Non Threatening Boys*: Dua Saleh on living in an episode of Atlanta, Tarot and Anime
Words: Sihaam Naik
Make it stand out
Dua Saleh is an enigma. On set, they snap into character and leap about in service of the shot, and on a Zoom call, they appear stoic and wise, offering bouts of advice amidst generous artistic anecdotes.
You might recognise them from the hit Netflix TV series Sex Education, playing free-spirited Cal, but since the finale, Saleh has quickly blossomed into a genre-bending voice to watch. Born in Sudan and raised in Minnesota, Saleh excels at merging R&B, electronic, pop, and rock into an electrifying sound all their own. Their debut album, I SHOULD CALL THEM, is a deeply personal and politically charged exploration of queer love, identity, and environmental collapse. With collaborations from Gallant, serpentwithfeet, Sid Sriram, and Ambré, the album reflects Saleh’s multifaceted artistry – equally vulnerable, bold, and raw.
