Dua Lipa brought music and literature together at the London Literature Festival, hosting sold-out conversations with Patti Smith, Zadie Smith and Canadian artist Mustafa at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.
The Grammy and BRIT Award-winning singer curated a series of events through her Service95 Book Club, with Sunday’s conversation with Patti Smith ending in a standing ovation. The sessions explored songwriting, literature, creativity and the personal experiences that shape an artist’s work.
Dua Lipa And Patti Smith Discuss Art And Memoir
Sunday evening’s event centred on Patti Smith’s memoir, Bread of Angels, as the pair discussed the relationship between writing and music, the healing power of art and the experiences that influence creative expression.
Smith reflected on her early artistic influences, her independence and the lasting impact of her late husband, Fred “Sonic” Smith. The conversation also examined how writing can help people process complicated emotions.
Smith offered a simple reminder of the value of reading, telling the audience that “books are precious.”
The event brought together two generations of artists, with Dua Lipa exploring the literary influences and personal experiences behind Smith’s work.
Zadie Smith And Mustafa Join Saturday’s Programme
The Patti Smith conversation followed two events hosted by Dua Lipa on Saturday.
First, she spoke with acclaimed author Zadie Smith about her debut novel, White Teeth. Their discussion covered culture, class, early fame and the ways the novel’s characters continue to resonate with contemporary society.
Later that evening, Dua Lipa welcomed Canadian poet, singer and filmmaker Mustafa for a more intimate discussion about poetry and reading. The pair shared their enthusiasm for the written word and read excerpts from Mustafa’s poetry collection, Nour.
Together, the three sessions highlighted the connections between literature, music and other forms of creative expression.
Service95 Book Club Conversations Coming To Podcast
Dua Lipa’s conversations with Patti Smith and Zadie Smith were recorded live at Royal Festival Hall and are set to be released as special episodes of the Service95 Book Club podcast.
Founded by Dua Lipa, Service95 offers readers author interviews, monthly book recommendations and literary features designed to introduce audiences to new writers and perspectives.
The singer’s involvement in the festival reflects the wider role the platform plays in connecting readers with authors and exploring the books and ideas that influence creative lives.
London Literature Festival Continues Into November
Dua Lipa’s curated Service95 programme continues at Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival through Sunday 1 November 2026.
The remaining programme includes Kae Tempest presenting Fierce Sounds, a panel titled Re-Writing Male Tenderness, a Translated Fiction Showcase and English PEN’s Censorship Live!.
The events extend the festival’s focus on literature, language and freedom of expression, following a weekend that brought together prominent voices from music, poetry and fiction.
