According to the government of Barbados, the proper way to address Rihanna is “the Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty, National Hero”.

It is an appropriate formality for the pop icon and beauty magnate often lauded by her fans as a “queen”, who was granted lifelong honours by her Caribbean homeland on the first day of its official divorce from the British monarchy in 2021.

Yet such sobriquets also imply a degree of political influence. In a career spanning nearly two decades and at least five industries, Rihanna has not shied from wielding hers.

In interviews and on social media, the 34-year-old has spoken out about gun control, Barbadian independence, violence against Asian Americans, Donald Trump, police brutality in Nigeria and more, at the same time donating millions to charity and using using her make-up company Fenty to transform the beauty industry's approach to skin colour.

This February, she will end her...