August 2 – Pop sensation Dua Lipa has officially become a citizen of Kosovo, marking what she describes as a profound moment of unity between her heritage and her identity. The internationally acclaimed singer was welcomed in a formal ceremony in the capital, Pristina, where President Vjosa Osmani personally handed her the citizenship documents.
Born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, Lipa spent a part of her early teenage years living in Pristina after her family returned following Kosovo’s declaration of independence. Now, with the official status granted, Lipa says she feels more complete than ever.
“This moment brings a deep sense of unity within me,” the singer expressed with emotion. “It’s as if the two parts of my identity have finally come together. My love for this country runs deep, and this recognition holds immense meaning for both me and my family.”
The ceremony, which drew widespread attention, included a heartwarming welcome from a local children’s choir, who performed her global hit Levitating. UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, attended the ceremony and took a moment to commend Lipa, acknowledging how she reflects the spirit and values of both Kosovo and the United Kingdom.
President Osmani, who hosted the event, praised Lipa as “one of the most iconic cultural figures in our country’s history.” She emphasized how the singer has always carried Kosovo’s name with pride on the international stage.
“Dua and Kosovo have always been inseparable,” Osmani wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) following the ceremony. She has taken Kosovo’s story from global stages into the hearts of countless people, representing it with pride, strength, and elegance. We are deeply thankful for all that Dua has done and continues to do for our country.
“Welcome back home, Kosovo’s gem,” she added.
The ceremony coincided with Lipa’s return to Pristina for the Sunny Hill Festival, a three-day music event that she co-founded with her father, Dukagjin Lipa, in 2018. The festival, held annually in her parents’ hometown, aims to reshape global perceptions of Kosovo by focusing on culture, creativity, and unity rather than its conflict-torn past.
Speaking about the festival’s mission, Lipa said previously that it was launched to “change the rhetoric of what people think about Kosovo and it being war-torn.” Over the years, the event has brought international attention and artists to the country, contributing to a broader cultural revival.
This latest recognition adds to Lipa’s growing list of accolades tied to her heritage. In 2022, she was granted Albanian citizenship for her efforts in promoting Albanian culture and identity through her music. That same year, she was honored with the title of Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo, reflecting her ongoing role in representing the country’s image abroad.
The “Radical Optimism” artist has long expressed pride in her roots. Through her humanitarian work, she has remained connected to Kosovo and committed to uplifting its communities. She co-founded a charitable foundation focused on supporting vulnerable groups across the country, offering assistance to children and families in need.
Her impact goes beyond music and philanthropy. By using her global platform, Lipa has helped to shine a light on Kosovo’s culture, youth, and potential, challenging outdated perceptions. Her efforts have won her admiration not just from fans, but also from diplomats, cultural leaders, and ordinary citizens who view her as a bridge between Kosovo and the world.
Following her headlining performance at the Sunny Hill Festival on Friday night, Lipa took to Instagram to reflect on the moment. “Spending this evening with all of you, in the city that played such a big role in my journey, filled with excitement, happiness, and pride… it’s truly beyond words.”
With roots in London and ties to both Albania and Kosovo, Dua Lipa now officially holds citizenship in all three nations. Her blended heritage has deeply shaped her identity and continues to inspire her creative expression. With roots stretching across three nations, she has become a symbol of unity, resilience, and pride for many in the Balkans and beyond.
Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after decades of political tension and ethnic conflict, has been recognized by most Western nations, including the US, UK and the most EU states. However, Serbia has not acknowledged Kosovo’s independence, and several countries including Russia, China, and Spain or Greece have followed suit.