Biography
Dua Saleh, a Sudanese-American artist and performer based in Minneapolis, first attracted widespread attention in the late 2010s through a distinctive fusion of poetry, alternative rap, and atmospheric electronic textures. Characterized by a voice that shifts fluidly between smooth melodic passages and textured rap delivery, the musician issued a debut EP on Against Giants that drew strong praise and paved the way for later projects such as Rosetta in 2020 and the guest-laden Crossover in 2021. Following a recurring part in Netflix’s Sex Education, Saleh joined Ghostly International and issued the 2024 EP pussy suicide.
Born in Kassala, Sudan, to Tunjur lineage, Saleh arrived in the United States as a child when the family escaped the Second Sudanese Civil War and eventually established roots beyond Minneapolis. An early interest in poetry coincided with engagement in community organizing, elements that later informed both creative output and public advocacy. After participating in local poetry open-mike nights throughout adolescence, Saleh pursued a more expansive medium by recording the 2017 track “First Take” alongside Minneapolis producer Mike Frey. That introduction led to work with hip-hop producer Psymun and the 2019 release of the debut EP Nūr on Against Giants, an effort lauded for its singular sonic approach and socially engaged themes.
The follow-up EP Rosetta surfaced in June 2020, succeeded several months later by the single “Angel Rock.” After issuing the standalone tracks “Signs” and “Dashery” in 2021, Saleh delivered Crossover, an EP marked by extensive collaboration that included appearances by Duckwrth, Amaarae, and Haleek Maul. Continued output over the ensuing year encompassed the 2022 cuts “I Belong to You” and “Chosen,” with the latter featured on an expanded edition of Crossover. Concurrently, acting prospects advanced with the Netflix series role. In late 2023 Saleh aligned with Ghostly International, releasing the single “Daylight Falls,” then followed with the label debut EP pussy suicide the next year, which incorporated contributions from serpentwithfeet and Sid Sriram.
Born in Kassala, Sudan, to Tunjur lineage, Saleh arrived in the United States as a child when the family escaped the Second Sudanese Civil War and eventually established roots beyond Minneapolis. An early interest in poetry coincided with engagement in community organizing, elements that later informed both creative output and public advocacy. After participating in local poetry open-mike nights throughout adolescence, Saleh pursued a more expansive medium by recording the 2017 track “First Take” alongside Minneapolis producer Mike Frey. That introduction led to work with hip-hop producer Psymun and the 2019 release of the debut EP Nūr on Against Giants, an effort lauded for its singular sonic approach and socially engaged themes.
The follow-up EP Rosetta surfaced in June 2020, succeeded several months later by the single “Angel Rock.” After issuing the standalone tracks “Signs” and “Dashery” in 2021, Saleh delivered Crossover, an EP marked by extensive collaboration that included appearances by Duckwrth, Amaarae, and Haleek Maul. Continued output over the ensuing year encompassed the 2022 cuts “I Belong to You” and “Chosen,” with the latter featured on an expanded edition of Crossover. Concurrently, acting prospects advanced with the Netflix series role. In late 2023 Saleh aligned with Ghostly International, releasing the single “Daylight Falls,” then followed with the label debut EP pussy suicide the next year, which incorporated contributions from serpentwithfeet and Sid Sriram.
Albums
Singles
