Rihanna announces ‘Anti’ world tour 2016

Singer to perform 70 shows across America and Europe

R&B superstar Rihanna announced on Monday that she will be taking a global tour next year as she undertakes extensive commercial tie ups in the run-up to her long awaited album, Anti. The singer will open her tour on February 26 in San Diego, performing a total of 70 shows around North America and Europe before winding up on August 12 in Zurich, reported AFP.

The Barbados-born singer has sold 54 million albums since her 2005 debut but has not released a full length work since 2012. Rihanna has said that the tour will take the same name as the album, although she has not confirmed a release date yet.

In a promotional deal, Rihanna has formed a partnership with an electronic giant, which has launched an interactive website for Anti, accessible only on its smartphones.

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The company took out a large number of advertisements for Anti during the television broadcast of Sunday’s American Music Awards, hinting that a release is imminent.

For the company , the sponsorship of Rihanna would mirror arch-rival Apple’s frequent efforts to team up with artists including U2 and Drake, reported The Citizen.

Rihanna will also be selling tickets at an earlier date for subscribers of Tidal, the streaming service led by rap mogul Jay Z that has emphasised exclusive content from artists as it challenges rivals such as Spotify and Apple Music.

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Even though electronic company has not spilled any details, the New York Post earlier reported that it had inked a $25 million deal with Rihanna.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2015.

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