Grammy and BRIT Award-winning global superstar Dua Lipa wrapped a weekend of moving conversations at the London Literature Festival last night, culminating in a rapturous standing ovation alongside global icon Patti Smith. Curating a highlight strand of this year's festival at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall through her Service95 Book Club, the multi-hyphenate artist delivered three consecutive sold-out events celebrating literature, music, and creative expression.
Sunday evening saw Dua Lipa host a deeply personal, wide-ranging interview with Patti Smith, centered on Smith’s captivating memoir, Bread of Angels. Addressing a packed house, the two world-renowned performers explored the healing power of art, the craft of writing, and the crossover between lyrics and prose. Smith reflected on her formative artistic awakenings, her resolute independence, and the enduring influence of her late husband, Fred "Sonic" Smith. The pair shared a tender discussion on the written word's unique ability to process complex emotions, with Smith reminding the audience that "books are precious."
The landmark event followed Dua Lipa's dual headline sessions on Saturday. First, she joined acclaimed bestselling author Zadie Smith for a rare, in-depth discussion on her groundbreaking debut novel, White Teeth. The pair unpacked culture, class, finding fame at a young age, and how the book's beloved characters reflect today's political climate. Later that evening, Dua hosted an intimate session with Canadian poet, singer, and filmmaker Mustafa, exploring their shared passion for poetry and reading excerpts from his collection Nour.
Recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall, Dua’s conversations with Zadie Smith and Patti Smith will both be released as special upcoming episodes of the Service95 Book Club podcast. Founded by Dua Lipa, the platform offers readers worldwide exclusive author interviews, curated monthly book recommendations, and fresh literary perspectives.
Dua Lipa’s curated Service95 programming continues at the London Literature Festival through Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Upcoming events include Kae Tempest presenting Fierce Sounds, a panel on Re-Writing Male Tenderness, a Translated Fiction Showcase, and English PEN’s Censorship Live!
Photo credit: Pete Woodhead
