Dua Lipa Granted Kosovo Citizenship During Emotional Visit to Homeland

Dua Lipa Granted Kosovo Citizenship in Emotional Homecoming Ceremony

PRISTINA, KOSOVO — Global pop icon Dua Lipa has been officially granted Kosovan citizenship, marking a deeply personal milestone for the singer during a triumphant return to the country where she spent formative years of her childhood.

The 29-year-old, born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, was welcomed by President Vjosa Osmani in a warm and symbolic ceremony this week. A children’s choir dressed in white serenaded Lipa with her hit “Levitating” before she was handed her new citizenship documents by the president herself.

“It completes the duality I’ve always had within,” Lipa said in a statement. “I love this country, and this means so much to me and my family.”

The singer is currently headlining the Sunny Hill Festival, a three-day music event she co-founded in 2018 with her father, Dukagjin Lipa, aimed at revitalising Kosovo’s image on the global stage.

“Welcome Home, Dua” — A Cultural Celebration

President Osmani described Lipa as “one of the most iconic cultural figures in our country’s history.”

“Dua and Kosovo have always been inseparable,” Osmani wrote on X. “From the world’s biggest stages to the hearts of millions, she’s carried our story with strength, pride, and grace.”

She went on to call Lipa a powerful voice for Kosovo’s youth, arts, and international reputation, adding:

“Kosovo is always proud of you. Welcome home.”

In 2022, Lipa had already been named an Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo, and she also holds Albanian citizenship, granted for her role in promoting Albania through her music and philanthropy.

A Life Shaped by Two Worlds

Though born and raised in London, Lipa moved with her family to Pristina at the age of 11 following Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008. She later returned to London at 15 to pursue music.

“Feeling so grateful to have been awarded my Kosovan citizenship by our president @vjosaosmani,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside photos from the ceremony.

The honour, Lipa says, bridges her life in the UK and her heritage. “It feels like my two sides are now one,” she added.

The Sunny Hill Festival: A Stage for Pride and Progress

The citizenship ceremony coincided with Lipa’s headlining performance at the Sunny Hill Festival, which takes place annually in Pristina. The festival was founded to reframe perceptions of Kosovo, often depicted through the lens of its conflict with Serbia.

“The goal has always been to change the narrative,” Lipa explained in a previous interview. “Kosovo is rich in culture, creativity, and ambition—we want the world to see that.”

During her set on Friday, Lipa performed “Era” in Albanian alongside her father, a rare and intimate duet that lit up the stage.

“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 social media after the show. “Performing for you and sharing the stage with my dad was a moment I’ll never forget.”

A Voice Heard Worldwide

Since launching her career in 2013, Dua Lipa has become one of the most successful pop stars of her generation. With four UK No. 1 singles and two chart-topping albums, she is known for hits like “New Rules,” “Training Season,” and “One Kiss” with DJ Calvin Harris.

Her influence extends beyond music: she runs a charity supporting vulnerable communities in Kosovo and is widely seen as a cultural ambassador for her homeland.

The UK’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, was also present at the ceremony and shared a photo smiling with Lipa.

“Both the UK and Kosovo are proud to call Dua one of our own,” he wrote.

More Than Just a Pop Star

The emotional return to Pristina, the citizenship ceremony, and powerful performance at Sunny Hill all highlight how Lipa remains deeply committed to her roots—even as she continues to tour the globe.

Kosovo’s recognition of her impact is more than ceremonial. It reflects the pride of a young country in one of its brightest stars—one who has never stopped carrying its story.

“I feel so incredibly lucky and grateful,” she told fans. “And we still have two more nights to celebrate together.”

— Written and reported by Orbital News
Sources: Office of the President of Kosovo, Dua Lipa Instagram, Sunny Hill Festival, UK Government Kosovo Desk

President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani