DOJA CAT is reimagining pop stardom in her own fearlessly provocative and occasionally trippy image and the reward is in the long, strange journey.
By ANGIE MARTINEZ
There’s a case to be made that it was during the pandemic that the internet finally subsumed us— which is precisely when Amala Dlamini, a.k.a. Doja Cat, became a global pop star. Dlamini, 27, was born in Los Angeles and spent time as a child with her mother at an ashram led by jazz musician Alice Coltrane. But she is also a member of the connected generation whose creative DNA is defined not by a record collection as much as by a swirling torrent of songs, sounds, clips and memes. She has been releasing music for more than a decade, but her mainstream breakthrough came in late 2019 with “Say So,” a masterful mash-up of disco, hip-hop, and funk vibes that became a left-field sensation on the eve of lockdown, inspiring a TikTok dance challenge. Since then, there have been more hits, tours, and a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Kiss Me More,” a collaboration with SZA off 2021’s Planet Her. In June, she released “Attention,” the first single from her new album, Scarlet, which will be accompanied by her first arena tour this fall. Dlamini sat down with rap-radio legend and media entrepreneur Angie Martinez to discuss art, fame, and finding your way—on Instagram and IRL.
ANGIE MARTINEZ: An icon by definition is “a person or a thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration.” Do you see yourself as worthy of veneration?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BEYOND BEACHES
Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.
DOWN TO EARTH
In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.
DO YOU FASHION, BRO?
As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.
CRUISING ALTITUDE
With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.
PUT A RING ON IT
Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.
PERFECTING TIME
With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.
HAUTE BIJOUX
The latest and most talked-about collections.
REPAIR REVOLUTION
Unlock your skin's potential.
LIKE SECOND SKIN
Arissa Ha speaks to Christine Nagel about Barénia, Hermès first ever chypre fragrance.