How Old Is Doja Cat?

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Doja Cat was born on October 21, 1996, which makes her 28 years old as of January 2025. Her unique stage name, “Doja Cat,” comes from a combination of her love for cats and a term she used for a type of marijuana, which she enjoyed during her early years as a budding artist.

Though she’s still in her twenties, Doja Cat has already established herself as one of the most exciting and influential artists of the 21st century, thanks to her viral music, striking visuals, and unapologetic personality.

Early Life and Background

Doja Cat was born in Los Angeles, California, to a diverse family. Her father, Dumisani Dlamini, is a South African actor and film producer, while her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, is a painter and Jewish-American. Growing up in a creative environment, Doja was exposed to the arts from an early age.

Her early years were marked by frequent moves, with her family relocating multiple times during her childhood. At the age of 11, Doja Cat’s family moved to Oakland, California, where she began experimenting with music. Her interest in music began to take shape as she began producing beats and writing songs.

The Start of Her Music Career

Doja Cat’s musical journey truly began in 2012, when she started uploading her songs to SoundCloud. At the time, she was experimenting with different genres, blending elements of hip-hop, electronic music, and R&B. It wasn’t long before her eclectic sound caught the attention of a wider audience.

Her early singles, like So High, attracted the interest of music industry professionals, leading to her signing a record deal with RCA Records in 2014. Doja’s style was unique, and her ability to blend multiple genres was what set her apart from other emerging artists at the time.

Rise to Fame: The Breakthrough Years

Doja Cat’s big break came with the release of her 2018 single “Mooo!”. The song was a viral hit, thanks to its quirky lyrics, catchy beat, and memorable music video, which featured Doja Cat dressed as a cow and having fun with the absurdity of the song. The song was an Internet sensation, and its success helped Doja Cat build a massive fanbase on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where users quickly began creating viral memes and challenges centered around the track.

Following the success of Mooo!, Doja Cat’s career continued to flourish with the release of her debut studio album, “Amala” (2018). While the album didn’t see massive commercial success, it helped establish Doja Cat as a rising star in the music industry.

Hot Pink and Mainstream Success

Doja Cat’s true mainstream breakthrough came with the release of her second album, Hot Pink (2019). The album featured hits like “Juicy”, which went viral on TikTok, and “Say So”, which would later become a global smash hit. “Say So” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2020, thanks in part to a viral dance challenge on TikTok and the remix featuring Nicki Minaj.

With Hot Pink, Doja Cat solidified her status as a chart-topping artist and began gaining widespread recognition for her distinctive musical style, blending pop, hip-hop, and R&B with humorous, offbeat lyrics and a playful attitude. The album was praised for its genre-bending qualities and helped Doja gain a dedicated following of fans across the globe.

Planet Her and Global Domination

Doja Cat’s third studio album, Planet Her, was released in 2021 and marked a new chapter in her career. The album featured an impressive lineup of guest artists, including The Weeknd, SZA, and JID. Tracks like “Kiss Me More”, “Need to Know”, and “Woman” dominated the charts, and the album was met with critical acclaim for its versatility and bold experimentation with different genres.

“Kiss Me More”, in particular, became one of Doja’s biggest hits, earning her Grammy nominations and solidifying her place in pop music history. The track’s lush, disco-inspired sound and irresistible hook became a defining moment in the 2020s music scene, and it quickly became one of the year’s most streamed songs.

Planet Her received widespread recognition for its genre-blending, forward-thinking approach to pop music. Doja’s success with the album showed that she was more than just a viral sensation—she was a bona fide global music star. In addition to critical success, Planet Her was a commercial triumph, topping charts around the world and earning her numerous awards and nominations.

Doja Cat’s Artistic Evolution

One of the most striking things about Doja Cat is her ability to constantly evolve as an artist. Whether it’s her ever-changing fashion choices, her willingness to experiment with different sounds, or her ability to stay relevant in the fast-moving world of pop culture, Doja has consistently demonstrated a willingness to push boundaries.

Her music videos are another area where Doja Cat’s creativity shines. Known for her wild, futuristic aesthetics, and quirky visuals, Doja creates music videos that are as memorable as her songs. From “Say So” to “Kiss Me More” to “Need to Know”, each video is a mini-cinematic experience that reflects her diverse influences and playful personality.

Doja Cat’s Personal Life and Public Persona

Despite her success, Doja Cat has remained somewhat private about her personal life. However, she is known for her unapologetic, humorous, and sometimes controversial social media presence. Doja frequently engages with her fans on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where she shares everything from behind-the-scenes moments to her candid thoughts on various topics.

In addition to her music career, Doja Cat is also known for her fashion sense. She’s graced the covers of major magazines like Vogue and Rolling Stone, and her outfits often make headlines for their bold and creative designs. Whether she’s walking the red carpet or posting selfies, Doja is a fashion icon in her own right.

Doja Cat’s Legacy

At just 28 years old, Doja Cat has already achieved an impressive amount of success in her career. With millions of albums sold, numerous chart-topping hits, and a growing fanbase, Doja Cat has solidified herself as one of the most influential and innovative artists of her generation. Her ability to blend different genres and her unique approach to music have earned her a place in the pop culture zeitgeist.

As of 2025, Doja Cat continues to be one of the brightest stars in music, and it’s clear that she’s only getting started. With a successful career that spans both mainstream pop and underground genres, her influence is sure to last for years to come.

Doja Cat’s Milestones at a Glance: