Pop star Dua Lipa has officially become a citizen of Kosovo, describing the moment as one that united her “two sides” and expressing deep pride in her heritage.
The Grammy-winning singer, who was born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, received the citizenship in a ceremony hosted by Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani in the capital Pristina. Lipa had lived briefly in the city at age 11 when her family returned after Kosovo declared independence in 2008.
President Osmani hailed the star as “one of the most iconic cultural figures in our country’s history,” calling it an “honour” to formally welcome her as a citizen. Sharing images from the event on social media, she wrote:
“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.”
Lipa, visibly emotional during the ceremony, was greeted by a children’s choir singing her hit Levitating. She was accompanied by UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, who posted a photo with the singer and described her as “one of our own” in both the UK and Kosovo.
In a statement, Lipa said:
“It completes the duality I have always had within. I love this country and this means so much to me and my family.”
With this, the 28-year-old now holds citizenship in the UK, Albania (granted in 2022), and Kosovo. She was also named Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo by President Osmani two years ago.
Lipa is currently in Pristina for the Sunny Hill Festival, a three-day music event she co-founded with her father in 2018 to celebrate Kosovan culture and shift global perceptions of the country.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram after her headlining performance.
The Radical Optimism singer has been a consistent advocate for Kosovo through her music and philanthropy. Her Sunny Hill Foundation supports vulnerable communities across the region.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. While recognised by the US and most major EU countries, Serbia, backed by Russia, has refused to do so, a position echoed by many ethnic Serbs in Kosovo.
Despite the geopolitical complexities, Lipa’s commitment to her roots remains unwavering. In her own words, “It’s an honour and a privilege to represent my country all over the world and to continue my work and efforts globally.”
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