American pop-rap sensation Doja Cat brought Pretoria to its feet on Friday with a high-energy, unforgettable performance at the Global Citizen Move Afrika tour stop at SunBet Arena.
While the night was a celebration of her first major performance in South Africa, it was also overshadowed by a very public dispute involving her estranged father, South African actor Dumisani Dlamini.
The concert marked a long-awaited homecoming for Doja Cat, who performed a mix of her biggest hits with high-energy choreography and production that left the crowd cheering.
Fans described the show as both emotional and electrifying, highlighting her connection to the country where her father was born.
In a video shared before the show, she explained that she had reached out to Dlamini and invited him to attend, but he said he could not make it. She said he told her he could not attend because she “didn’t message him enough and I didn’t call him on WhatsApp.”
In a moment that quickly went viral, Doja Cat recounted how she responded to his refusal by jokingly sending him an adult link with instructions to get tickets.
“I was messaging my father cause he’s here in Africa and he said that he couldn’t make it to my show because I don’t message him enough and I didn’t call him on WhatsApp,” she said.
“So I sent him… and they said, if you go to this link, you can get a ticket.” She later described his reaction, explaining that he struggled to figure out how to use it.
Dlamini later addressed the situation in a video of his own, rejecting the “deadbeat” label and defending his absence.
“I have been told by Zandile’s management that I must not come and see the show. And now I am going with all the security, they are kicking me out of the place. They are saying you are not allowed to come and see your daughter. I have paid the money for the tickets. No one offered me, I bought the tickets myself. And now we are going to a meeting,” he said.
His statements sparked backlash online, with many questioning his refusal to take responsibility for the strained relationship with his internationally famous daughter.
Despite the public exchange, Doja Cat’s performance remained a highlight for fans, blending her signature style with a heartfelt connection to South African audiences.
As of today, neither Doja Cat nor her representatives has released further comments regarding her father’s response or clarified their relationship beyond their recent social media posts.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star