Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini on October 21, 1995, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter known for her eclectic musical style and distinctive persona. Raised in Los Angeles, she began releasing music on SoundCloud as a teenager, eventually catching the attention of RCA Records, with whom she signed a record deal in 2014.
Doja Cat first gained significant attention with her 2018 single “Mooo!,” a playful and viral music video that showcased her quirky sense of humor and creativity. She solidified her place in the music industry with her debut studio album “Amala” (2018) and the critically acclaimed follow-up “Hot Pink” (2019), which included hits like “Juicy” and “Say So.” The latter became a global sensation, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart after a viral TikTok dance challenge.
Known for her genre-blending music, striking visuals, and bold fashion choices, Doja Cat has earned numerous awards and nominations. She continues to be a prominent figure in contemporary pop and rap music, consistently pushing the boundaries of her artistry and influence.
1. Real Name:
Doja Cat’s real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini. She was born on October 21, 1995, in Los Angeles, California.
2. Ethnicity:
Doja Cat is of mixed heritage. Her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, is a Jewish-American painter, while her father, Dumisani Dlamini, is a South African actor of Zulu descent.
3. Artistic Family:
Doja Cat comes from a creative background. Her father is well-known for his work in the South African film and television industry.
4. Musical Upbringing:
Growing up, Doja Cat was exposed to a variety of music genres. Her mother used to play jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, influencing her musical tastes.
5. Self-Taught Musician:
Doja Cat taught herself to sing, rap, and produce music using GarageBand and other software available on her computer.
6. SoundCloud Debut:
Doja Cat started posting her music on SoundCloud when she was just 16 years old. Her first upload was a track called “So High.”
7. Viral Success:
“So High” caught the attention of record labels and eventually led to her signing a deal with RCA Records and Kemosabe Records in 2014.
8. Debut EP:
Doja Cat released her debut EP, “Purrr!” in 2014, which included the hit single “So High.”
9. Early Challenges:
Despite her early success, Doja Cat faced numerous challenges, including issues with her mental health and a lack of motivation, which temporarily stalled her career.
10. Comeback:
Doja Cat made a strong comeback in 2018 with the release of her debut studio album, “Amala.”
11. “Mooo!” Viral Hit:
In 2018, Doja Cat gained massive attention with her novelty song “Mooo!” The humorous and quirky music video quickly went viral on social media.
12. Social Media Savvy:
Doja Cat has a strong presence on social media, often using platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to engage with her fans and promote her music.
13. Genre-Blending Style:
Doja Cat is known for blending various music genres, including pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music, creating a unique and versatile sound.
14. Second Album:
Her second studio album, “Hot Pink,” was released in 2019 and included hit singles like “Juicy,” “Say So,” and “Like That.”
15. “Say So” Success:
The single “Say So” became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2020, largely thanks to a viral TikTok dance challenge.
16. Grammy Nominations:
Doja Cat received several Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Say So.”
17. MTV Awards:
She won the MTV Video Music Award for Push Best New Artist in 2020 and Best New Artist at the 2020 American Music Awards.
18. Billboard Music Awards:
Doja Cat has also received multiple Billboard Music Awards nominations and wins, solidifying her status as a mainstream artist.
19. BET Awards:
She won the Best Female Hip Hop Artist award at the BET Awards in 2021.
20. iHeartRadio Music Awards:
Doja Cat won the Best New Pop Artist award at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
21. Influences:
Doja Cat cites artists like Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, and Drake as major influences on her music.
22. Versatile Voice:
She is known for her versatile vocal range, seamlessly switching between rapping and singing in her tracks.
23. Creative Control:
Doja Cat often takes a hands-on approach to her music, being involved in writing, producing, and creative direction.
24. Experimental Sounds:
She frequently experiments with different sounds and genres, creating innovative and eclectic music.
25. Fashion Icon:
Doja Cat is also recognized for her bold and unique fashion sense, often making headlines with her red carpet and stage outfits.
26. Cat Lover:
True to her stage name, Doja Cat is an avid cat lover and often shares pictures and videos of her pets on social media.
27. Fitness Enthusiast:
She maintains her fitness through dance and regular workouts, often sharing her routines with fans.
28. Health Struggles:
Doja Cat has been open about her struggles with mental health, including anxiety and depression.
29. Relationships:
She keeps her personal relationships private, though she has been linked to several high-profile individuals in the past.
30. Social Media Presence:
Doja Cat is known for her humorous and candid social media posts, often interacting directly with her fans.
31. Online Controversies:
Doja Cat has faced several controversies, including accusations of making insensitive comments and participating in controversial online chats.
32. Public Apologies:
She has issued public apologies and statements addressing these controversies, seeking to clarify misunderstandings and apologize for any offense caused.
33. Resilience:
Despite facing backlash, Doja Cat has shown resilience, continuing to produce music and engage with her fanbase.
34. Cancel Culture:
She has spoken out about cancel culture, expressing her views on the impact it has on artists and public figures.
35. “Planet Her” Album:
Doja Cat released her third studio album, “Planet Her,” in 2021, which received critical acclaim and commercial success.
36. Collaborations:
The album features collaborations with artists like SZA, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, and Young Thug.
37. Chart-Topping Singles:
Singles like “Kiss Me More” and “Need to Know” from “Planet Her” have topped charts worldwide.
38. Music Videos:
Doja Cat is known for her visually stunning and creative music videos, which often receive praise for their originality and production quality.
39. Awards:
“Planet Her” earned Doja Cat several award nominations, including at the Grammys and MTV VMAs.
40. New Music:
Doja Cat is constantly working on new music, teasing upcoming projects and collaborations with fans.
41. Acting Ambitions:
She has expressed interest in exploring acting opportunities in the future, potentially expanding her career into film and television.
42. Fashion Ventures:
Doja Cat is also interested in launching her own fashion line, drawing from her unique and bold sense of style.
43. Philanthropy:
She is involved in various charitable activities and has donated to causes such as COVID-19 relief and Black Lives Matter.
44. Influence:
Doja Cat continues to influence the music industry with her innovative approach and dynamic presence.
45. Legacy:
As one of the most prominent and influential artists of her generation, Doja Cat’s legacy in music and pop culture is already being cemented.