Dua Lipa talks music industry at the Cambridge Union

Dua Lipa, the most streamed female artist in the world, came to the Cambridge Union last Monday (October 21) to talk about her experience as a young woman working in the music industry.

The chamber was packed, with more than 300 union members attending.

She talked about, among other things, gender inequality in the entertainment industry, saying:

“When I was younger, I naively thought that the music industry would be at the cutting edge of female empowerment.”

The London-born star, 24, said it is difficult for women to assert themselves without coming across as ‘bossy’ or ‘a diva’.

She highlighted the importance of uncovering bias – both conscious and unconscious – in the music industry.

The singer-songwriter went on to talk about her personal growth, and how much more confidence she has gained in recent years.

She said: “I love the songs that I’m producing now so much more because they come from a confident place.”

She said she always knew what she wanted to do, but that it was difficult at first entering into the industry because she was so young.

The speech was followed by a Q&A session.

The Cambridge Union now offers membership to people not associated with the university.

The cost of an annual subscription is £250.