Dua Lipa, the Grammy-winning British pop sensation, has rapidly risen to fame in recent years. She’s become a household name thanks to her chart-topping hits like “New Rules” and “Don’t Start Now,” as well as her second studio album “Future Nostalgia,” which dominated the music scene. While her powerful voice and undeniable charisma on stage are well-known, there’s much more to this pop star that isn’t immediately apparent. This article aims to unveil some of the lesser-known facts about Dua Lipa. From her early beginnings to her inspiration, here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about Dua Lipa.

1. Began Her Career at the Age of 14

Dua Lipa started her career much earlier than many people may think. At the tender age of 14, she began posting cover songs on YouTube, catching the attention of viewers around the world. Even then, she displayed an unwavering passion and a signature voice that hinted at the star she would soon become. Her covers ranged from your favorite pop hits to soulful ballads, showing her range and ability to connect with songs of various genres.

It was through these YouTube videos that Dua Lipa caught the eye of Ben Mawson from Tap Management. He was drawn to her smoky voice and clear determination to succeed in the music industry. This initial connection eventually led to her being signed with Warner Music Group in 2015, marking the start of her professional music career.

2. Her Name Has a Deep Meaning

“Dua Lipa” is not a stage name – it’s her real name. Born to Albanian parents, her name has significant meaning in their native language. “Dua” translates to “love” in English, a sentiment that flows freely through her music. Despite receiving some teasing about her unique name in school, Lipa chose to embrace it as she started her career in music.

This aspect of her heritage is something Dua Lipa is extremely proud of. She has spoken about how her roots have influenced her music and style. Beyond just her name, her Albanian background provides a unique perspective in the music industry, lending her an original and distinctive voice that has proven to resonate with people globally.

3. Lived in Kosovo for a While

Many fans don’t know that Dua Lipa lived in Kosovo for a few years. Born in London to Albanian parents from Kosovo, she moved to the Southeastern European country when she was 11. This move was prompted by her father’s desire to put his economics degree to use in the country’s capital, Pristina. Lipa attended a school that taught the British curriculum, maintaining her link to British education.

However, Lipa returned to London at the age of 15 by herself, a brave move for a young teenager. She had her sights set on becoming a singer, and she felt that London, being a music hub, would provide her with the best opportunities to break into the music industry. Her parents supported her dreams and allowed her to make the journey back, trusting her independence and maturity.

4. Her Father is a Rock Musician

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Dua Lipa’s father, Dukagjin Lipa, is himself a rock musician. He was a member of the band Oda, which was popular in Kosovo in the 1980s and 1990s. Growing up, Dua was exposed to a range of different music genres, but it was her father’s influence that played a significant role in shaping her musical preferences and career path.

Dua Lipa has credited her father for sparking her love for music. She used to attend his concerts and was mesmerized by the thrill and passion of live performances. This environment fueled her dreams of becoming a musician and clearly made a lasting impact on her, as seen in her energetic and captivating live shows today.

5. Passionate Advocate for Mental Health Awareness

Dua Lipa is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, a cause she feels strongly about. She has spoken candidly about dealing with anxiety and how the pressures of fame have impacted her mental health. Lipa believes in the importance of addressing mental health issues and has urged people to seek help when needed.

To promote mental well-being, Dua Lipa emphasizes the importance of self-care and taking time to recharge. She advocates for open conversations about mental health to remove the stigma associated with it. By speaking out about her own experiences, Lipa helps to normalize discussions around mental health and encourage those struggling to reach out for help.

6. Co-Founded the Sunny Hill Foundation

Dua Lipa has always felt a strong connection to her roots in Kosovo. In 2016, she co-founded the Sunny Hill Foundation with her father to give back to their home country. The foundation aims to reduce poverty and help those in need in Kosovo by providing financial and resource support.

Not only has Dua Lipa been involved in establishing the foundation, but she has also used her fame to bring attention to its mission. The organization holds the Sunny Hill Festival, a music festival in Pristina, where Lipa has performed multiple times. The proceeds from this festival go directly to the Sunny Hill Foundation, supporting their ongoing philanthropic work.

7. Winner of Multiple Grammy Awards

While many people know that Dua Lipa has won several awards, they may not realize the extent of her recognition. She has not only been nominated for but won multiple Grammy Awards, one of the highest honors in the music industry. Her debut self-titled album won her the award for Best New Artist at the 2019 Grammys.

Her sophomore album, “Future Nostalgia,” released in 2020, was a massive success. It earned her six Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. She ended up winning Best Pop Vocal Album, solidifying her status as a pop powerhouse and confirming that she’s much more than a one-hit wonder.

8. She Has a Tattoo Tribute to Her Grandmother

Lipa’s close relationship with her family is evident in many ways, including her body art. She has a tattoo on her arm that pays tribute to her grandmother. The tattoo reads “Sunny Hill”, the name of the neighborhood in Pristina, Kosovo, where her grandmother lived. This meaningful ink symbolizes the bond she shares with her family and her roots in Kosovo.

This is not the only piece of body art she has. Dua Lipa also has several other tattoos, each with their own unique stories and meanings. Her tattoo collection showcases her personal history and important moments in her life, giving fans a deeper insight into the person behind the music.

9. She is a Model

In addition to her thriving music career, Dua Lipa has also made a name for herself in the modeling industry. In 2016, she signed a contract with Next Model Management, one of the world’s leading modeling agencies. With her unique style, bold personality, and striking features, it’s no surprise that Lipa has managed to succeed in this industry as well.

Lipa has since graced the covers of multiple high-profile fashion magazines, including Vogue and Elle. Her striking looks and daring fashion choices have made her a style icon in the music and fashion industry alike. However, she remains focused on her music career, with modeling being a secondary pursuit.

10. Inspired by Female Pop Icons

Dua Lipa draws inspiration from various female pop icons, including P!nk, Nelly Furtado, and Christina Aguilera, artists she grew up listening to. These strong women in music have greatly influenced her musical style and how she presents herself as an artist.

Above all, she credits Katy Perry for being a significant influence. After seeing Perry live in concert, Lipa decided she wanted to pursue a career in pop music. She admired Perry’s on-stage energy and presence, as well as her ability to connect with her audience. These inspirations are clearly reflected in Dua Lipa’s empowering music and her captivating performances.