5 Famous People From Barbados You Should Know

Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris

 

Barbados, a lovely Caribbean island, obtained independence from Britain in 1966 after several years of slavery and colonization. Generations of enslaved Africans were taken from the continent and forced to start new lives on the island.

Barbados is noted for its 5-star luxury vacation destinations, which rank first on the list of tourist attractions, in addition to its history of slavery and insurrection, such as the Bussa’s insurrection.

The island has produced persons who have gone on to become global sensations in many industries around the world.

Here are five persons who have remained relevant in the globe, particularly in Barbados, by putting the country on the map via their hard work.

Shontelle

Shontelle is a Barbadian singer and songwriter who was born in St. James, Barbados in 1985. She is well known for her hit songs T-Shirt and Impossible. Shontelle’s real name is Shontelle Layen, and she has three albums to her name. She performs songs in a variety of genres, including reggae and pop. Shontelle is also known for penning Man Down, one of Rihanna’s most popular songs.

 

Obadele Thompson

Obadele Thompson is a Barbadian Olympian who placed third in the 100m sprint at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, earning Barbados its first Olympic medal as an independent country. Obadele, also known as Oba, was born in Barbados and began participating in sports at the age of six. His coaches urged him to take it seriously, which led to his winning multiple medals throughout his career. Obadele is a lawyer, writer, and speaker in addition to being one of Barbados’ most recognized athletes.

 

Rihanna

Rihanna was named as an ambassador for the island government earlier this year, with the role of promoting education, tourism, and investment. Rihanna was given the honor by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley because of her impact on her country and her charity work in education. Robyn Rihanna Fenty, better known as Rihanna, was born in Barbados to Barbadian parents in 1988.

When she was a teenager, the music icon turned cosmetics mogul traveled to America to pursue a music career. With blockbuster songs like Diamonds, Umbrella, and We Found Love to her name, the 30-year-old has also established herself in the action and fashion worlds. Rihanna has around 30 trophies to her name, with 9 of them being Grammys.

 

Kamau Brathwaite

Kamau Brathwaite is well-known not only on the island of Barbados, but also as one of the Caribbean’s finest and brightest writers. Born in 1930, the poet and scholar is widely regarded as the founder of the Caribbean creative movement, having co-founded the Caribbean creative Movement (CAM). The multi-award-winning author earned a PhD from the University of Sussex after specializing in Black cultural life in Africa and the African diaspora, and she later became a professor at New York University. Kamau worked briefly as an Education Officer at the Ministry of Education in Ghana, which was then the Gold Coast.

 

Mia Amor Mottley

Mia Amor Mottley, a 53-year-old lawyer, became Barbados’ first elected Prime Minister since 1966 in May 2018. Despite a storm of personal and political attacks from the DLP during the election campaign, Mia was successful. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley began politics in 1961 and quickly ascended through the ranks due to her efficiency and hard work. Mia Amor Mottley is working closely with celebrities and well-known entrepreneurs in Barbados, such as Rihanna, to help boost the island since becoming Prime Minister.

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