Brief Introduction of SZA
Solána Imani Rowe, globally recognized by her stage name SZA (pronounced “Siz-ah”), is an American singer-songwriter who has profoundly influenced contemporary R&B and popularized alternative R&B. Born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, SZA is celebrated for her diaristic lyrics, genre-exploring sound, and vulnerable storytelling [1, 17, 20]. Her unique artistic approach has cemented her status as a prominent figure in modern music, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated global fanbase. SZA’s distinctive style blends elements of R&B, hip-hop, soul, pop, and rock, making her a versatile and compelling artist [1, 20].
SZA Overview
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Solána Imani Rowe [1, 17] |
| Stage Name | SZA (pronounced “Siz-ah”) [1, 2, 13] |
| Date of Birth | November 8, 1989 [1, 6, 17] |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 35 years old [1, 6] |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. [1, 6, 17] |
| Hometown | Maplewood, New Jersey, U.S. [1, 17] |
| Nationality | American [1] |
| Ethnicity | African-American [24] |
| Parents | Audrey Rowe (mother), Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe (father) [1, 21] |
| Siblings | Panya Rowe (older half-sister), Daniel “Manhattan” Rowe (brother) [1, 21, 24] |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) [5] |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Music Video Director, Actress [1, 16] |
| Genres | R&B, Alternative R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop, Soul [1, 20] |
| Years Active | 2011–present [1] |
| Labels | Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), RCA Records [1] |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated $12 million [9, 10, 15] |
| Associated Acts | Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, Travis Scott, Rihanna, Beyoncé [1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16] |
| Website | szactrl.com, szasos.com [1] |
Early Life and Education of SZA
Solána Imani Rowe was born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Audrey Rowe and Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe [1, 21]. Her formative years were spent in Maplewood, New Jersey, a diverse suburban town that shaped her worldview [1, 17, 21]. Her father worked as an executive producer at CNN, while her mother held an executive position at AT&T, exposing SZA to various professional backgrounds and a blend of cultures from a young age [1, 7, 21]. SZA has a half-sister, Panya, who is eleven years older, and a brother named Daniel, who is a rapper known as Manhattan [1, 6, 21, 24]. The age gap with her siblings led to a somewhat lonely childhood, where she often found solace in music [8, 30].
SZA was raised in an Orthodox Muslim household, a significant influence on her early life and personal style [7, 14, 18, 30]. She attended a Muslim preparatory school in addition to her regular education and wore a hijab during elementary and early middle school [3, 8, 14, 30]. However, following the September 11 attacks, she experienced bullying and stopped wearing the hijab, later openly discussing the emotional abuse she faced due to Islamophobia [3, 14, 30]. Despite these challenges, she has maintained her connection to her faith, still fasting for Ramadan annually and stating, “I’ll feel most comfortable with Islam forever” [14, 18, 20].
Growing up, SZA was exposed to a wide array of musical genres through her parents. Her mother enjoyed R&B and church music, while her father was a fan of jazz and funk artists like Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, and John Coltrane [1, 3, 20]. Her sister introduced her to melodic rap and hip-hop, fostering an eclectic musical taste that would later define her artistry [1, 3].
Athletically gifted, SZA was a dedicated gymnast for 13 years, even ranking fifth in the nation in 2005 as a sophomore in high school [13, 14]. She attended Columbia High School, the same alma mater as Lauryn Hill [3, 13, 14]. After high school, she initially pursued higher education, studying marine biology at Delaware State University and attending two other institutions before dropping out [3, 7, 8, 14]. Her journey into music began almost by accident, recording songs to pass the time after leaving college, with no initial intention of making it a career [7, 14].
SZA’s Career
SZA’s music career officially began in the early 2010s, initially as a hobby rather than a planned profession [1, 7, 13]. She self-released her debut extended play (EP), See.SZA.Run, on October 29, 2012, followed by her second EP, S, in April 2013 [1, 2, 37]. These independent releases garnered positive reviews and caught the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) [1, 2]. She first met TDE members during a Kendrick Lamar concert in 2011, and after TDE co-president Terrence “Punch” Henderson was impressed by her music, she became the label’s first female artist in 2013 [1, 2, 7, 14].
Through TDE, SZA released her third EP, Z, on April 8, 2014, which marked her chart debut in the UK [1, 4]. Throughout 2014, she collaborated on tracks with labelmates like Isaiah Rashad and Schoolboy Q [1]. A significant early career moment was co-writing “Feeling Myself” for Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé in 2014, and being featured on Rihanna’s “Consideration” in 2016, a song initially intended for her own album [1, 4, 9, 14].
