SZA is an American singer-songwriter widely regarded as one of the defining voices of contemporary R&B. Known for blending R&B, soul, hip-hop, alternative, indie, and pop influences, she has earned critical acclaim for emotionally honest songwriting and distinctive vocals. Since breaking into the mainstream with Ctrl in 2017, SZA has become one of the most commercially successful artists of her generation, winning multiple Grammy Awards and producing chart-topping hits including “Kill Bill,” “Snooze,” “Good Days,” and “Love Galore.” She continues to release new music, including her 2026 single “BOY IN RED.”
Quick Facts
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Solána Imani Rowe |
| Stage Name | SZA |
| Born | November 8, 1989 |
| Age | 36 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Raised In | Maplewood, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Genres | R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, alternative R&B |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
| Label | Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), RCA Records |
| Debut Studio Album | Ctrl (2017) |
| Breakthrough Song | Love Galore |
| Notable Albums | Ctrl, SOS, SOS Deluxe: LANA |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $15–25 million (public estimates vary) |
| Official Website | https://www.szasos.com |
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Early Life
- Education
- Career
- Timeline
- Major Achievements
- Awards
- Discography
- Acting Career
- Business Ventures
- Net Worth
- Personal Life
- Health
- Philanthropy
- Legacy
- Interesting Facts
- FAQs
Overview
SZA emerged from the independent music scene during the early 2010s after releasing a series of self-produced EPs. Her unique blend of confessional lyricism, experimental production, and genre-crossing sound quickly attracted attention from Top Dawg Entertainment.
Her debut studio album, Ctrl, became one of the most influential R&B albums of the decade. Its follow-up, SOS, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spent multiple weeks atop the chart while producing several global hits, including “Kill Bill” and “Snooze.”
Early Life
SZA was born Solána Imani Rowe on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri.
She grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, in a multicultural household. Her father worked as an executive producer at CNN, while her mother held an executive position at AT&T.
Following the September 11 attacks, SZA has spoken publicly about experiencing bullying due to wearing a hijab during parts of her childhood.
Education
SZA attended Columbia High School in Maplewood.
She later enrolled at Delaware State University to study marine biology but left before graduating.
Before becoming a full-time musician, she worked various retail jobs while developing her music career.
Career
Independent Beginnings (2011–2013)
SZA independently released:
- See.SZA.Run (2012)
- S (2013)
These projects generated significant online attention and led to her signing with Top Dawg Entertainment.
Breakthrough with Ctrl (2017)
Ctrl became one of the most acclaimed albums of 2017.
Major singles included:
- Love Galore
- The Weekend
- Broken Clocks
- Drew Barrymore
The album earned multiple Grammy nominations and remained on the Billboard 200 for years.
Global Stardom (2020–2024)
SZA released several successful singles before unveiling SOS.
Highlights include:
- Good Days
- I Hate U
- Shirt
- Kill Bill
- Snooze
SOS became a worldwide commercial success and established SZA among music’s biggest stars.
The expanded edition, SOS Deluxe: LANA, followed in 2024 with additional material.
Continued Success (2025–2026)
SZA remained highly active through collaborations, touring, acting, soundtrack work, and new releases.
Recent highlights include:
- Touring with Kendrick Lamar
- Acting debut in One of Them Days
- Grammy success for “Saturn”
- New soundtrack song “Save The Day”
- 2026 single “BOY IN RED”
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1989 | Born in Missouri |
| 2012 | Released See.SZA.Run |
| 2013 | Signed with Top Dawg Entertainment |
| 2014 | Released Z |
| 2017 | Released Ctrl |
| 2018 | Won widespread Grammy recognition |
| 2020 | Released “Good Days” |
| 2022 | Released SOS |
| 2023 | “Kill Bill” reached No. 1 |
| 2024 | Released SOS Deluxe: LANA |
| 2025 | Acting debut |
| 2026 | Released “BOY IN RED” |
Major Achievements
- Multi-Grammy Award winner
- Billboard No. 1 artist
- Multi-platinum albums
- One of the best-selling R&B artists of her generation
- Numerous Billboard Music Awards
- BET Awards winner
- American Music Awards recipient
Awards and Honors
Among her major honors are:
- Grammy Awards
- Billboard Music Awards
- BET Awards
- BET Hip Hop Awards
- Soul Train Music Awards
- MTV Video Music Awards nominations
- American Music Awards
Discography
Studio Albums
- Ctrl (2017)
- SOS (2022)
Deluxe Album
- SOS Deluxe: LANA (2024)
Notable Songs
- Kill Bill
- Snooze
- Good Days
- Saturn
- Shirt
- Broken Clocks
- Love Galore
- Nobody Gets Me
- The Weekend
- I Hate U
- All The Stars (with Kendrick Lamar)
Acting Career
SZA made her feature film acting debut in the comedy One of Them Days alongside Keke Palmer, expanding her career beyond music.
Business Ventures
In addition to music, SZA launched Not Beauty, a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand focused initially on lip glosses. The brand debuted through pop-up events during her concert tour.
Net Worth
Public estimates place SZA’s net worth between $15 million and $25 million, though the exact figure is not publicly confirmed.
Her income comes from:
- Music sales
- Streaming royalties
- Touring
- Merchandise
- Brand partnerships
- Acting
- Beauty business
Personal Life
SZA keeps much of her personal life private.
She has publicly discussed an 11-year relationship with a former fiancé, whom she credits with encouraging her early music career. She has not confirmed being married or having children.
Health
SZA has spoken publicly about undergoing cosmetic procedures and has openly discussed body image, self-confidence, and mental well-being. She generally maintains privacy regarding other aspects of her health.
Philanthropy
SZA has supported numerous charitable causes, including:
- Environmental awareness
- Animal welfare
- Mental health advocacy
- Community outreach
- Fan-focused charitable initiatives
Legacy and Influence
SZA is widely credited with helping redefine modern R&B by combining emotional vulnerability with innovative songwriting and genre-blending production. Her influence extends across contemporary pop, hip-hop, and soul music, inspiring a new generation of artists and songwriters.
Interesting Facts
- Her real name is Solána Imani Rowe.
- “SZA” is inspired by the Supreme Alphabet.
- She originally planned to become a marine biologist.
- She was signed by Top Dawg Entertainment in 2013.
- Ctrl became a modern R&B classic.
- “Kill Bill” became her first solo Billboard Hot 100 No. 1.
- She has collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Doja Cat, Drake, Maroon 5, and Rihanna.
- She won multiple Grammy Awards.
- She is known for blending multiple musical genres.
- She launched her own beauty brand, Not Beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is SZA?
An American Grammy-winning singer-songwriter.
What is SZA’s real name?
Solána Imani Rowe.
How old is SZA?
She is 36 years old (as of 2026).
When was SZA born?
November 8, 1989.
Where is SZA from?
St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Maplewood, New Jersey.
What is SZA famous for?
Her albums Ctrl and SOS and hit songs including “Kill Bill” and “Snooze.”
What genre does SZA perform?
Primarily R&B with influences from soul, hip-hop, indie, and pop.
What was SZA’s breakthrough album?
Ctrl (2017).
What is SZA’s biggest song?
“Kill Bill” is among her biggest commercial hits.
Has SZA won a Grammy?
Yes.
Is SZA an actress?
Yes. She made her feature film debut in One of Them Days.
What label is SZA signed to?
Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records.
What is SZA’s estimated net worth?
Public estimates range from $15 million to $25 million.
Does SZA have children?
She has not publicly confirmed having children.
What is SZA’s latest release?
As of 2026, her latest release is the single “BOY IN RED.”
