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Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, has often spoken about her family’s influence on her creativity, particularly her mother’s impact in fostering her love for hip-hop. While her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, played a significant role in her upbringing, Doja’s father, Dumisani Dlamini, a South African performer, has been absent from her life. Despite their shared artistic backgrounds, Doja and her father have never met in person.
In an interview with Radio One D.C., Doja mentioned that she attempted to contact her father when she was 13, but the effort did not lead to a meaningful connection. She vaguely alluded to scheduling conflicts being a potential barrier. Doja’s mother had always informed her that her father, known for his performances, was often on tour. This situation had a profound impact on Doja, especially during her younger years.
Dumisani Dlamini provided a different perspective on the matter. He stated in an interview with a South African radio station that he had attempted to reach out to Doja, but his efforts were allegedly impeded by her management. Dlamini expressed the belief that her team might have concerns about her prioritizing family over her career.
Despite the absence of a traditional father-daughter relationship, both Doja Cat and Dumisani Dlamini have publicly expressed support for each other’s careers. Doja has praised her father’s talents and accomplishments, while Dlamini has conveyed his pride in her achievements. He has even defended her against critics on social media.
As of September 2023, reports surfaced that Doja was not present at her father’s wedding, further indicating that they had not yet established a close relationship. It remains uncertain whether Doja and Dumisani will ever have the opportunity to form a meaningful connection in the future. Time will ultimately reveal the course their relationship will take.