Using Twitter Trends to Connect

10.10.19 — The Day Jamaica Stole Rihanna

October 10th-11th, 2019 were some of the most entertaining days I’ve had on Twitter in a while. The focus wasn’t on some political drama or yet another scandal or even resurrecting a tired font’s mentions. For about 24-30 hours, it was just hilariously entertaining, and Jamaican Twitter led the charge.

We won’t be going into the timeline of events, but it all started with some shade and these two tweets:

Did we just steal Rihanna…or is Barbados a parish? https://t.co/U7dHG8y2lp

— Sage (@Mellumjr) October 8, 2019

Jamaicans, you know, if we pretend like Rihanna is Jamaican, the world will believe us, and there is nothing Bajans can do about it.

Let’s kidnap Rihanna’s nationality, y’all.

— rihanna is jamaican (@DavidEatsViagra) October 9, 2019

And further amplified by this one:

???????? A thread of Rihanna embracing her Jamaican heritage. ???????? pic.twitter.com/y0yETcbxdi

— Cassius of the Antilles (@CRUELCASSIUS) October 9, 2019

Soon, an Olympic level heist began. Jamaicans united in claiming the Caribbean Queen and convincing the world she was theirs with #RihannaisJamaican. As the evidence mounted, the trend gained international press coverage and confused the life out of Siri, with Twitter intervening to ‘clarify matters.’ But it is not the determination and audacity of a tiny island nation, the level of creativity displayed, or even how upset some got at the hashtag that was a standout (although they are all discussion-worthy). It was how quickly and effectively local businesses and brands joined in on the trend that was remarkable.

KFC Jamaica

Don’t know what the debate is for. Rihanna stopped by KFC Portmore Mall on her way home last week. #RihannaIsJamaican pic.twitter.com/3aQcUNUTJz

— KFC Jamaica (@kfcjamaica) October 11, 2019

United States Embassy to Jamaica

Looks like Rihanna. Could it have been Rihanna at last year’s College Fair? Come on out to EdUSA’s College Fair! Kingston, Jamaica. You never know who may show up! pic.twitter.com/uoVqG4E1st

— US Embassy Jamaica (@USEmbassyJA) October 11, 2019

Digicel Jamaica

Thanks for reminding us! This was in 2004 before she buss with Pon De Replay. https://t.co/xB2Jv9Zjlw

— Digicel Jamaica (@DIGICELJamaica) October 10, 2019

Rocketship JA

Hey @rihanna, we just tried to deliver your package at your Portmore address but we are not getting you by phone. Please reschedule at your earliest convenience or pick up in store at Marketplace.

— Rocketship (@rocketshipja) October 10, 2019

Quickplate Jamaica

We’re not supposed to share this but we did a special delivery in Portland for her over the weekend, so she’s probably still relaxing there. #RihannaIsJamaican

— QuickPlate Jamaica (@quickplateja) October 10, 2019

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