Mustafa will join Dua Lipa for a conversation about poetry at the London Literature Festival on October 24, held at the Southbank Centre, which marks its 75th anniversary. Lipa, a close friend of Mustafa, has invited him to share insights about “the poems that move them,” particularly focusing on his debut poetry publication, Nour. This publication, set to release in 2025, explores themes of faith, ceremony, devotion, love, grief, and everyday rituals.
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Mustafa described the publication as “a lifetime in the making,” expressing gratitude to the artists, writers, and contributors involved. During the event, he will discuss his lifelong connection to poetry and share their shared admiration for poetry idols, along with readings from special guests.
From October 21 to November 1, Lipa will curate a series of events in collaboration with her book club, Service95. In addition to Mustafa, Lipa will converse with notable figures like author Zadie Smith and musician Patti Smith during the festival’s opening weekend. Lipa expressed her delight in curating the lineup, aiming to showcase writers and poets from various backgrounds, emphasizing the need for diverse voices in literature.
Ted Hodgkinson, head of literature & spoken word at the Southbank Centre, commended Lipa for her broad curatorial vision, highlighting her commitment to illuminating both new and iconic writers.
Although Lipa and Mustafa have not collaborated musically, their friendship spans a couple of years. In 2024, during a Dunya fan listening event, Lipa interviewed Mustafa, expressing her deep respect for him. Their bond was further showcased in Toronto when Mustafa performed his Prism Prize-winning track “Name of God” during one of Lipa's shows, where she referred to him as a “folk hero.” Lipa has also featured numerous Canadian authors on Service95, including prominent names like Margaret Atwood and Omar El-Akkad. Additional details about the event and ticket sales will be available soon.