Born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini on October 21, 1995, Doja Cat’s birthplace is Los Angeles, California. This vibrant city on the West Coast of the United States is where her journey began, nurtured by a creative family environment. Her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, is a painter, and her father is Dumisani Dlamini, a South African actor best known for his role in the movie Sarafina!. While Dumisani Dlamini was not consistently present in her upbringing, Doja Cat has acknowledged his artistic influence.
Growing up in Los Angeles provided Doja Cat with a backdrop rich in artistic and cultural diversity. As a teenager, she started exploring her musical talents, initially sharing her tracks on SoundCloud. This early foray into online music platforms allowed her to experiment with sounds and build an initial following. Her song “So High” gained traction and caught the attention of major record labels, Kemosabe Records and RCA Records. This led to a significant milestone in her career: signing a joint record deal at the young age of 17. Subsequently, she released her debut EP, “Purrr!”, in 2014, officially marking her entry into the professional music scene.
After a period of relative quiet, Doja Cat returned with renewed vigor, releasing her debut studio album “Amala” in 2018. However, it was the internet that truly propelled her into viral fame. The release of the quirky and humorous single “Mooo!” became an internet meme sensation, significantly boosting her visibility. This track was included in the deluxe version of “Amala,” alongside other singles like “Juicy” (with Tyga) and “Tia Tamera” (featuring Rico Nasty) in 2019, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
Doja Cat’s second studio album, “Hot Pink” (2019), marked a major breakthrough, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard 200 chart. It featured the hit single “Say So,” which achieved multi-platinum certification and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, especially after the release of a popular remix featuring Nicki Minaj. Her continued success in 2020 included collaborations with Ariana Grande on “Motive” and a feature on the remix of Ariana’s “34+35” with Megan Thee Stallion. “Kiss Me More” (featuring SZA), the lead single from her highly anticipated third studio album “Planet Her” (2021), became yet another top 10 hit, demonstrating her consistent chart-topping power.
Doja Cat’s mastery of social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube has been instrumental in her widespread popularity. Her songs and music videos are crafted to resonate within these online spaces, contributing significantly to her global fanbase. Her talent and hard work have been recognized with multiple Grammy Award nominations, two American Music Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award for Push Best New Artist, along with its European equivalent. Forbes acknowledged her impact by naming her one of the top breakout stars of 2020 and including her in their prestigious 30 Under 30 list. Further highlighting her prominence, Doja Cat was the fourth most-Googled musician in 2020, cementing her status as a major figure in contemporary music.
In conclusion, Doja Cat’s journey to global stardom began in Los Angeles, California, her city of birth. From her early days experimenting with music on SoundCloud to becoming a Grammy-nominated, award-winning artist, her Los Angeles roots have been the starting point for an extraordinary and still evolving career.
