Co-author, Dr. Aaron Kamugisha signs the book for Pro-VIce Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies, Professor Eudine Barriteau, as others wait their turn.
Academics launch ‘Rihanna’ book
Fri, 04/22/2016 - 12:00am
By:
Peta Rowe-Forde
In a period where Rihanna is celebrating great success, the academic fraternity at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus has acknowledged the celebrity in her multifaceted
environments, by way of launching a book entitled, “Rihanna, Barbados World-Gurl In Global Popular Culture”.
Written by Professor Curwen Best, Dr. Aaron Kamugisha and Dr. Don Marshall, and edited by Dr. Heather Russell and Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the book was reviewed as one that has something in it for
everyone.
Reviewer of the book, Dr. Tonya Haynes, stated simply that the book is a brilliant one, and it was only fitting that the work should emerge from the region’s premier intellectual institution.
The work and thought put into writing the book called for thorough research. The book also generates ideas.
Furthermore, it is one described as being destined to be a classic of Caribbean cultural studies, and can serve as the foundation for future development.
This “intellectual ingenuity” as it was so described by Haynes collectively offers a range of perspectives regarding politics, cultural identity, geography, history, fashion, and music among many others.
Moreover, matters of class, race and gender, all related to Rihanna are presented in interesting and exciting ways. In true representation of the Barbadian songstress, Haynes noted that the book presents her as
unmanageable – as she is, and refuses to assume that there is any easy reading on the subject.
The resounding consensus throughout the text, however, is that her success is not science fiction.
Of course, Rihanna’s identity has been a topic of discussion, as Haynes discloses that she conveys this through her body and discography, while displaying the Barbadian girl living in the diaspora.
The criticisms or praises related to this have also been examined.
In light of this, Haynes reported that there is something in the book for the “Rihanna Navy”, as well as the critics, proving particularly relevant to students of globalisation, gender
studies and Caribbean thought in general.