New York City’s Central Park once again became the epicenter of music, activism, and global leadership with the return of the Global Citizen Festival on September 28.
This year’s event stayed true to its reputation, bringing together a powerful blend of star performances and calls for action on important global issues.
A Star-Studded Festival with a Purpose
Drawing in a crowd of over 60,000 people, the 2024 Global Citizen Festival coincided with two major international events: the conclusion of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week NYC.
It was the perfect convergence of young people, global leaders, and renowned artists, all united to inspire real change and drive global efforts toward a more equitable world.
Among the prominent figures was Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman, who returned as host, setting the tone for a day filled with performances and heartfelt messages.
But it was pop sensation Doja Cat who truly stole the show with her striking presence.
Doja Cat’s Stunning Tribute to South Africa
Dressed in an eye-catching dress themed after the South African flag, Doja Cat—whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini—captivated the crowd.
Photos and videos of her outfit quickly flooded social media, gathering thousands of comments and reactions from around the globe.
South African fans in particular felt a deep sense of pride, celebrating her for shining a spotlight on the country.
One X user couldn’t contain their excitement, commenting, “She’s reconnecting with her roots so much this year, and I’m so happy. I need her to do a show in SA, too, oh my god.”
Another user echoed this sentiment, adding, “She’s embracing her heritage beautifully this year, making me so happy! I hope she does a show in SA, too—oh my gosh.”
Doja Cat’s Relationship with Her South African Father
Doja Cat’s connection to South Africa is personal. She is the daughter of Dumisani Dlamini, a veteran South African actor best known for his role in Sarafina.
He met Doja Cat’s mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, in New York in the 1990s when he was touring with the Sarafina cast.
While the relationship didn’t last, with Doja Cat growing up in the United States with her mother, her connection to her father has remained a topic of public interest.
A few years ago, Doja Cat made headlines when she revealed she had never met her father.
Dumisani Dlamini later explained that he had tried to reach out, but his attempts were blocked by her management.
Despite these challenges, he has stated that the two are now in communication, though their relationship remains a bit unclear.
Dancing Her Way Into the Spotlight
This isn’t the first time recently that Doja Cat has been making waves. Just days before the festival, a video of her showcasing her sleek Maskandi dance moves went viral, further fueling her cultural connection to South Africa.
Fans continue to watch closely, wondering what’s next for the dynamic star as she embraces her heritage and continues to make headlines worldwide.
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