Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has rapidly ascended to fame with her unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. From her early beginnings on SoundCloud to her current status as a Grammy Award-winning artist, Doja Cat's journey is a testament to her talent, creativity, and perseverance.
Birth
October 21, 1995
Doja Cat was born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini in Los Angeles, California, to Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, a painter, and Dumisani Dlamini, an actor, composer, and film producer of Zulu ethnicity.
Early Life and Education
Early 2000s
Doja Cat spent her early years in New York City before moving to Los Angeles with her family. She attended performing arts school and later dropped out of high school at 16 to pursue a career in music.
Music Career Begins
2012
Doja Cat started making and releasing music on SoundCloud. Her song 'So High' caught the attention of Dr. Luke, leading to a recording deal with Kemosabe Records and RCA Records when she was 17.
Debut EP
2014
Doja Cat released her debut EP, 'Purrr!', under Kemosabe Records and RCA Records, marking her first significant step into the music industry.
Debut Studio Album
2018
Doja Cat released her debut studio album, 'Amala', which featured singles like 'Go To Town' and 'Candy'. Although it didn't reach commercial heights initially, it laid the groundwork for her future success.
Viral Success with 'Mooo!'
August 2018
Doja Cat released the viral hit 'Mooo!', which became a meme and catapulted her to fame. The track was created in under six hours and racked up over five million views in two weeks.
Breakthrough Year
2019
The success of 'Mooo!' and subsequent releases like 'Juicy' and 'Tia Tamera' pushed Doja Cat into the mainstream. Her debut album 'Amala' finally cracked the Billboard charts in August 2019.
Billboard Music Awards
2021
Doja Cat won Top Female R&B Artist at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards and performed 'Kiss Me More' with SZA at the ceremony.
Recent Success and UK Tour
2024
Doja Cat released her album 'Scarlet' and embarked on a UK tour, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the music industry.
