Early Life and Education of Doja Cat: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Doja Cat. A timeline of key moments.

Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Hailing from Los Angeles, she began her musical journey as a teenager, releasing music on SoundCloud. Her early track "So High" garnered attention, leading to a recording contract with Kemosabe and RCA Records. This deal preceded the release of her debut extended play, Purrr!, in 2014, marking the official start of her professional music career.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1992: Father's Role in 'Sarafina!' Film Adaptation

In 1992, Doja Cat's father, Dumisani Dlamini, starred as Crocodile in the film adaptation of the musical Sarafina!

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October 21, 1995: Birth of Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini

On October 21, 1995, Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, known professionally as Doja Cat, was born in Los Angeles, California. She later became a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.

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2012: Gaining stage name

In 2012, as a teenager, Doja Cat created her stage name inspired by one of her cats and her preferred strain of marijuana, citing her heavy addiction to weed culture at the time.

2017: Prior restraining order

In 2017, Doja Cat's mother, Deborah Sawyer, was previously granted a restraining order against her son, Raman Dalithando Dlamini.

June 2020: Donation to Justice for Breonna Taylor Fund

In June 2020, Doja Cat donated $100,000 to the Justice for Breonna Taylor Fund to support Taylor's family, showcasing her social contributions.

2021: Purchased house in Beverly Hills

In 2021, Doja Cat bought a home in Beverly Hills, California, for $2.2 million, showing a step in her personal life.

March 2022: Frustrations During South American Tour

During a South American festival tour in March 2022, Doja Cat publicized her frustrations, especially after an incident with Paraguayan fans due to a cancelled show, leading her to express disillusionment with her career.

May 2022: Nicotine addiction and health issues

In May 2022, Doja Cat discussed her nicotine addiction on Twitter, revealing she required lancing of an infected tonsil caused by vaping and needed a tonsillectomy, leading to the cancellation of her summer festival run and opening act for The Weeknd's tour.

September 2022: Sold house in Beverly Hills

In September 2022, Doja Cat sold her home in Beverly Hills, California, for $2.5 million, indicating a change in her living situation.

January 2024: Restraining order filed against brother

In January 2024, Doja Cat's mother, Deborah Sawyer, filed for a temporary restraining order against her older brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini, due to alleged physical and verbal abuse towards both Doja Cat and their mother.