninth studio album, R9.

To commemorate her 20th anniversary, Rihanna has unveiled the R20 collection, a limited-edition merchandise drop featuring an apparel collection and a vinyl box set containing all eight of her albums pressed in vinyl.

Rihanna's journey from a 17-year-old singer from Barbados to a global icon is a testament to her hard work, vision, and evolution. Her impact extends beyond music, as she has become an influential figure in fashion and culture. As she celebrates this milestone, fans around the world are expressing their gratitude and admiration for the artist who has given them "the greatest first 20 years ever".