Dua Lipa, born on August 22, 1995, in Westminster, London, to Albanian parents from Kosovo, has become a global pop sensation in a relatively short span of time. Her father, Dukagjin Lipa, a marketing manager who also led a rock band in Kosovo, and her mother, Anesa Lipa, a tourism executive, provided a nurturing environment that was conducive to her artistic growth. The family moved back to Kosovo when Dua was 11, but she returned to London at age 15 to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. Living with a family friend and working in restaurants to make ends meet, she enrolled in the Sylvia Young Theatre School, part-time, to hone her craft.
Her initial foray into the music industry was through modeling and YouTube covers. She was eventually discovered by Ben Mawson of Tap Management, who was struck by her smoky voice and her cover of Nelly Furtado's "Scared of Beautiful." Mawson and his team developed her skills over a period of two years, leading to her debut single "New Love" in 2015. However, it was her second single, "Be the One," that catapulted her into fame. The song was a commercial success, charting in multiple countries and setting the stage for her self-titled debut album, released in 2017.
The album, "Dua Lipa," was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like "New Rules" and "IDGAF." The former became an anthem for female empowerment and broke several records, including becoming the first song in nearly two years by a female solo artist to reach the UK number one spot. The album's success led to two Grammy awards for Dua Lipa, including Best New Artist in 2019.
Her second album, "Future Nostalgia," released in 2020, was a departure from her earlier work. It was influenced by an array of genres, from disco and pop to electronic and funk. The album was critically acclaimed, with tracks like "Don't Start Now" and "Levitating" becoming global hits. It won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2021, solidifying Dua Lipa's place in the music industry.
Dua Lipa is also known for her activism and philanthropy. She has been vocal about various social issues, including the refugee crisis and LGBTQ+ rights. She has also been involved in charitable endeavors through her Sunny Hill Foundation, which aims to reduce social inequality.
One lesser-known but significant aspect of Dua Lipa's career is her involvement with Service-95, a creative agency and production company she co-founded. Service-95 serves as a platform for various artistic collaborations and has been instrumental in shaping the visual and aesthetic aspects of her music career. The agency has worked on several of her music videos, providing a cohesive and unique visual identity that complements her musical style.
In terms of her musical influences, Dua Lipa cites an eclectic mix of artists, from David Bowie and Bob Dylan to Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Her music is a blend of various genres, and she has collaborated with artists from different musical backgrounds, including Calvin Harris, Madonna, and Missy Elliott.
Dua Lipa's fashion sense is another noteworthy aspect of her public persona. She has been a regular at fashion weeks and has collaborated with several high-end brands. Her style is a mix of contemporary and retro influences, much like her music.
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With 'Training Season,' Dua Lipa has us dancing again as though we've just experienced music for the first time.
The 66th annual Grammy Awards, music's most illustrious evening, is underway, with live updates on the complete list of winners as they're announced.
Captivating fans with her fiery presence and a fresh sound twist, Dua Lipa's live London Session of 'Houdini' reimagines the chart-topping hit with unparalleled style and energy.
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