Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, globally recognized as Doja Cat, was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 21, 1995. Los Angeles, a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment in the United States, served as her initial backdrop. Her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, is a painter, while her father is Dumisani Dlamini, a South African actor known for his role in the film Sarafina!. This diverse parentage and Los Angeles upbringing shaped the environment in which Doja Cat’s artistic inclinations began to flourish.
Even as a teenager, Doja Cat’s creative spirit led her to online platforms like SoundCloud, where she started sharing her music. This early foray into music creation quickly garnered attention. Her track “So High” became a pivotal moment, catching the ears of Kemosabe Records and RCA Records. By the age of 17, Doja Cat secured a joint record deal, marking the official commencement of her professional music career. This deal led to her debut EP, “Purrr!”, in 2014, establishing her presence in the music industry.
Following a period of musical quietude, Doja Cat re-emerged with her debut studio album “Amala” in 2018. However, it was the internet sensation of her single “Mooo!” that truly catapulted her into widespread recognition. This viral track, included in the deluxe edition of “Amala,” alongside singles like “Juicy” (featuring Tyga) and “Tia Tamera” (featuring Rico Nasty) in 2019, showcased her playful and innovative approach to music and visual content.
Her second studio album, “Hot Pink” (2019), further solidified her mainstream success, breaking into the top 10 of the US Billboard 200. The single “Say So” from this album became a global hit, reaching the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, especially after a remix featuring Nicki Minaj was released. Doja Cat’s collaborative spirit continued to shine in 2020, with features on Ariana Grande’s “Motive” and the remix of “34+35” with Megan Thee Stallion. These collaborations further cemented her position among pop music’s elite. “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA, the lead single from her highly anticipated third album “Planet Her” (2021), continued this streak of chart-topping hits.
Doja Cat’s mastery of social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube has been instrumental in her widespread appeal. Her music videos and songs frequently gain viral traction, demonstrating her understanding of contemporary digital music consumption. Her talent has been recognized with multiple Grammy Award nominations and wins at the American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards, including the Push Best New Artist award. Forbes acknowledged her impact by naming her a top breakout star of 2020 and including her in their prestigious 30 Under 30 list. Moreover, she was recognized as the fourth most-Googled musician in 2020, highlighting her immense public interest and online presence.
In conclusion, Doja Cat’s journey began in Los Angeles, California, the city of her birth, and blossomed into a global phenomenon. From her early days experimenting with music on SoundCloud to dominating global charts and social media trends, her origin story is an integral part of understanding her dynamic career. Her Los Angeles roots, combined with her diverse heritage and digital savvy, have shaped Doja Cat into the multifaceted artist celebrated worldwide today.
