SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, is an accomplished American singer, songwriter, and music video director with a net worth of $12 million. Born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, she later moved to Maplewood, New Jersey. After debuting her album Ctrl in 2017, SZA quickly garnered critical acclaim. The album reached remarkable milestones, including topping the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and reaching #2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. In 2020, Ctrl was included in Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” SZA has also contributed to Grammy-winning hits, including her collaboration with Doja Cat on “Kiss Me More” and her Oscar-nominated track “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar from the Black Panther soundtrack.
Early Life and Background
SZA was raised in a diverse household; her mother was a Christian executive at AT&T, and her father worked as an executive producer at CNN. She was exposed to both Christian and Muslim cultures while growing up. Her older brother, Daniel, is a rapper known as Manhattan, and she also has a half-sister named Tiffany. SZA spent much of her childhood attending a Muslim prep school, where her life changed after the tragic events of 9/11. Following the attacks, she stopped wearing her hijab after experiencing bullying from classmates.
During her time at Columbia High School, she participated in cheerleading and gymnastics. After graduating in 2008, she pursued marine biology at Delaware State University but ultimately left school before finishing her degree. It was during this period that SZA met Terrence “Punch” Henderson, co-president of Top Dawg Entertainment, which led her to pursue a career in music. Her stage name, SZA, is derived from the Supreme Alphabet, symbolizing “Self-savior, Zig-zag-zig, Allah.”
Career Beginnings and Breakthroughs
SZA began her music career by independently releasing two EPs, See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013). She made a name for herself when she signed with Top Dawg Entertainment in 2013, becoming the label’s first female artist. The following year, SZA released her third EP, Z, which reached #5 on the Billboard R&B chart. It featured collaborations with notable artists like Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper. In 2016, she co-wrote Rihanna’s song “Consideration,” which she performed with Rihanna at the BRIT Awards.
SZA’s breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of her debut studio album, Ctrl. The album produced hits like “Love Galore” featuring Travis Scott, which achieved 5x Platinum certification, and “The Weekend,” which went 4x Platinum. “Broken Clocks” also received a Platinum certification. Ctrl was a commercial and critical success, going 2x Platinum in the U.S. and New Zealand and earning Gold certifications in several countries.
Collaborations and Continued Success
In 2017, SZA was featured on Maroon 5’s hit single “What Lovers Do,” which became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The same year, SZA received five Grammy nominations and teamed up with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars” for the Black Panther soundtrack. The song performed well internationally and earned nominations from prestigious institutions, including the Academy Awards and Golden Globes.
The following year, SZA continued her collaborations, appearing on Cardi B’s “I Do” and DJ Khaled’s “Just Us.” In 2020, she worked with Justin Timberlake on the track “The Other Side” for the Trolls World Tour soundtrack and released “Hit Different” and “Good Days.” Both songs were highly successful, earning Platinum or higher certifications. In 2021, SZA’s collaboration with Doja Cat on “Kiss Me More” earned her a Grammy award and achieved multi-Platinum status in Australia.
Viral Success and New Music
SZA’s popularity skyrocketed in 2021 when her song “I Hate U” went viral on TikTok. She later released the track as a single, and it topped the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. That same year, she released a new version of Ctrl to mark its fifth anniversary, further cementing her place in the music industry. Her ability to adapt to the changing music while maintaining her signature style continues to contribute to her growing net worth.
Philanthropy and Partnerships
Outside of music, SZA has worked with brands like Crocs. In 2022, she partnered with a footwear company to design two custom shoes. The proceeds from the sales were donated to various mental health organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Sad Girls Club, and the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. SZA’s focus on promoting mental health awareness highlights her commitment to social causes and her desire to use her platform for positive change. She also enlisted social advocates to help promote self-care and mental health, further deepening her influence.
Award Recognition and Nominations
SZA’s music career has been marked by an impressive list of accolades. In 2019, she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) for her work on “All the Stars” from Black Panther. The song was a major achievement, earning multiple nominations and awards. Over the years, SZA has been nominated for more than a dozen Grammys. Notably, she won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Kiss Me More” in 2022, a collaboration with Doja Cat.
SZA has also received numerous other awards, including Billboard Music Awards for Top R&B Female Artist in 2021 and Top Viral Song for “Kiss Me More” in 2022. She won the Rulebreaker Award at the 2018 Billboard Women in Music Awards and various accolades from the American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. Additionally, she received awards for her songwriting and performances, including recognition from the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards, BET Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards.
Ongoing Influence and Legacy
SZA’s impact on the music industry is undeniable as she continues to evolve and influence modern R&B music. Her unique blend of soul, alternative R&B, and pop has resonated with fans worldwide. Despite her success, SZA remains grounded and continues to produce music that pushes boundaries. Her ability to maintain a strong connection with her audience through vulnerable songwriting and collaborations with other top artists only adds to her reputation as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.
SZA’s continued success in both music and philanthropic efforts ensures that her net worth will continue to grow, along with her impact on the culture. From her early beginnings to her current status as a Grammy-winning artist, SZA’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination.
