At just 29 years old in 2025, Doja Cat has already left a lasting mark on the music industry.
Born Amala Ratna on October 21, 1995, this genre-defying artist has evolved from a viral sensation to a Grammy-winning star. Her unique blend of rap, pop, and R&B, coupled with a magnetic stage presence has captivated audiences worldwide.
Doja Cat: Quick Fact Sheet
| Full Name | Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini |
| Stage Name | Doja Cat |
| Date of Birth | October 21, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old (as of 2025) |
| Zodiac | Libra |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, CA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Half-African (Zulu) and Half-Jewish (White) |
| Occupation | Rapper, Songwriter, Singer |
| Net Worth | $16 million |
| Parents | Dumisani Dlamini (father) and Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer (mother) |
| Partner | Joseph Quinn (2024 – present) |
Doja Cat: Who Is the Female Rapper Star?
Image source: Google
Doja Cat is a multi-talented artist who represents a new generation of musicians seamlessly blending genres and platforms.
Half-African (Zulu) and half-Jewish, Doja Cat grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by artistic influences. Her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, is a painter, while her father, Dumisani Dlamini, is a South African actor and composer.
Growing up in such an artistic environment fed Doja Cat’s creativity. She went on to become a rapper, songwriter, and singer.
Why Did Amala Choose the Stage Name Doja Cat?
The story behind Amala’s stage name captures her playful personality. “Doja” comes from her former fondness for marijuana (doja being slang for cannabis), while “Cat” simply reflects her lifelong love for felines.
Image source: Google
How Did Doja Cat Get Into Rapping?
Doja’s journey into music began in her childhood, where she studied piano and dance. The biggest inspiration for her rap career came from an unexpected source: her brother’s music collection.
Listening to his rap music sparked her interest in writing and developing her own style. She found her footing in the Los Angeles underground hip-hop scene, where she performed at parties and ciphers.
There, she connected with established artists like Busdriver, III Camille, and VerBS. The latter helped her secure her first gig and refine her craft. Like many modern artists, SoundCloud is where she got her start.
How Many Cats Does the Rapper Have?
True to her stage name, Doja Cat is a devoted cat lover with a delightful trio of cats. There’s Ray, an affectionate Oriental Shorthair she adopted in 2017. Then there’s Alex, an independent black cat who loves outdoor adventures.
Her third cat is Irving Saint John (also goes by Froderick “Frodo” Frankenstein) who’s a distinctive Lykoi cat known for its werewolf-like appearance.
@dojafantasy The way he looked at his own nails cuz he wants her nails 😭❤️ #dojacat #doja #foryou #fypシ #viral #pettok #catsoftiktok ♬ original sound – DojaFantasy (fan account)
Doja Cat: Highlights From Her Thriving Career
SoundCloud Success and Record Deal (2012-17)
After dropping out of school, Doja Cat started sharing her music on SoundCloud. Her track So High caught the attention of Dr. Luke, which led to her signing with Kemosabe Records and RCA Records at just 17. Her debut EP Purr! Released in 2014 marked her first official entry into the music industry.
Going Viral (2018-19)
Everything changed when her playful song Mooo! went viral in 2018. It’s a self-produced track, featuring Doja in a cow costume. It went to show her unique ability to blend humor with genuine musical talent.
The debut album Amala gained further attention, especially after Juicy featuring Tyga became her first Billboard Hot 100 entry.
Hot Pink Era (2019-2020)
The release of Hot Pink in late 2019 helped Doja rise to stardom fast. Say So became a global phenomenon, particularly after its remix with Nicki Minaj reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Fun fact: The song made history as the first female rap collaboration to top the charts!
Planet Her and Grammy Recognition (2021)
Her third studio album Plant Her further cemented her status as a rising rapping star. The album broke Spotify records for female rap artists and earned critical acclaim. Notable singles from that album include Kiss Me More, Get Into It, and Woman. Kiss Me More won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Doja Cat’s Memorable Collabs
Besides Doja’s work with Nicki Minaj, she’s also collaborated with The Weeknd (You Right, In Your Eyes remix). Additionally, she’s worked with Ariana Grande (34+35 remix, Motive), SZA (Kiss Me More), and Saweetie (Best Friend).
Image source: Google
Is Doja Cat Dating Anyone?
While Doja Cat’s romantic life has been a subject of public interest, she’s been open about her approach to relationships.
In a 2023 Harper’s Bazaar interview, she described herself as a “serial dater” who has evolved to love differently. Her dating history includes a relationship with Singer Jawny (2019-2020), followed by a reported relationship with comedian Jeffery ‘J’ Cyrus (2022-2024).
More recently, Doja is rumored to be dating Stranger Things actor Joseph Quinn. She’s kept the relationship private but they’re often spotted showing PDA.
Interesting fact: Doja has always been honest about her bisexuality, stating she “likes both men and women.”
Why Did Doja Cat Shave Her Head?
Doja Cat made headlines when she shaved her head about 3 years ago. During an Instagram live session, she explained the practical reasoning behind her decision.
Image source: Google
She expressed that she never felt connected to having hair and found little purpose in maintaining it since she primarily wore wigs anyway. The decision was partly driven by the intensive upkeep required for natural hair, which she found time-consuming and exhausting.
To quote her: “I feel like I was never supposed to have hair. I never liked having hair. I can’t tell you one time since the beginning of my life where I was like ‘This is cool’.”
Is Doja Cat Involved in Any Controversies?
In 2020, Doja Cat drew criticism for downplaying COVID-19 as “just a flu” before later contracting it herself.
That same year, she addressed backlash over her 2015 song “Dindu Nuffin” and her presence in alt-right chat rooms. However, she issued public apologies for both incidents.
Image source: Google
In 2022, she made headlines again for her public conflict with Stranger Things actor Noah Schnapp after he shared their private messages about his co-star Joseph Quinn.
Final Words
Doja Cat, a genre-blending artist, rose from viral fame to Grammy-winning success. Known for her humor, talent, and bold persona, she’s collaborated with top artists, faced controversies, and embraced reinvention. At 29, she remains a dominant force in music.
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