Rihanna Performed Her First Full Concert in 8 Years at Anant Ambani's Pre-Wedding Party—Watch the Best Clips from Her Set Here

Rihanna marked her return to the stage after an eight-year hiatus at a larger-than-life pre-wedding party for one of the world’s richest couples, Anant Ambani, the youngest child of Indian billion Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant. Besides performing a few ballads at the Super Bowl halftime show and the Academy Awards in 2023, the R&B musician put on a full concert for the first time since 2016 at the future bride and groom’s soirée on March 1, 2024—held in anticipation of their big day, set in July 2024. 

The Grammy-winning artist kicked off the pair’s three-day celebration by belting out some of her most popular tracks at the lavish venue: the Ambani Estate in Jamnagar, India. Nearly 1,200 guests—including high-profile figures, such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, per The Associated Press, enjoyed Rihanna’s latest gig. Forbes reported that Rihanna was paid for her performance, and although the exact numerical value wasn’t disclosed, we have to assume it was a hefty sum, given Mukesh’s estimated net worth of $117 billion (the Daily Mail estimated her fee at around $6 million).

Videos of the pop star’s concert have been taking over social media. In the clips, Rihanna is seen singing and dancing across a large stage in a light green dress, covered in sparkles and featuring a thigh-high slit, layered over sparkly pink pants. TikTok account @instantbollywood uploaded footage of the Academy Award-winning musician performing “B**** Better Have My Money,” “Work,” “Wild Thoughts,” while X account @FentyStats posted a clip of Rihanna singing “Stay.” As Rihanna performs each song, accompanied by background dancers, the audience is heard belting out the lyrics.

Before singing “We Found Love,” Rihanna even gave a shoutout to the couple of the hour. “We’re here tonight in honor of Anant,” she said to the crowd. “Thank you for having me here. God bless your union. I wish you all the best. Congratulations.” Just as she was about to recite the first line of the track, Rihanna asked the audience, “How many of you believe in love? Make some noise for love.”

After the concert, Rihanna was recorded rehashing her experience taking the stage at the pre-wedding bash to photographers and fans. “The show was the best,” she gushed. “I haven’t done a real show in eight years, so I want to come back.” Following her performance, the singer was also able to enjoy the festivities as a guest. Rihanna was captured breaking it down on the dance floor to “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus.

Rihanna wasn’t the only one who performed at Anant and Radhika’s party. According to Reuters, which saw an itinerary for the event, Punjabi musician Diljit Dosanjh and magician David Blaine were some of the other entertainers of the weekend. In addition to these activities, the publication reported that the celebration offered hairstyling, makeup artists, and Indian wear drapists on a first come, first serve basis for attendees. Those invited were instructed to wear animal print clothing or Hawaiian shirts to coincide with the “jungle fever” dress code. The couple also enlisted 100 different chefs to prepare and serve 500 dishes throughout the multi-day affair.