Queer artists have been making huge waves in the music industry. Just this month, queer American experimental rock band Flummox debuted their new single, Southern Progress, a fusion of chaotic elements like doom and speed metal, as a prelude to their upcoming album in 2025. The single tackles personal growth and the band’s musical and spiritual progress, highlighting an unapologetically queer and autobiographical approach.
Aside from Flummox, another up-and-coming queer musician showcasing their unique artistry is Dua Saleh. Born in Sudan, Saleh’s music is defined by glitchy alt-pop sounds and engaging Afro beats. Last year, Saleh became the recipient of the GAY TIMES Honor for Rising Star in Music, a testament to their promising career in singing. The musician is also known for their distinct fashion style that pushes the boundaries of gender stereotypes in clothing. Here’s a look into Saleh’s career and how the queer singer is bringing R&B, black metal, and fashion together:
Music and acting career
The Sudanese-American artist is known for creating experimental tunes that blend various genres of music, including R&B, electronica, and black metal. In 2017, Saleh released their first single, First Take, which was well-received onlineunder the stage name Dua. First Take was then followed by the musician’s debut EP Nūr in 2019, which contains five tracks. Saleh released their next EPs, ROSETTA and CROSSOVER,in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The artist also does not shy away from infusing socio-political themes into their songs, as seen in their 2020 single Body Cast, which aimed to tackle police brutality, with proceeds from the song’s downloads donated to Minneapolis-based justice organization Black Visions Collective. Last July, the queer artist released their new song. Want as part of their debut album, which Saleh described in an interview with Daze as “an anthem for those relationships that might happen at the right time but feel so right that you go against your intuition.”
Aside from Saleh’s rising music career, it was the artist’s appearance on the Netflix hit show Sex Education that made them a familiar face in the entertainment industry. Saleh joined the cast of Sex Education season three, where they portrayed the character of Cal Bowman, a non-binary student at Moordale Secondary who was instrumental in calling out the school’s headmistress for failing to acknowledge the needs of transgender and non-binary pupils. Saleh’s portrayal of Cal highlighted the struggles of gender non-conforming individuals at school, as well as the nuances of falling in love as a queer person, as showcased by Cal’s brief and intimate encounters with fellow student Jackson Marchetti. Like their show character, Saleh also identifies as non-binary in real life. Sex Education is Saleh’s first and only acting role to date, but their music has appeared on other shows, such as HBO Max’s teen drama Generation.
Fashion
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Saleh also has a distinct fashion style that breaks through conventional beauty standards, as highlighted in their collaboration with Sunglass Hut in 2023, where the queer artist became the face of the Sunglass Hut x HYPEBEAST collection. The eyewear retailer had also previously launched campaigns with model Gigi Hadid and actress Sarah Jessica Parker in 2019. Sunglass Hut is known for its vast eyewear collection, from designer brands to exclusive designs, and its unique virtual feature that lets customers try on glasses online. The virtual try-on feature leverages AR technology, allowing site visitors to digitally fit frames from their homes. The Sunglass Hut campaign featured Saleh’s curated assortment of avant-garde and sporty sunglasses, reflecting the singer’s futuristic fashion style.
Aside from sunglasses that showcase the queer artist’s take on accessories, Saleh’s clothing also reflects their gender non-conforming identity.
In 2022, Saleh collaborated with gender-fluid brand Wildfang to release a collection of fits and silhouettes that cater to all forms of gender expression, including a six-way corset with a satin cami, wide-leg trousers with a double-breasted vest and blazer, and a sheet button up. The brand is known for its collection of gender-neutral clothing that comes in different sizes and ranges. In an interview with Out Front Magazine, Saleh said that clothing helps them artistically express themselves, which is why the singer typically wears a wide range of fits that mirror their identity and musical style. According to Saleh, “Clothing is an art form, which is why styling and fashion is such a huge part of most people’s lives.”
Latest and future projects
Fans and casual listeners of the Sudanese-American queer artist can now stream Saleh’s experimental debut album, I Should Call Them, which was recently released last October 11. The 11-track album blends Saleh’s electronic, rock, R&B, and rap elements, highlighting the musician’s natural inclination to avant-pop style. The album features song collaborations with fellow R&B artists Sid Sriram and serpentwithfeet for the tracks Time & Time Again and Unruly, where Saleh showcases elements of experimental or alt-R&B. Their debut album delves into environmental anxieties, softness, and toxic relationships, portraying the joy, resilience, and spiritual power of love. It’s also Saleh’s most vulnerable project to date, as the musician shares their personal story and experience as a queer lover, fusing their poetic style with lyrical storytelling.
Saleh celebrated their debut album with a live performance on Thursday, October 17th, at Amoeba Hollywood in Los Angeles. The live in-store performance was free for all ages, with an in-store album purchase of I Should Call Them at Amoeba required for the post-show meet and greet with the queer musician. In an interview with Kaltblut Magazine, Saleh revealed that they are currently working on more music and future performances, encouraging fans and listeners to remain on the lookout for dates and announcements.
Dua Saleh has proven their versatility in showcasing their craft, from acting in a hit TV series to releasing songs that exhibit playful experimentation. By creating a unique repertoire of pop, R&B, and rock songs along with a distinctive gender non-conforming fashion style in their videos and performances, Saleh has shown their ability to curate unique artistry that proves why they are an up-and-coming artist in their own right.