SZA’s breakthrough arrived with her critically acclaimed debut studio album, Ctrl, released on June 9, 2017 [1, 2, 4, 16]. Despite facing delays and undergoing multiple creative iterations, Ctrl was a commercial and critical success [1, 13]. It debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, was certified triple platinum by the RIAA, and garnered five Grammy Award nominations in 2018, including Best New Artist [1, 4, 13, 32, 34]. The album featured hit singles like “Love Galore” (featuring Travis Scott), “The Weekend,” and “Broken Clocks,” all achieving multi-platinum certifications [16, 34]. Ctrl holds the record for the longest run on the Billboard 200 for any Black female artist’s debut album [1, 32].
Following Ctrl, SZA maintained her presence with notable collaborations. In 2018, she collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the Grammy-nominated and Oscar-nominated hit “All the Stars” for the Black Panther soundtrack [1, 4, 11, 29]. She also featured on Maroon 5’s “What Lovers Do” in 2017 [4, 16, 29].
After a five-year hiatus from solo album releases, SZA unveiled her highly anticipated second studio album, SOS, on December 9, 2022 [1, 2, 37]. SOS was an even bigger smash hit, topping the Billboard 200 for multiple weeks and breaking numerous chart records [1, 2]. It became the first album by a woman to spend 100 weeks in the Billboard 200’s top 10 and surpassed Adele’s 21 and Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the longest run in the US top-10 by a Black musician [1]. The album’s fifth single, “Kill Bill,” became SZA’s first chart-topper on the Billboard Hot 100 [1, 2, 39]. SOS earned her four Grammy Awards in 2024, including Best Progressive R&B Album [2, 11, 32].
SZA continued her success in 2024 and 2025 with the release of the deluxe reissue of SOS, titled Lana, which featured new top-10 singles “Saturn” and “30 for 30” [1, 2, 36]. Her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “Luther” also became her longest-running US number-one [1, 2]. In 2025, she embarked on the Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar, marking it as the highest-grossing co-headlining tour in history [1, 15, 37].
Beyond music, SZA made her film acting debut in the 2025 buddy comedy One of Them Days, starring alongside Keke Palmer [9, 15, 33]. Her influence extends to environmental activism, launching a sustainable clothing line in 2020 to raise awareness about ocean pollution [7].
SZA Personal Life & Family
Solána Imani Rowe, known as SZA, generally keeps her personal life private, though elements of her experiences frequently inspire her deeply personal and diaristic songwriting [1, 20]. Born to parents Audrey Rowe and Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe, SZA grew up in an interfaith household; her mother is Christian, and her father is Muslim [18, 24, 30]. This dual religious exposure and her Orthodox Muslim upbringing have significantly shaped her values and perspectives [18, 30]. She has spoken about navigating her faith, particularly after the September 11 attacks, which led her to stop wearing a hijab due to bullying [3, 14, 30]. Despite past challenges, she maintains a practicing Muslim faith and observes Ramadan [14, 18].
SZA has two siblings: an older half-sister, Panya Rowe, and a brother, Daniel Rowe, who is a rapper [1, 6, 21, 24]. She has described her childhood as somewhat lonely due to the age gap with her siblings [8, 30].
Regarding relationships, SZA has been candid about past romantic experiences, often detailing heartbreak and complex emotions in her music [20, 36]. She was previously engaged to an unnamed fashion designer for five years, a relationship that lasted for 11 years on and off, and she credited him with encouraging her to pursue music [27]. In a 2024 London concert, she revealed that a former boyfriend had cheated on her in the city, an experience that caused her significant sadness [27]. She has also openly discussed a past relationship where she fell in love with someone she now describes as an “opp” (an adversary), finding the experience “so embarrassing” [36]. While there have been rumors about her sexuality and relationships with other public figures, such as Kehlani, SZA has never publicly commented on her sexuality or confirmed any such relationships [27]. She has expressed a desire to have children, emphasizing that she doesn’t feel a necessity for a traditional family unit as much as she would love to be a mother [24].
SZA’s lifestyle often reflects her comfort-focused approach to fashion, preferring comfortable attire over trendy styles [18]. She also has a passion for marine biology and environmental activism, even launching a sustainable clothing line [7, 14]. These interests underscore her multifaceted personality beyond her musical persona.
