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Dua Lipa’s Journey from Dreamer to Global Pop Icon
Many adolescents dream of becoming pop stars, yet few successfully persuade their parents to allow them to relocate to another country in pursuit of that dream. Dua Lipa achieved this goal at just 15 years old, after taking singing lessons yet remaining unfamiliar with the music industry. Fast forward to today, at 29, she stands as one of the leading female artists globally. A striking example of her ascent was seen last summer when she headlined Glastonbury, the UK’s largest music festival, performing a track from her debut album released nearly a decade ago. From obscurity to a massive audience of 100,000, her journey has been remarkable; the crowd sang along in unison.
Dua Lipa: Glastonbury, let’s hear you!
Crowd singing: I can be the one!
Dua Lipa: One more time. Louder!
Crowd: I can be the one!
Dua Lipa: You’re making my dreams come true. Louder!
Crowd: I can be the one!
Crowd: I can be the one!
Dua Lipa reflected on the overwhelming experience: “It’s surreal to see so many people singing back at you. I had envisioned this moment for so long, every detail of singing at Glastonbury was everything I wanted.” Notably, she had strategically chosen to perform on Friday night to enjoy the festivities of the festival that followed. “Being specific about your dreams is essential,” she added with a laugh.
Her music encapsulates joy and celebration, with themes revolving around youthful experiences, breakups, and empowerment, all set against a backdrop of dynamic pop beats. Dua Lipa acknowledges the challenges female artists face, especially when they don’t fit the stereotypical mold of instrumentalists. “There’s a stigma surrounding pop music,” she noted. “I love it, though; that’s the music that makes me feel alive.”
Born in London to parents from Kosovo, Lipa’s musical journey began at an early age. Initially exposed to music at nine, her family later moved back to Kosovo when she was 11. Four years later, ambitious and determined, she returned to London, hoping to realize her dream of becoming a pop singer.
Dua Lipa presented a clever front to her parents, suggesting that she needed to attend high school in England for a chance to enter a British university, which helped in securing their approval for her move. Her father, Dukagjin Lipa, now manages her career and recalls her maturity even at a young age. “She always had a clear vision,” he shared.
Arriving in London, Dua quickly began sharing cover songs on YouTube. However, the road was not smooth—she often missed school and ultimately was expelled. “My parents said, ‘Find a new school or come back to Kosovo’,” she recalled. After finding another school, she graduated but postponed her college education to pursue music full-time. Within three years, at just 18, she secured a record deal with Warner Brothers, entering a world that was as daunting as it was exciting.
Releasing singles and performing at intimate venues, Dua Lipa built her early career. “I played for ten people sometimes, and none were my friends,” she laughed, recalling the early days. However, everything changed with her debut album in 2017, culminating in the hit “New Rules,” which catapulted her to stardom and earned her multiple Grammy Awards.
Despite the acclaim, Dua faced criticism during her rise. A comment going viral after her Brit Awards performance mocked her alleged lack of energy; she responded with determination to prove her naysayers wrong. “I was ready to show that I could perform and dance,” she stated, a sentiment backed by her future successes.
However, her second album, “Future Nostalgia,” released in March 2020, faced unprecedented timing due to the global pandemic. Despite discussions to postpone its release, Dua insisted it should come out, betting on music to uplift people stuck at home. The album, featuring club-centric tracks, quickly became a global sensation and found a unique audience amidst lockdowns and social distancing, evolving into the soundtrack of kitchen dance parties around the world.
This past year, Dua Lipa released her third album, “Radical Optimism,” and is set for a major tour across 28 countries. Reflecting on her swift ascent, she acknowledges that her music resonates with over 45 billion streams globally. While some critics argue her lyrics lack personal depth, Dua maintains her intention to create music meant to uplift and energize listeners without delving deeply into her private life.
In addition to her music, Dua has become a vocal figure regarding social issues, sparking conversation through her statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She has faced backlash over these positions, including a high-profile critique from a rabbi. Nevertheless, she stands firm in her views while balancing her public persona and musical aspirations. “I’ve always wanted peace,” she asserted, emphasizing her distress over current events.
Although her music may remain focused on enjoyment and escapism, Dua Lipa’s journey is characterized by resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams, inviting fans to join her on the dance floor as she continues to evolve as an artist.
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