Dua Lipa Becomes Kosovo Citizen, Declares “My Two Sides Are Now One”

Pop Superstar Honored in Pristina Ceremony

Global music sensation **Dua Lipa** has officially been granted Kosovo citizenship, marking a profound personal milestone for the artist. She expressed that the honor signifies a merging of her dual identity, stating, “It feels like my two sides are now one.”

A Deep Connection to Kosovo

Born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, **Lipa** resided in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, for a period during her youth when her family returned following the nation’s independence. The pop icon has consistently championed her heritage and her deep affection for the country.

Kosovo’s President, **Vjosa Osmani**, presided over the citizenship ceremony, describing it as a privilege. **President Osmani** lauded **Lipa** as “one of the most iconic cultural figures in our country’s history.”

“It completes the duality I have always had within. I love this country and this means so much to me and my family.”

—Dua Lipa

Dua and Kosovo have always been inseparable. From the world’s biggest stages to the hearts of millions, she’s carried our story with strength, pride and grace. Our gratitude is endless for everything Dua has done, and continues to do for Kosovo. Kosovo’s gem – welcome back home 🇽🇰❤️ pic.twitter.com/J7gGf1E16F

— Vjosa Osmani (@VjosaOsmaniPRKS) March 23, 2024

**President Osmani** shared her joy on social media, highlighting **Lipa**’s role in sharing Kosovo’s narrative globally. “From the world’s biggest stages to the hearts of millions, she’s carried our story with strength, pride and grace,” the president posted, adding, “Our gratitude is endless for everything **Dua** has done, and continues to do for Kosovo. Kosovo’s gem – welcome back home.”

Festival Honors and Charitable Efforts

**Lipa** is currently in Kosovo for the three-day Sunny Hill Festival, an event she founded with her father in their hometown. The festival, established in 2018, aims to showcase Kosovo’s vibrant culture and challenge negative perceptions. Last year, **Lipa** stated the festival was created “to change the rhetoric of what people think about Kosovo and it being war-torn.”

During the ceremony, a children’s choir serenaded **Lipa** with a rendition of her hit song “Levitating.” The UK Ambassador to Kosovo, **Jonathan Hargreaves**, was also in attendance, posing for a photograph with **Lipa** and expressing pride from both the UK and Kosovo in claiming the pop star as “one of our own.”

This latest citizenship adds to **Lipa**’s existing nationalities, as she was granted Albanian citizenship in 2022 for her contributions to promoting the country through her international career. In the same year, she was appointed an Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo by President **Osmani**.

Reflecting on her recent performance at the festival, **Lipa** shared her emotions on Instagram: “Sharing this night with you all, in the city that shaped me, surrounded by so much energy, joy, and pride… it’s hard to put into words what it means.”

Her philanthropic work includes establishing a charity dedicated to assisting vulnerable communities within Kosovo. Kosovo’s population is approximately 1.8 million, with around 30% under the age of 25, highlighting the importance of initiatives that support its youth and communities (World Bank, 2022).