duos

A duo is a pair of individuals who collaborate toward a shared goal, especially in performance or creative work. The term emphasizes the two-person nature of the unit, with both members contributing to the output and sharing credit. Duos differ from two separate performers who work independently; in a duo, the two are typically presented as a single act or ensemble, with a defined partnership and ongoing collaboration.

In music and performing arts, duos are common as vocal duos, instrumental duos, or two-person theatrical acts. A duo may feature equal roles, or one member may assume a leading role (such as a lead singer or guitarist) while the other provides harmony, rhythm, or counterpoint. A similar concept is the duet, which refers to the performance itself rather than the pair, though the terms are often used interchangeably in casual speech.

Duos appear across many fields, including comedy, dance, sports, and media. Iconic examples in entertainment include long-standing comedy teams and musical partnerships; in sports, pairings such as doubles teams in tennis or badminton function as teams of two with synchronized strategy. The success of a duo often depends on compatibility, communication, and consistent practice, as well as a clear shared identity or brand.

Historically, duos have played a key role in collaborations and evolution of genres, from folk and pop to film and television, illustrating how two individuals can produce a body of work that exceeds the sum of its parts.