Inside Doja Cat's Family, Absent Parent, All About Feud With Brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini

Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, better known as Doja Cat, has become one of the most recognisable names in contemporary music. Born on October 21, 1995, in Tarzana, Los Angeles, she carved her own path in the industry by blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop with bold visuals and an unapologetic personality. Her viral breakout came in 2018 with Mooo!, a tongue-in-cheek track that showcased her quirky creativity. But it was hits like Say So, Kiss Me More, and Paint the Town Red that cemented her as a Grammy-winning global superstar. Doja is admired for her artistry, bold fashion, and ability to constantly reinvent her sound.

Yet, while her career continues to soar and she achieves milestones like headlining Coachella 2025, alongside Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator, her personal life tells a story of strained family ties and turmoil that rarely makes it into the spotlight. To understand Doja Cat beyond the fame, one must look closer at her family dynamics. So, here’s a look at Doja’s family and her problematic relationship with her brother.

Meet Doja Cat’s Parents, Dumisani Dlamini and Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer

Doja Cat was born to parents with artistic backgrounds, but they had very different cultural roots. Dumisani Dlamini, her father, is a South African actor, dancer, and composer. Best known for his role in the 1992 film, Sarafina! alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Dumisani was celebrated in South Africa for his stage and screen performances. Despite his accomplishments, he never built a relationship with his daughter. Doja has often shared that she has ‘never met’ him, even though he occasionally praises her success in interviews.

Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, Doja’s mother, is a Jewish-American painter and clothing designer. Raised in a creative household, Doja was deeply influenced by her mother’s free-spirited personality. In interviews, she described Sawyer as a 'hippie' who supported her passion for music and art from a young age. After her separation from Dumisani, Deborah raised Doja and her brother, Raman splitting their childhood years between New York and California.

Doja Cat’s Brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini and the controversy surrounding them

Doja Cat’s brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini, is two years older than her and has largely stayed out of the public eye. Unlike celebrity siblings who often embrace the limelight, Raman maintains a low social media presence, and little is known about his career or personal interests.

Unfortunately, he had made headlines for troubling reasons. In January 2025, Doja’s mother filed a temporary restraining order against Raman, accusing him of violent behaviour toward both her and Doja Cat. Court filings, first reported by Entertainment Tonight, alleged that Raman knocked out Doja Cat’s teeth.

Raman had also inflicted cuts and bruises, verbally assaulted Doja, and damaged her belongings. The documents also claimed that he made threats of violence against their mother. This isn’t the first time such legal issues have surfaced. Reports reveal that Deborah had filed a restraining order against him back in 2017, though that one later expired.

Doja Cat has a tumultuous relationship with her brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini

Doja Cat herself has rarely spoken directly about her brother in public, but past interviews hint at a difficult childhood. In a Rolling Stone feature, she revealed that Raman had 'behavioural issues' growing up and that his presence often took up significant emotional space in their household.

The siblings grew up in Oak Park, California, where Doja was one of the few mixed-race kids in the community. She faced racism and isolation, and according to her, her brother even teased her for not having Black friends. These early struggles, combined with the alleged abuse later in life, paint a picture of a strained and painful sibling relationship. As of now, Doja has not publicly addressed the latest allegations. 

Where is Raman Dalithando Dlamini now?

Following the restraining order, Raman’s current whereabouts remain unclear. He has no known public career and has kept away from media attention. The court’s decision on whether the temporary restraining order will be made permanent is still pending. Meanwhile, Doja’s silence keeps fans guessing about how she processes these very public allegations within her private life.

Doja Cat has had an unconventional upbringing

Doja Cat’s upbringing was unconventional and deeply influenced by her family’s cultural mix. She lived with her mother in New York and California, spent time in an ashram in Agoura Hills, and even practised Hinduism during her early teenage years. These diverse experiences have made her artistic perspective, but also left her struggling with her identity and sense of belonging.

While Doja's mother nurtured her creativity, the absence of her father and conflicts with her brother added complexity to her personal journey. However, what stands out in Doja Cat’s story is her ability to rise above family challenges. While her brother’s alleged violence casts a dark shadow, she has chosen to focus on her craft rather than talking about her private battles publicly.

Doja's decision to keep family matters private contrasts with her otherwise bold and outspoken persona in the public sphere. Whether through daring fashion, provocative lyrics, or unapologetic interviews, Doja Cat is rarely shy, except when it comes to family turmoil.

As Doja's career continues to reach new heights, where she is headlining performances and releasing new albums, the contrast between her public success and private family battles is striking. Whether she ever addresses the controversy directly remains to be seen, but one truth is clear, Doja Cat’s brilliance shines even amid the turbulence of her family life.

Doja Cat’s story highlights that fame cannot erase her past life and even when she chooses to not talk about it, issues reach a greater public who shows an interest in her life, particularly her turbulent relationship with her brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini.

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