Dua Lipa, born in London in 1995 to Albanian parents who had sought refuge from the Bosnian and Kosovan War three years prior, experienced a childhood shaped by her family’s heritage and resilience. Her parents, a Bosnian mother and a Kosovan father whose own father was a historian who refused to rewrite Kosovo’s history during the Serbian occupation, instilled in her a strong sense of identity. Though born in London, at age 11, Dua’s family moved to Kosovo, exposing her to her father’s homeland and her cousins. However, by 14, she felt a strong pull back to London, driven by her burgeoning ambition to become a global music star, a dream she believed could only be realized in a major international city.

Returning to London at 14, Dua convinced her parents of her need to study in English for a British university, a guise for her true intention: to pursue her musical aspirations. She enrolled in the Sylvia Young Theatre School on Saturdays and began creating demo tapes, which she bravely shared on platforms like YouTube and Soundcloud. Despite the newfound independence in London, living with family friends, Dua maintained the trust her parents placed in her, demonstrating responsibility and a focused drive towards her goal. This ambition led her to actively seek out producers, eventually finding a manager who recognized her talent and guided her towards her discovery in the music industry.

Dua’s passion for music was evident from a young age, as she frequently performed for friends and family. Her talent was recognized early when her London singing teacher advanced her to a class with teenagers at just nine years old. Growing up, she was exposed to the vibrant hip-hop scene in Kosovo and yearned to see international artists perform in her hometown. Once she achieved success, Dua made it a priority to give back to Kosovo by establishing the Sunny Hill Festival, bringing renowned global artists to the region for the enjoyment of her community, a testament to her enduring connection to her roots.

While navigating her burgeoning career, Dua also reflected on her upbringing and family dynamics. She noted the strength and adaptability of her parents, who rebuilt their lives in London after the war, working multiple jobs and pursuing education. She also processed her feelings about her Albanian name, initially wanting a more common one as a child but later embracing its meaning (“love”). Additionally, she observed her parents’ enduring relationship, which led to some personal pressure about being single in her mid-20s, before realizing the importance of self-focus before committing to a serious partnership.

Ultimately, Dua Lipa, the young girl who once wished for a different name, has become a global pop phenomenon, breaking Guinness World Records for her music’s chart performance and the viewership of her livestreamed concert. Despite her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, she remains grounded and appreciative of her journey. Recently gaining Albanian citizenship, Dua’s professional success is matched by a growing sense of personal fulfillment, a journey that began with a bold decision at 14 to chase her dreams across borders, fueled by her talent and the enduring spirit of her family.