Pop sensation Dua Lipa has expressed a profound sentiment, stating, "It feels as though my dual identities have finally merged into one," following her recent acquisition of Kosovo citizenship. Born in London to parents of Kosovan-Albanian descent, Lipa briefly resided in Pristina, the capital, from the age of eleven, when her folks returned to the land following Kosovo's independence.
During the citizenship ceremony, hosted by President Vjosa Osmani, she labeled granting Lipa citizenship as an "honor," extolling her as "a cultural beacon in the annals of our nation." In a heartfelt statement, Lipa added, "This milestone brings unity to the duality I've always felt within. My affection for this country runs deep, and this means the world to both my family and me."
Sharing images from the ceremony on X, President Osmani penned, "Dua and Kosovo have shared an unbreakable bond. From global stages to the hearts of millions, she's carried our narrative with fortitude, pride, and elegance... Our gratitude for Dua's relentless contributions to Kosovo knows no bounds." In a separate post, she welcomed Lipa back home, terming her "Kosovo's jewel."
Currently in Kosovo for the three-day Sunny Hill Festival, where she headlined on Friday, Lipa has often professed her undying love for the nation. She has even established a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable Kosovo communities. At the ceremony, a children's choir serenaded her with a cover of her smash hit "Levitating," while the UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, was also in attendance. Sharing a picture with Lipa on X, Hargreaves expressed pride in calling the pop star "one of our own."
Lipa now boasts citizenship in Britain, Albania, and Kosovo. In 2022, she was bestowed Albanian citizenship for her contributions to promoting the country through her music and fame. Additionally, she was honored with the title of Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo by the president that same year, stating, "It's an honor and a privilege to represent my country worldwide and continue my efforts on a global scale."
Following her Friday performance at the Sunny Hill Festival, Lipa posted on Instagram, "Sharing this magical night with you all, in the city that molded me, amidst an ocean of energy, joy, and pride… It's an indescribable feeling." She co-founded the music festival in her parents' hometown with her father in 2018, aiming to challenge the perception of Kosovo as a war-torn nation.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, following years of tensions between its Serbian and predominantly Albanian inhabitants. The UK, US, and other G7 nations, as well as most EU states, have recognized Kosovo's independence, with notable exceptions being Spain, Greece, Serbia, and its Serbian populace within Kosovo. Russia, China, and several African and Latin American countries also refuse to acknowledge Kosovo's sovereignty.
