Surprising Facts About Doja Cat You Didn’t Know
Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, has become one of the most influential artists in the modern music industry. With her innovative style, catchy lyrics, and fearless personality, she has captivated millions worldwide.
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While her music is known across the globe, many fans might not know the deeper details about her life. Here are some unknown facts about Doja Cat that give insight into her journey and personality.
1. She Never Met Her Father
Doja Cat grew up without meeting her father, Dumisani Dlamini, a South African performer famous for his role in the musical Sarafina! and its 1992 film adaptation.
Dumisani and her mother, Deborah Sawyer, a Jewish-American graphic designer, had a brief relationship before separating. Dumisani’s busy career kept him distant from Doja and her brother, leaving their relationship nonexistent.
2. Practicing Hinduism at the Sai Anantam Ashram
At just eight years old, Doja Cat moved with her family to the Sai Anantam Ashram in California.
There, she practiced Hinduism for four years, wore head-covering scarves, and sang bhajans during temple ceremonies. This unique experience gave her an early connection to music and spirituality.
3. Dropped Out of School at 16
Doja Cat left high school at 16 to pursue music. While her decision was bold, she described life afterward as “messy.” She would sleep on the floor and spend countless hours exploring the internet, downloading beats, and creating songs.
4. Overcoming Addiction
In an interview with Billboard, Doja Cat admitted to struggling with alcohol addiction and chain smoking during her teenage years. Quitting cigarettes remains one of her greatest personal achievements.
5. The Origin of “Doja Cat”
The name “Doja Cat” was born from her love of cats and marijuana. She once mentioned getting high and envisioning “Doja” as a perfect name paired with her feline obsession.
6. A Chart-Topping Female Rapper
Doja Cat made history as the first female rapper to have two solo songs chart in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously, achieving this feat three times.
7. Height and Personal Details
Standing at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), Doja Cat is a dynamic performer with an unapologetically bold style.
8. Say So’s TikTok Fame
Doja Cat’s breakout hit, “Say So,” became a viral sensation on TikTok in 2020, skyrocketing her fame and cementing her position in pop culture.
9. Indian Classical Dance Training
During her time at the ashram, Doja Cat learned the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam. This skill reflects her early exposure to diverse cultures.
10. Early Music Education
Doja Cat’s musical journey began at the age of four when she started learning to play the piano. Her early immersion in music laid the groundwork for her later success.
11. Her Fans Are Kittens
Doja Cat affectionately calls her loyal fanbase “Kittens,” a term that highlights her love for cats and her unique relationship with her audience.
12. Google Fame in 2020
In 2020, Doja Cat was the fourth-most Googled musician in the United States, showcasing her meteoric rise to fame.
13. Honoring Her African Roots
Doja Cat’s album Hot Pink draws inspiration from her African heritage, which she proudly embraces in her art and music.
14. Praise From The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal has described Doja Cat as “a skilled, technical rapper with a strong melodic sense and a bold visual presence.”
15. Family Guy Obsession
Doja Cat loves watching the animated series Family Guy and has revealed that she has watched every season at least ten times.
Doja Cat’s journey from a creative child to a global superstar is filled with surprising twists and inspiring milestones.
These unknown facts about Doja Cat shed light on her background, struggles, and triumphs, showcasing the real person behind the chart-topping hits.
Her unique story and relentless determination serve as a reminder that success is built on passion, resilience, and embracing one’s individuality.
FAQs About Doja Cat
1. What is Doja Cat's real name?Doja Cat’s real name is "Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini." She adopted her stage name from her love of cats and marijuana, often referred to as “Doja.”
2. Where is Doja Cat from?
Doja Cat was born in Tarzana, Los Angeles, California, USA, and has South African and Jewish-American heritage.
3. Who are Doja Cat’s parents?
Her mother, "Deborah Sawyer", is an American graphic designer, and her father, "Dumisani Dlamini", is a South African actor and performer known for his role in "Sarafina!"
4. What are Doja Cat’s biggest hit songs?
Doja Cat is best known for hit songs like “Say So,” “Kiss Me More,” “Woman,” “Need to Know,” and “Vegas.”
5. What genre of music does Doja Cat make?
Doja Cat’s music spans multiple genres, including "hip-hop, R&B, pop, and rap", with influences from electronic and funk styles.
6. How tall is Doja Cat?
Doja Cat is 5 feet 5 inches tall (approximately 165 cm).
7. What is Doja Cat’s fanbase called?
Doja Cat affectionately refers to her fans as “Kittens.”
8. When did Doja Cat start her music career?
Doja Cat started her music career by uploading songs to "SoundCloud" in her teens. Her first viral hit was “So High” in 2014.
9. What is the meaning behind Doja Cat's album "Hot Pink"?
Doja Cat has said that "Hot Pink" reflects her "bold personality" and "African roots", showcasing her fun and creative side.
10. What awards has Doja Cat won?
Doja Cat has won several awards, including a Grammy Award for her collaboration with SZA on “Kiss Me More” and multiple Billboard Music Awards.