Meet Doja Cat’s Parents: All About Dumisani Dlamini and Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer

Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini on October 21, 1995, in Tarzana, Los Angeles, California, has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. Her eclectic style blends pop, hip-hop, and R&B, reflecting her diverse cultural influences.

She comes from a mixed ethnic background. Her father, Dumisani Dlamini, is a South African actor, dancer, and composer of Zulu descent, and her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, is a Jewish-American painter and graphic designer.

Despite her father’s success in the entertainment industry, Doja Cat has never met him in person. Her mother, however, played a pivotal role in nurturing her artistic talents, raising her and her brother in a creative environment that shaped her love for music and fashion.

Doja Cat’s upbringing was marked by exposure to various cultural and religious influences. She lived in an ashram in Agoura Hills for about four years and practiced Hinduism from age 11, though she does not publicly align with any specific faith.

Her early education included performing arts schools in Los Angeles, where she trained in ballet, tap, and jazz. However, she dropped out of high school at 16, citing struggles with ADHD and a desire to focus on music. Teaching herself music production using GarageBand, she began crafting her signature sound, setting the stage for her rise in the industry.

Her brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini, has remained largely out of the public eye, though reports suggest familial tensions, including legal disputes involving their mother. Despite personal challenges, Doja Cat‘s artistic lineage and unconventional upbringing have significantly shaped her career and identity.

Dumisani Dlamini

Dumisani Dlamini is a renowned South African actor, dancer, and composer. He is best known for portraying Crocodile in the 1992 musical film Sarafina!, in which he starred alongside Whoopi Goldberg.

Born on October 23, 1963, in Durban, South Africa, he is a proud member of the Zulu community and incorporates cultural depth into his performances.

Dlamini‘s career gained momentum with the Broadway production of Sarafina!, which later transitioned into a film, earning him international recognition. Over the years, he has appeared in various South African television series and movies, showcasing his versatility in acting and dance.

His work has been widely praised for its authenticity and energy, cementing his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Despite his success, Dlamini’s relationship with his daughter, Doja Cat, has been described as distant.

She has publicly stated that they have never met in person, though he has occasionally shown support for her on social media. Dlamini, however, has expressed great pride in her achievements, frequently sharing his admiration for her talent and success.

Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer

Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, Doja Cat‘s mother, is an American artist and designer with a deep passion for creativity. Born on January 1, 1970, in Vincentown, New Jersey, she comes from a Jewish background. A talented painter and clothing designer, she specializes in men’s fashion and brings innovation and artistic expression to her work.

Deborah‘s love for the arts was pivotal in shaping Doja Cat’s career. She surrounded her daughter with creative influences from an early age, enrolling her in performing arts schools where Doja explored dance, music, and visual arts. This nurturing environment helped cultivate Doja’s distinctive style, blending performance, fashion, and artistic expression.

Following her separation from Dumisani Dlamini, Deborah raised Doja Cat and her brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini, in New York and California.

Doja has often described her mother as a free-spirited “hippie” who supported her musical aspirations and fostered the artistic confidence that propelled her to success.