Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, or Doja Cat, is an American rapper and singer. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began making music on SoundCloud as a teenager. Her song “So High” caught the attention of Kemosabe and RCA Records, leading to her debut extended play, Purrr!, in 2014.
After a hiatus from releasing music, Doja Cat returned with her viral single “Mooo!” in 2018. This propelled her into internet meme stardom and led to the release of her second studio album, Hot Pink, in 2019. The album’s success, including the hit single “Say So” featuring Nicki Minaj, solidified Doja Cat as a rising star in the music industry.
Her latest album, Planet Her (2021), further cemented her place as a commercial powerhouse with its top ten singles and four weeks at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Known for her unique sound, bold visuals, and absurdist online persona, Doja Cat has become one of the most influential artists of the 2020s and continues to captivate audiences with her creative and innovative approach to music.
Doja Cat’s Biography/wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini |
| Nickname | Ami, Doja Cat |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | October 21, 1995 |
| Age | 26 years (as of 2022) |
| Place of birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Current residence | Beverly Hills, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Black and Caucasian) |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Height (feet) | 5’5″ |
| Height (centimetres) | 165 |
| Weight (kilograms) | 57 |
| Weight (pounds) | 125 |
| Body measurements (inches) | 35-27-36 |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Marital status | Single |
| Ex-boyfriend | Johnny Utah |
| Father | Dumisani Dlamini |
| Mother | Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer |
| Net worth | $8 million |
| TikTok | @dojacat |
| @dojacat | |
| Doja Cat | |
| @DojaCat | |
| YouTube | Doja Cat |
Who is Doja Cat?
Hailing from Los Angeles, Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is respected in the music industry. Born in 1995, she began sharing her music on SoundCloud as a teenager. Her track “So High” brought her to the attention of Kemosabe and RCA Records. This relationship led to the release of her debut extended play, Purrr!, in 2014.
Following a brief break from music, Doja Cat made a thunderous return with her 2018 viral single, “Mooo!”. This novelty track introduced her to a broader audience, turning her into an internet sensation overnight.
A talented rapper with a striking visual aesthetic, Doja Cat is known for her absurdist online persona. Her subsequent albums, including the commercially successful Planet Her, have firmly established her as a leading figure in the 2020s music scene.
Doja Cat’s Education
Known for her musical prowess, Doja Cat, real name Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, made a bold move at 16, opting to drop out of school to immerse herself fully in her music career. Specifics about her formal education remain elusive, yet her journey unveils an unconventional path to success.
Although she attended the Ramón C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in Los Angeles, she chose to forge her path outside of traditional education. Her decision emphasizes the varying roads to success, underlining her commitment and passion for her craft.
Doja Cat’s Family
Doja Cat, christened Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, came into the world on October 21, 1995, in the culturally vibrant Tarzana, Los Angeles district. Her multicultural family includes her American mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, a skilled graphic designer of Jewish descent, and her South African father, Dumisani Dlamini, a notable performer of Zulu heritage.
Interestingly, Doja Cat is an only child with no siblings to share her childhood. In the realm of romance, her love life has been relatively quiet. She previously had a casual, open relationship with fellow American musician Jawny from August 2019 to February 2020. However, the relationship did not stand the test of time. As of now, Doja Cat remains unmarried, continuing to focus on her flourishing music career.
Doja Cat’s Husband/boyfriend
Although Doja Cat is currently unattached in terms of marriage, she’s not a stranger to romantic involvement. She once shared a relationship with musician Jawny, which dissolved in 2020. Nowadays, rumours swirl, linking her to J. Cyrus.
Doja Cat’s Body Measurements & Physical Appearances
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (feet) | 5’5″ |
| Height (centimetres) | 165 |
| Weight (kilograms) | 57 |
| Weight (pounds) | 125 |
| Body measurements | 35-27-36 |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Hair colour | Black |
Ethnicity
Doja Cat’s rich ethnic background is a tapestry of cultures. Her father hails from South Africa and is of the Zulu tribe, infusing her roots with African heritage. On the other side of the family tree, her mother boasts a mix of Jewish and white ancestry.
