Caturday with Dua Saleh

Upon the release of their debut album ‘I Should Call Them’ Dua Saleh is a powerful songwriter and actor we should all be keeping up with, embarking on a World Tour starting in January 2025. You may have heard their R&B infused electronic indie-pop EPs Nur, Rosetta, and Crossover which have seen critical acclaim. Perhaps you have seen the multitalented actor on screen as ‘Cal Bowman’ in Netflix’s Sex Education. Keep reading to learn more about Dua Saleh their inspirations, reflections and what lies ahead.

Photographed by Grant Spanier

Amber Backhouse: You are a multidisciplinary artist in music and acting. Have you always wanted to venture into these industries?
Dua Saleh: No! I initially wanted to be a lawyer but life had other plans for me.

AB: As a self-proclaimed ‘rule breaker’ with a background in poetry and activism did this propel you to write songs that include specific themes and opinions?
DS: I think it definitely encouraged me to express my thoughts in a way that’s authentic. I don’t need to shy away from being expressive about my moral standing because I was immersed in a universe where empathy and care for the world were at the forefront of belief.

AB: Your debut album ‘I Should Call Them’ is out now! It’s such a beautiful album with a mixture of R&B infused electronic indie pop songs. What was the inspiration behind this album?
DS: Thank you! I wanted to address my love life and experience in the dating scene as a celebrity. Though that’s the case, I used this as an opportunity to draw parallels between the sacred space of queer love and human interactions with the Earth; Earth is a spiritual land full of life and love. I’m able to draw these parallels through allegory. Two starcrossed lovers find each other in an apocalyptic time and realise that they’re meant for each other as the world crumbles around them. It’s really about our relationship to Mother Earth.

AB: Your breakout role as ‘Cal Bowman’ Sex Education’s first nonbinary character is phenomenal, what characteristics of yours do you think crossover with your acting and music?
DS: I think my passion for advocating for trans rights! Trans people are deeply devoted to our beautiful history. We have an understanding of reality that offers us expansiveness in an unmitigated and absolute way. I’m able to advocate by using music while Cal Bowman speaks for themself and other students. I think that’s what’s so special about our community.

AB: With your history of activism, do you think your music and acting acts as a platform for social causes to be heard?
DS: I suppose I do, especially with environmental justice on my debut LP, ‘I SHOULD CALL THEM’. But it’s not something that I would say takes up my musical personality.

AB: What is the source of inspiration for your music?
DS: Yearning. Catharsis. Joy. Reflection.

AB: Your songs and artwork often feature an apocalyptic narrative. Can you tell us your creative process to crafting such compelling work?
DS: I think it’s because of the way that my world is falling apart in the status quo. Sudanese people have lived to see three civil wars take place. When you’re watching your loved ones suffer, your mind sometimes is drawn to more labyrinthine textures and sounds. This album is a direct reflection of me witnessing those things as a person from Darfur, Sudan.

AB: The new album is a panorama of emotions, feelings and thoughts that feature highly acclaimed Grammy nominated producers such as Rogét Chahayed. How do you maintain your original creative direction and ideas when you have so many collaborators?
DS: I think it’s easy when you know exactly what you want out of an album. It feels easy to have others translate your ideas when you’re world building. I’m really grateful to be surrounded by so many amazing people who lift me up.

AB: This new album marks a new era for you. Can you tell me any hints as to what lies ahead?
DS: I’ll keep that a secret for now. But it’s all connected in the end.

Photographed by Rhianna Hajduch

Click to check out Dua Saleh’s playlist