Doja Cat is a singer and rapper who first started gaining major attention back in 2018 when the music video for her song “Mooo!” went viral and sparked a wave of internet memes. The track became a cultural moment, and it helped solidify her presence in the music world. A year later, in 2019, her second studio album, Hot Pink, made it into the top ten on the US Billboard 200 chart. That album also included her breakout hit “Say So,” which further boosted her popularity.
Before she became a household name, Doja Cat had already chosen her stage name based on her fondness for cats and the slang term “doja,” which refers to a particular strain of cannabis. Her real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, and she has a unique cultural background—being half South African and half Jewish. Her father, Dumisani Dlamini, has had a long and varied career as a South African actor, composer, and film producer, while her brother’s passion for rapping played a big role in inspiring her own musical journey.
Her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, has also been a supportive figure in her life. In her personal life, Doja Cat has had some high-profile relationships—she dated fellow musician Johnny Utah from 2019 to 2020, and she’s also been romantically linked with comedian J. Cyrus. All in all, Doja Cat has built a fascinating life both on and off the stage, drawing from her diverse heritage and creative influences.
She dropped her EP Purrr! back in August 2014, marking a key moment in her musical journey. One of her standout tracks, “Candy,” sparked the viral “Sweet Spot” dance challenge on TikTok, which quickly took off across the platform. High-profile creators like Charli D’Amelio, the Lopez Brothers, and Addison Rae were among those who joined in, helping to amplify the trend. As a result, she became one of the most-watched artists on TikTok in 2020, further solidifying her presence in the digital music space.