Shine Like a Diamond: Rihanna’s net worth is $1.7 billion, says Forbes

Pop singer and entrepreneur Rihanna’s fortune is estimated at $1.7 billion, making her the richest musician on the planet, although most of her wealth does not come from music in the strict sense of the word.

The R&B singer has capitalized on success on the singles charts into a huge makeup and fashion empire, with earnings that now dwarf those of other music stars like Madonna and Beyonce.

Barbados-born Robyn Rihanna Fenty came to prominence in 2005, recording international hits like “We Found Love” and “Umbrella” in collaboration with Jay-Z.

But while the downloads and cruise tickets contributed to her fortune, it was her trading experience that propelled her into the ranks of the wealthy at Uber.

Forbes magazine, which regularly compiles lists of the world’s richest people, said Wednesday that it estimated $1.4 billion from its nest egg from the value of cosmetics company Fenty Beauty, a partnership with French fashion giant LVMH in which Rihanna owns a 50% stake.

Launched in 2017 with the goal of promoting inclusivity, Fenty Beauty produces makeup to suit dozens of different skin tones. The cosmetics line is known for its wide range of 50 skin tones, including dark shades for women of color, which were a rarity when it was launched four years ago.

The magazine said that the rest of Rihanna’s fortune comes from her stake in the company Savage x Fenty lingerie, which contributes to her net worth, as the company reaches $270 million, and her income as a singer and actress.

Although she hasn’t produced an album since 2016, Rihanna still has her legions of fans, with over 100 million followers on Instagram and Twitter.

Forbes said that apart from the richest musician, the “Diamonds” and “Love the Way You Lie” singer is second only to Oprah as the richest artist.