Awards and Achievements of SZA
SZA has received extensive recognition throughout her career for her groundbreaking contributions to music. She has won 77 awards from 256 nominations, including five Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe nomination, and an Academy Award nomination [3, 11, 19].
| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Soul Train Music Awards | Best New Artist | Herself | Won [19, 32] |
| 2018 | Grammy Awards | Best New Artist | Herself | Nominated [1, 29, 34] |
| 2018 | Grammy Awards | Best Urban Contemporary Album | Ctrl | Nominated [34] |
| 2018 | Grammy Awards | Best R&B Song | “Supermodel” | Nominated [34] |
| 2018 | Grammy Awards | Best R&B Performance | “The Weekend” | Nominated [34] |
| 2018 | Grammy Awards | Best Rap/Sung Performance | “Love Galore” (feat. Travis Scott) | Nominated [34] |
| 2018 | BET Awards | Best New Artist | Herself | Won [19, 32] |
| 2019 | Grammy Awards | Best Song Written for Visual Media | “All the Stars” (with Kendrick Lamar) | Nominated [1, 34] |
| 2019 | Academy Awards | Best Original Song | “All the Stars” (with Kendrick Lamar) | Nominated [1, 4, 11] |
| 2019 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Original Song | “All the Stars” (with Kendrick Lamar) | Nominated [1, 4, 11] |
| 2019 | Billboard Women in Music | Rule Breaker Award | Herself | Won [32] |
| 2022 | Grammy Awards | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “Kiss Me More” (with Doja Cat) | Won [1, 2, 3, 11, 32, 34] |
| 2023 | Billboard Women in Music | Woman of the Year | Herself | Won [3, 32] |
| 2024 | Grammy Awards | Best Progressive R&B Album | SOS | Won [2, 11, 31, 32] |
| 2024 | Grammy Awards | Best R&B Song | “Snooze” | Won [31, 32, 34] |
| 2024 | Grammy Awards | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | “Ghost in the Machine” (with Phoebe Bridgers) | Won [32, 34] |
| 2025 | Grammy Awards | Best R&B Song | “Saturn” | Won [3] |
| Various | American Music Awards | Multiple categories | Various works | 3 Wins [3, 11, 19] |
| Various | MTV Video Music Awards | Multiple categories | Various works | 4 Wins [3, 11, 19] |
| Various | Billboard Music Awards | Multiple categories | Various works | 8 Wins [3, 11, 19] |
| Various | BET Awards | Multiple categories | Various works | 7 Wins [3, 11, 19] |
| Various | Soul Train Music Awards | Multiple categories | Various works | 6 Wins [11, 19] |
SZA Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, SZA’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million [9, 10, 15]. Her income primarily stems from her successful career as a singer and songwriter, encompassing various revenue streams.
Music Sales and Streaming: Her albums Ctrl and SOS have been major commercial successes. Ctrl sold over 2 million copies worldwide, generating approximately $3 million from combined album sales, streams, and royalties [10]. The record-breaking performance of SOS significantly contributed to her wealth through massive streaming numbers and sales [15]. It’s estimated that streaming alone contributes approximately $600,000 annually to her earnings [10].
Touring: SZA’s live performances and tours are significant income generators. Her Ctrl Tour reportedly grossed an estimated $5 million worldwide [10]. The SOS Tour was a massive success, grossing $34.5 million [15]. Her headline tours in 2023 reportedly earned up to $1 million per leg, confirming her status as a live powerhouse [10]. The 2025 Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar is noted as the highest-grossing co-headlining tour in history, further boosting her touring income [1, 15].
Songwriting and Collaborations: SZA is a prolific songwriter, having written for other major artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott [9, 15]. These writing credits, such as for Beyoncé’s “Feeling Myself” or Rihanna’s “Consideration,” can earn her substantial royalties and upfront fees, estimated between $50,000 to $100,000 per song for high-profile credits, potentially totaling $500,000 to $1 million over her career [15]. Her numerous collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, and Justin Timberlake also contribute significantly to her earnings [1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16].
Brand Endorsements and Ventures: SZA diversifies her income through brand endorsement deals with companies such as Mastercard, Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS, Crocs, Fenty Beauty, and Puma, adding around $1 million to her earnings [5, 10, 15, 16]. She also has business ventures, including a clothing company called Ctrl Fishing, and in 2025, she launched Not Beauty, a fashion and beauty line exclusive to her Grand National Tour, which could generate significant revenue [5, 15, 33].