This gives Doja Cat a uniquely blended heritage reflected in her music and personality. Despite being of mixed race, Doja Cat identifies as Black and White. Born in Los Angeles, she holds American nationality. Her diverse ethnicity, a fusion of Zulu, Jewish, and white influences, is a testament to her eclectic and unconventional persona.
TRIVIA
- Doja Cat’s captivating moniker has a unique backstory.
- The name “Doja” derives from her fondness for marijuana, specifically the strain Doja.
- In contrast, “Cat” is a homage to her love for cats.
- Despite being raised in Los Angeles, Doja Cat lived in New York as a teenager.
- Notably, her music was initially shared on SoundCloud, propelling her career.
- Her tongue-in-cheek music video for “Mooo!” was self-produced on a green screen in her bedroom.
- The unexpected virality of “Mooo!” surprised even Doja Cat herself. Interesting.
Before Fame
Born into a culturally diverse family, Doja Cat’s early life was as vibrant as her music. Her initial years were spent in Los Angeles before moving to Rye, New York, to live with her maternal grandmother. At just eight years old, she lived in a commune in California, practising Hinduism and experiencing a unique way of life.
Racial prejudice played a part in her childhood as one of the few mixed-race children in the area. With adolescence came the discovery of her passion for performing arts. She indulged in breakdancing, joined a pop-locking troupe, and started singing lessons from her aunt.
The online world captivated her, leading to her skipping school to participate in chatrooms. By eleventh grade, she realized that music was her calling, resulting in her leaving formal education at 16. Despite struggling with ADHD, she carved her unique path, undeterred by traditional routes to success.
Doja Cat’s Controversies
Doja Cat’s journey hasn’t been without its fair share of controversies. Back in 2018, she faced significant backlash on social media for past tweets using a homophobic slur to describe hip hop artists Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt.
This incident cast a shadow on her growing popularity. Adding fuel to the fire was a 2015 song, “Dindu Nuffin,” which resurfaced in May 2020. The track title, used by alt-right groups to mock African-American victims of police violence, triggered a wave of criticism.
A major blow came in July 2023 when she reportedly disrespected her fans on Threads. Consequently, she experienced a significant drop in her Instagram followers, losing over 250,000 fans. While Doja Cat has had her fair share of controversies, they’ve inevitably added layers to her intriguing public persona.
Doja Cat’s Career
Doja Cat’s music journey began in the LA underground hip-hop scene, where she connected with local artists. This period led her to meet Jerry “Tizhimself” Powell, a record producer who accidentally stumbled upon her SoundCloud account.
Powell introduced her to Yeti Beats, another producer whose Echo Park studio served as an escape for Doja from her tumultuous home life. Her debut EP, “Purrr!”, was released in 2014, which The Fader lauded as “spacey, eastern-influenced R&B.” She released her debut studio album “Amala” in 2018.
In a twist of fate, Doja Cat’s independently produced novelty song, “Mooo!”, caught internet fame in 2018. The following years saw her chart success with “Say So,” popular on TikTok, and collaborations with Saweetie and Ariana Grande. Teasing her upcoming fourth album, she indicated a return to her rap roots.
Doja Cat: The LA Teen Who Became an International Sensation
Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is an American rapper and singer who rose from being a Los Angeles teen to achieving international fame. Born in LA, Doja Cat began creating music and gained attention with her debut EP, “Purrr!” released in 2013, showcasing her early talent. Despite controversies, her career took a new dimension, marked by her viral 2018 music video that she humorously refers to as a meme.
Raised by an artistic Jewish-American mother and a South African father, Doja Cat’s unique background adds depth to her creative expression. Her breakout moment on SoundCloud as a teenager foreshadowed her inevitable rise to stardom. Over the years, she evolved from a meme queen to a pop sensation, with her songs and dance moves making waves globally. Recognized for her carefree and unapologetic style, Doja Cat’s impact on the music industry is undeniable.
