Singer Dua Lipa has expressed her gratitude after being granted Kosovan citizenship by the country’s president.
The 29-year-old, born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents Anesa and Dukagjin Lipa, moved to Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, at age 11 when her family returned after Kosovo gained independence in 2008. She later moved back to London at 15.
On Instagram, Lipa wrote: “Feeling so grateful to have been awarded my Kosovan citizenship by our president @vjosaosmani.”
Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani shared a photo of herself presenting the citizenship certificate to the singer, captioning it: “Welcome home, Dua.”
Osmani added: “It’s a special honor today, by presidential decree, to grant citizenship to Dua Lipa—one of the most important cultural and artistic figures in our country’s history. Dua and Kosovo have always been inseparable. She has been and continues to be one of the most powerful voices on the world’s biggest stages, making history with her achievements and inspiring millions globally. We are endlessly grateful for all she has done and continues to do for Kosovo, our youth, our art, and our international image. Dua, Kosovo is always proud of you.”
During the ceremony, Lipa was welcomed by children dressed in white, singing her 2020 UK hit Levitating.
The honor follows her recent performance at Kosovo’s Sunny Hill Festival, which she founded in 2018. There, she sang Era in Albanian alongside her father. Reflecting on the experience on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote: “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. Performing for you and sharing the stage with my dad @dukagjinlipa was a moment I’ll never forget. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful, and we still have two more nights to celebrate together.”
In November 2022, Lipa was also granted Albanian citizenship by President Bajram Begaj.
Since launching her career in 2013, Lipa has achieved four UK No. 1 singles and two No. 1 albums. She is best known for hits like Training Season, New Rules, and One Kiss (with Calvin Harris).