Acting: Her acting debut in the 2025 film One of Them Days has also added to her revenue streams, with the movie performing well at the box office [9, 15].
SZA owns a home in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains in California, though its specific value has not been disclosed [5]. Her financial success is partly attributed to a favorable record deal with Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records, which reportedly gives her a 70/30 split in her favor [9].
Legacy and Influence
SZA’s impact on contemporary R&B and popular music is profound, solidifying her legacy as a groundbreaking artist who redefined the genre. She is widely regarded as a prominent figure in influencing contemporary R&B music and popularizing alternative R&B [1]. Her unique blend of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop, coupled with her raw, honest, and diaristic lyricism, has resonated deeply with audiences, particularly young women, who connect with her vulnerable exploration of themes like heartbreak, sexuality, and self-image [1, 20].
Her debut album, Ctrl (2017), became a cultural touchstone, recognized for its honesty and remaining on the Billboard 200 chart for an extended period, setting a record for any Black female artist’s debut album [1, 32]. Rolling Stone ranked it among the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” in 2020 [29]. Her second album, SOS (2022), further cemented her status, breaking numerous chart records and proving her versatility by incorporating genres like rap, rock, and pop, demonstrating her desire to transcend the “R&B artist” label [1]. Critics have lauded SOS as a multi-genre work that surpassed expectations and was a product of her versatility [1].
SZA’s influence extends beyond her solo work. She has been a sought-after collaborator, working with industry giants like Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, Travis Scott, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, showcasing her versatility and broad appeal [1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16]. Her collaborations have not only produced major hits but also introduced her to wider audiences and film award nominations [1, 11]. She is often lauded as a “voice of this generation,” capable of connecting with listeners on a profound level, as seen with her song “Good Days” becoming an anthem of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic [7, 32].
Her public image is often characterized by authenticity and comfort. She is known for her comfort-focused style, prioritizing personal comfort over fleeting trends, a reflection of her modest upbringing [18]. SZA uses her platform to advocate for authenticity, self-expression, and mental health, partnering with brands like Crocs to support meaningful causes [16]. She has also shown a commitment to environmental activism, launching a sustainable clothing line in 2020 and raising awareness about ocean pollution [7]. Her unique songwriting process, often beginning with freestyles, allows for a raw and genuine expression that contributes to her distinctive sound [18].
Interesting Facts about SZA
- Her stage name, SZA, is an acronym derived from the Supreme Alphabet, part of the Nation of Gods and Earths spiritual movement [2, 6, 13, 17, 24]. ‘S’ stands for Sovereign or Savior, ‘Z’ for Zig-Zag (meaning enlightenment or knowledge), and ‘A’ for Allah or Alpha [2, 6, 17, 18, 24].
- Before pursuing music, SZA was an accomplished gymnast for 13 years, ranking fifth in the nation in 2005 as a high school sophomore [13, 14]. She gave up the sport after realizing she wouldn’t make it to the Olympics [14].
- She originally aspired to study marine biology and attended three different colleges before dropping out to focus on music [3, 7, 8, 14].
- SZA worked various blue-collar jobs, including at Sephora, before receiving her first music paycheck at age 23 [13, 14].
- Her mother nicknamed her “Chickabee” after a character from the 1994 film Nell [1].
- SZA’s songwriting process often begins with freestyles rather than traditional writing, contributing to the spontaneous and authentic feel of her music [18].
- She has co-written songs for major artists like Beyoncé (“Feeling Myself”), Nicki Minaj (“Feeling Myself”), and Rihanna (“Consideration”) [1, 4, 9, 15].
- SZA and singer Lizzo once considered starting a rock band, an idea that inspired their collaboration on the song “F2F” from her album SOS [3].
- She is still a practicing Muslim and fasts for Ramadan every year, despite experiencing bullying related to her faith after 9/11 [14, 18].
- The iconic album cover for her second studio album, SOS, was inspired by a photograph of Princess Diana [14].
- SZA made her film acting debut in the 2025 buddy comedy One of Them Days [9, 15].
Controversies
Throughout her career, SZA has faced a few notable challenges and discussions, primarily revolving around album delays and the lyrical content of some of her songs.