From her early signing to Kemosabe and Prescription Songs to her GRAMMY nominations, Doja Cat’s journey reflects resilience and artistic innovation. Her uncancellable presence in the industry raises questions about celebrity culture and its power dynamics.
Discography
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| Amala | 2018 |
| Hot Pink | 2019 |
| Planet Her | 2021 |
| Pure! | 2014 |
Doja Cat’s Net Worth
Hailing from humble beginnings, Doja Cat’s net worth is now estimated at $12 million. This impressive sum is a testament to her undeniable talent and relentless work ethic.
With a monthly income and salary averaging around $80,000, her yearly earnings touch the $2 million mark. This rising star’s wealth underscores the commercial success of her music, proving that passion fused with talent can pay off handsomely.
Doja Cat’s Hobbies
- Expressing Creativity: Offstage, Doja Cat is quite the artist. She enjoys sketching and painting, often using these mediums to channel her imagination.
- Avid Gamer: If she isn’t creating music, she’s immersed in the virtual world of video games. Her favourites include ‘The Sims and ‘Call of Duty.’
- Love for Fashion: Known for her unique style, Doja Cat often experiments with fashion. She enjoys exploring new looks and putting together her distinctive outfits.
- Passion for Dance: Doja Cat also holds a deep love for dance. She had started taking breakdance lessons in her early years, which remains an integral part of her life.
Doja Cat’s Favorite Things
- Love for Anime: Doja Cat is known to have a deep appreciation for Japanese anime, which often influences her style and music videos.
- Foodie at Heart: The singer admits she is a food lover, with her favourites including sushi and hot wings.
- Favourite Pastime: Doja Cat is an avid gamer, spending her downtime immersed in ‘The Sims and ‘Call of Duty.’
- Love for Animals: Her stage name reflects her fondness for cats, but her love for animals extends beyond felines.
- Style Icon: Doja Cat admires the fashion sense of American pop icon Rihanna, often citing her as a style inspiration.
Fun Facts about Doja Cat
- Record Label Co-Owner: Not many know that Doja Cat isn’t just a singing sensation; she’s also a savvy businesswoman. Along with Nick Sylvester, she co-owns a record label, Fool’s Gold Records.
- Star-Struck: Despite being a star herself, Doja Cat is quite the fan girl. She’s a big admirer of Julia Roberts and Johnny Depp, counting them as her favourite actress and actor, respectively.
- Culinary Adventurer: Beyond the music and glitz, Doja Cat harbours a love for international cuisine. Chinese and Thai foods are among her top picks.
- Hidden Academic: Before stardom beckoned, Doja Cat dabbled in linguistics and Sanskrit. However, she left these pursuits due to personal challenges.
- Dream Collaboration: With many successful collaborations, Doja Cat dreams of teaming up with music legend Paul Simon. Now, that’s a duet we’d love to hear!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is she called Doja Cat?
It’s a name reflecting her passions. Doja is a nod to her fondness for the cannabis strain, and Cat is a tribute to her love for felines.
What are her notable controversies?
In 2018, past tweets using a homophobic slur resurfaced, leading to backlash. Later, a 2015 song with a title mocking victims of police violence also sparked criticism.
Who are Doja Cat’s parents?
He is the daughter of American graphic designer Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer and South African performer Dumisani Dlamini.
What influenced her music?
Her music is a beautiful blend of her diverse heritage and influences from anime and online culture.
What’s her current relationship status?
She is not married, and rumours link her to J. Cyrus.
What are her hobbies?
When not making music, she enjoys sketching, painting, playing video games, and experimenting with fashion.
Conclusion
According to a Billboard Music Awards report, Doja Cat is recognized for her “realness” rather than relatability. Her name reflects a blend of childhood nicknames, a love for marijuana culture, and a fascination with cats. Doja Cat’s consistency in her inconsistency has contributed to avoiding cancellation despite controversies. Additionally, her move towards a darker theme has been acknowledged, and she has successfully operated outside the male gaze.