Doja Cat Opens Up About Her Mother’s Strength and Family Struggles

Emotional podcast interview reveals the rapper’s deep bond with her mom and difficult family past. 

Global music star Doja Cat has opened up about the woman who shaped her life  her mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer. In a heartfelt appearance on the In Real Life podcast hosted by Angie Martinez, the rapper reflected on her upbringing and the incredible strength of her single mom.

“Growing up with a single mother is a hard thing to do. She had five children, I could never. She is incredible, the strongest mother,” Doja Cat shared.

Growing Up With Strength

Doja Cat  born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini  said her childhood was both “fun and tough,” shaped by her mother’s resilience and love. Being raised by a single parent taught her valuable life lessons that, she says, made her the woman she is today.

Her mother’s pride in her success remains one of her greatest motivations. “She’s proud of me, and she’s always supported me,” the 29-year-old star added.

A Special Moment in ‘Gorgeous’

The bond between Doja Cat and her mom recently shined in the music video for her hit single “Gorgeous” from her new album Vie, released on September 26.

The retro-inspired video which mirrors a vintage beauty commercial  includes cameos from top models Irina Shayk, Alek Wek, Imaan Hammam, and Anok Yai. Doja’s mother makes a surprise appearance, looking glamorous in a blonde perm and diamond choker, standing proudly next to her daughter.

“I look like my family, I don’t need to brag,” Doja raps in the video, a powerful nod to her heritage and bond with her mom.

A Complicated Family Past

Doja Cat’s relationship with her father, Dumisani Dlamini, has been strained. Dlamini, a South African actor, dancer, and composer, gained fame for his role in the 1992 film Sarafina! but has never played a role in his daughter’s life.

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Doja has said publicly that she has never met him, despite his occasional comments about her in interviews.

Legal Struggles and Family Conflict

In 2024, her mother filed a temporary restraining order against Doja’s brother, Raman, accusing him of violence toward both her and the singer.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Raman allegedly assaulted Doja, leaving her with injuries, including knocked-out teeth, and damaged her belongings. The case highlighted the difficult family environment Doja has spoken about in past interviews, where she hinted at her brother’s behavioral struggles growing up.

Finding Power Through Pain

Although she has rarely discussed her family issues publicly, Doja’s recent interview reflects a turning point. She is now choosing to honor the strength of her mother rather than dwell on the pain of the past.

“She’s the strongest woman I know,” Doja emphasized during the podcast  a message that resonated deeply with fans.

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