Global pop sensation Dua Lipa has officially become a citizen of Kosovo in a heartfelt ceremony hosted by President Vjosa Osmani. The singer, whose family roots trace back to the Balkan nation, described the moment as a profound unification of her dual heritage.
Born in London to Kosovar-Albanian parents, Lipa spent part of her childhood in Pristina after her family returned following Kosovo’s independence. At the event, she expressed deep gratitude, calling the recognition a meaningful milestone for both her and her relatives.
President Osmani praised Lipa as a cultural icon who has consistently championed Kosovo on the world stage. “She has carried our story with pride and dignity,” Osmani remarked, sharing images from the ceremony on social media.
The celebration coincided with Lipa’s headline performance at the Sunny Hill Festival, an event she co-founded in 2018 to reshape global perceptions of Kosovo. The festival, held in her parents’ hometown, aims to highlight the country’s vibrant culture beyond its history of conflict.
Lipa, who already holds British and Albanian citizenship, was also named an Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo in 2022. She has long used her platform to support charitable initiatives in the region, focusing on aiding vulnerable communities.
The ceremony featured a children’s choir performing her hit Levitating, while UK Ambassador Jonathan Hargreaves joined in celebrating the occasion, emphasizing her ties to both nations.
Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, remains unrecognized by several countries, including Serbia, Russia, and China. Yet figures like Lipa continue to elevate its global profile through art and advocacy.
Reflecting on her festival performance, Lipa shared an emotional message with fans, calling the experience indescribable. “To be surrounded by so much love and energy in the city that shaped me—it’s beyond words,” she wrote.
The citizenship grant solidifies her bond with Kosovo, reinforcing her commitment to its future.