Album Delays and Label Tensions: The period between her debut album Ctrl (2017) and her sophomore album SOS (2022) was marked by significant delays and apparent tensions with her record label, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) [1, 2]. SZA publicly expressed her frustrations, tweeting in 2020, “At this point y’all gotta ask Punch” (referring to TDE president Terrence “Punch” Henderson), and mentioning that she was consistently told “soon” regarding new music releases [1]. These public comments highlighted a challenging relationship with her label, with SZA even considering quitting music if the reception to SOS were negative [1].
Lyrical Content of “The Weekend”: Upon the release of Ctrl, the song “The Weekend” generated discussion and some backlash on social media [38]. The lyrics, which portray SZA as a “side chick” in a relationship (“how you want me when you got a girl,” “my man is my man is your man… heard it’s her man too”), led to online criticism [38]. However, SZA addressed these comments, stating that in the song, she was “opting in” and aware of the situation, choosing not to be the man’s girlfriend, and viewing the scenario as common and not inherently negative [38].
“Kill Bill” Lyrics: Her 2022 hit single “Kill Bill” also sparked conversation due to its explicit lyrical content, particularly the line, “I might kill my ex” [39]. SZA later reflected on the harshness of the words, humorously stating, “Oh my God. It’s like, after I said that, I was like, ‘That was so crazy and harsh,’ ” adding that she was “just randomly slightly enraged” during its creation [39]. Despite the controversial lyric, the song became a global chart-topper [1, 39].
Relationship Revelations: While generally private about her romantic life, SZA has shared insights that have garnered attention. In 2024, during a London concert, she revealed that a past boyfriend had cheated on her in the city, an experience she described as “horrible” [27]. More recently, in August 2024, she posted on social media about the “embarrassing” experience of falling in love with an “opp” – someone who did not have her best interests at heart [36]. These candid confessions, while personal, occasionally fuel public speculation and discussion around her dating history, including past rumored connections with artists like Drake [36]. SZA has never publicly confirmed or commented on her sexuality [27].
Social Media Presence
SZA maintains a significant and engaged presence across major social media platforms, connecting with her millions of fans worldwide. Her authentic and candid style often translates to her online interactions.
- Instagram: As of August 2025, SZA’s Instagram account (@sza) boasts a substantial following, with various sources reporting between 12.4 million and 23.5 million followers [22, 23, 25, 33, 35]. Her engagement rate is noted as high, with an average of over 1 million likes per post [23, 33, 35]. She uses the platform to share personal updates, promote her music, and engage with her audience.
- YouTube: SZA’s official YouTube channel (@sza) has cultivated a massive audience, with approximately 6.28 million to 6.37 million subscribers as of August 2025 [12, 26, 28]. Her videos have accumulated over 4.5 billion total views [12, 28]. The channel serves as a primary hub for her music videos, official audios, and other visual content, contributing significantly to her digital presence and earnings [12, 28].
- Twitter/X: While specific follower counts for Twitter/X were not consistently available across recent sources for August 2025, SZA has historically used the platform for more direct communication, sharing thoughts, and addressing fan inquiries, including past frustrations with album releases [1].
Her strong online presence allows her to directly interact with her fanbase, share her artistic vision, and promote her various projects, including music, fashion, and acting endeavors.
Final Words about SZA
SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, has established herself as an undeniable force in contemporary music, revered for her unparalleled ability to blend genres and deliver raw, emotionally resonant narratives. As of 2025, her status is more solidified than ever, marked by record-breaking albums like Ctrl and SOS, a string of chart-topping singles, and an impressive collection of awards, including multiple Grammy wins [1, 2, 3]. Her music continues to resonate globally, exploring universal themes of love, vulnerability, and self-discovery with an authenticity that has garnered her a devoted following.
Her legacy is defined not just by commercial success but by her profound influence on the sound and lyrical depth of modern R&B, pushing its boundaries and inspiring a new generation of artists [1]. SZA’s impact extends beyond the musical realm, with her commitment to environmental advocacy and her candid approach to personal struggles contributing to her public image as a genuine and socially conscious artist [7, 14, 16].
Looking ahead, SZA shows no signs of slowing down. The success of her SOS deluxe reissue, Lana, and the ongoing, record-breaking Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar, indicate a continued trajectory of artistic and commercial triumph [1, 15]. Her recent foray into acting with One of Them Days also suggests an expansion of her creative ventures, indicating that audiences can expect to see SZA continue to evolve and make her mark across various artistic disciplines [9, 15]. With her distinct voice, compelling storytelling, and unwavering commitment to her art, SZA remains a vital and enduring icon in the global entertainment landscape.