The second album by Solána Imani Rowe, released in 2022 under the title SOS, established a milestone as the first project by a woman to remain within the top ten of the Billboard 200 for 100 weeks. Born in 1989 in St. Louis, the American singer-songwriter has navigated the industry from her initial self-released projects to major international commercial success.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 8, 1989, Solána Imani Rowe grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey. Her family life was defined by the integration of her parents' differing faiths, with a Christian mother and a Muslim father. During her youth, Rowe attended both Sunday school and Muslim school, eventually wearing a hijab until middle school. Following the September 11 attacks, she stopped the practice due to concerns regarding bullying. She attended Columbia High School, where she was active in gymnastics, cheerleading, and the school's Special Dance Company. After graduating in 2008, she enrolled at Delaware State University to study marine biology but departed during her final semester to pursue music.
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Rowe adopted the stage name SZA, an acronym inspired by the Five Percent Nation and the rappers RZA and GZA. The 'S' represents savior or sovereign, while the letters represent Zig-Zag and Allah. In 2011, she met members of Top Dawg Entertainment while her boyfriend's clothing company sponsored a show featuring Kendrick Lamar. Impressed by the quality of her early work, the label signed her in 2013, marking her as its first female artist. She released her debut EP, See.SZA.Run, in 2012, followed by the EP S in 2013, which drew notice for its experimental, lo-fi sound.
Major Works and Collaborations
Her R&B debut album, Ctrl, arrived in 2017 to significant critical acclaim. She subsequently engaged in high-profile collaborations, including the track 'All the Stars' with Kendrick Lamar in 2018, which earned both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. Her 2021 collaboration 'Kiss Me More' with Doja Cat resulted in her first Grammy Award. The 2022 album SOS saw 'Kill Bill' reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100. By 2024, she released the deluxe reissue Lana, which featured tracks such as 'Saturn' and '30 for 30'. Throughout her career, she has co-written material for artists including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, St. Louis
- Stage name: SZA
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Columbia High School; Delaware State University
- Religion: Islam
- Notable works: One of Them Days, SOS, Ctrl, Z
- Primary occupations: singer, songwriter, composer
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the name SZA?
It is derived from the Supreme Alphabet used by the Five Percent Nation, with influence from Wu-Tang Clan members RZA and GZA.
How many Grammy Awards has SZA won?
She has earned seven Grammy Awards throughout her career.
Achievements
- Notable work: One of Them Days
- Worked as singer, songwriter and composer
