OPINION: 'Welcome home, Zandile' - Doja Cat's homecoming
Zandile had big shoes to fill. Back in 2018, the Global Citizen stage was graced by none other than Beyoncé. But Dlamini stepped into that space with ease, owning it in a way that felt both natural and powerful.
In Zulu culture, there is a sacred ceremony known as Imbeleko - a ritual performed to introduce a child to their ancestors and formally welcome them into the family. For the ceremony to be complete, a goat is slaughtered, traditional beer is brewed, and loved ones gather to celebrate the child’s homecoming. In many ways, the Global Citizen Festival felt like a modern-day Imbeleko for Zandile "Doja Cat" Dlamini. On that Friday night, MaDlamini as we proudly call her was fully embraced as one of our own.
The opening acts carried deep meaning and intention. The Joy, who previously performed with Doja Cat at Coachella in 2024, were the first to take the stage. Their presence alone affirmed that she remains connected to her roots.
Like a proud older cousin, Doja Cat brought them along, creating space and reminding us that success is meant to be shared. Their harmonies were hauntingly beautiful, reminiscent of elders chanting clan praises during a child’s introduction, sending chills through the crowd.
Then came Moonchild Sanelly, who absolutely commanded the stage. I’ll admit I had my doubts at first, but she proved me wrong in every way. From taking us back with Nayi Le Walk to delivering a high-energy gqom experience, she transformed the arena into a full-blown celebration.
There’s a clear artistic thread between her and Doja Cat, the bold fashion, the dance movement, the fearless energy. Moonchild didn’t just open the show; she ignited it. By the time she was done, the crowd was already sweating like they’d witnessed the main act.
And then, MaDlamini.
This was, without a doubt, a performance of a lifetime. I came ready to scream my heart out to my favourite song by her, "Ain’t Sh*", but Doja had other plans; she took us on a journey through her entire world. From Vie to Scarlet to Planet Her and beyond, she delivered a full-bodied experience.
The live band elevated every note, the bass reverberating through our bodies, the instrumentals moving through us like a pulse. The stage production, choreography, and visuals were nothing short of phenomenal, each moment perfectly timed.
For an hour and thirty minutes, she gave us everything. No outfit changes, no unnecessary pauses, just pure, relentless performance. She sang, danced, and commanded the stage in towering heels like a goddess, never missing a beat or a lyric.
She didn’t need backup dancers; the stage was her playground. And we, the audience, became her choir, locked in with her from start to finish.
Hearing South Africans chant her name wasn’t just support; it was recognition. It was about belonging. It was home.
In her closing words, she said it felt like she had been here before, and that this truly felt like home.
Doja Cat closes out her concert for Global Citizen’s Move Afrika in Pretoria, South Africa:
— Doja HQ (@DojaHQs) March 20, 2026
“For a place that I never been to, I sure do feel like I’ve been here before. That’s whats special about South Africa.” pic.twitter.com/HvyaMKUoxV
And honestly, we felt it, too.
Welcome home, MaDlamini.