Dua Saleh Non-binary actor, singer and composer Date of Birth: 01.01.1995 Country: Sudan

1. Early Life and Background
2. Education and Artistic Beginnings
3. Music Career
4. Debut Album and Success
5. Sophomore Album and Activism
6. Acting Debut
7. Personal Life

Early Life and Background

Dua Saleh was born in Kassala, Sudan, during a tumultuous period in the country's history. The exact year of their birth is unknown, but they have mentioned being a Scorpio. Saleh's parents were from Darfur, and they belong to the Tunjur ethnic group. When Saleh was five, their family fled the Second Sudanese Civil War, seeking refuge in Eritrea and eventually settling in the United States.

Education and Artistic Beginnings

Saleh's family moved frequently throughout the United States, living in North Dakota, Maine, New Jersey, and finally settling in St. Paul, Minnesota. They first expressed their artistic talents at the age of four. As a refugee from Sudan, Saleh faced discrimination and social injustice. They began expressing their thoughts and feelings through writing during their time at Central High School in St. Paul. After graduating, Saleh attended Augsburg University in Minneapolis, where they studied sociology and gender studies, earning a bachelor's degree in 2017.

Music Career

During their senior year at Augsburg, Saleh performed their poetry at an open mic event. While the audience was receptive, Saleh did not initially pursue poetry or music as a career. In 2017, they debuted their poem "Pins & Needles" on Button Poetry's YouTube channel, which gained significant attention. Saleh later collaborated with producer Mike Frey to create their debut track, "First Take," which was released in 2017. They also worked with producer Psymun and rapper Chester Watson.

Debut Album and Success

After gaining recognition in the hip-hop scene, Saleh released their debut album, "N~R," in 2019. The album was critically acclaimed and gained a loyal fanbase. Music videos were produced for the singles "Warm Pants," "Sugar Mama," and "Pretty Kitten." Despite their success, Saleh remained self-deprecating, viewing their music as a way to cope with emotions rather than a means to earn fame or fortune.

Sophomore Album and Activism

Saleh's second album, "Rosetta," was released in 2020, solidifying their position in the rap community. They expressed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd. "Body Cast," a song about police brutality, was released and all proceeds were donated to Black Visions Collective.

Acting Debut

In 2021, Saleh made their acting debut in the third season of Netflix's "Sex Education," portraying the non-binary character Cal, a student at Moordale Secondary School alongside Otis.

Personal Life

Dua Saleh maintains a private personal life and has not publicly disclosed their sexual orientation. They are known for presenting a solitary image on social media, avoiding any speculation or gossip.