SZA has captivated audiences worldwide with her distinctive voice and genre-bending music. As fans delve into her mesmerizing albums Ctrl and SOS, a common question arises: Where Is Sza From? Understanding an artist’s background can enrich our appreciation of their work. SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, hails from St. Louis, Missouri, and spent her formative years in Maplewood, New Jersey. This blend of locations shaped the artist we know today.
Her journey into music gained momentum in 2011 when Rowe made pivotal connections that would bolstered her burgeoning career. While working in clothing retail and making deliveries, fate intervened when she encountered members of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). TDE, the independent record label powerhouse behind artists like Kendrick Lamar, recognized her raw talent. Terrence “Punch” Henderson, TDE’s co-president, was immediately struck by a recording of her singing. This chance encounter led to a significant turning point. In 2013, after independently releasing her mixtape See.SZA.Run in 2012 and the EP S in 2013, SZA officially became the first female artist to sign with TDE, solidifying her place in the music industry.
Her artistic name, SZA, pronounced “SIZZ-ah,” is more than just a catchy moniker. It’s an acronym deeply rooted in meaning. Derived from the Supreme Alphabet, a system created by Clarence 13X, the founder of the Five Percent Nation, each letter carries symbolic weight. As SZA herself explained in a 2018 interview, “The S stands for Sovereign or Self, Savior; the Z stands for Zig-Zag-Zig, representing enlightenment and self-acknowledgment; and the A represents the most high of all,” referencing Allah. This carefully chosen name reflects a deeper dimension to her artistry.
In 2014, SZA continued to refine her sound and build her discography with the release of her second EP, Z. Like her previous projects, Z showcased her signature dreamlike and enchanting sonic landscape, further solidifying her unique style within the contemporary R&B scene. That same year marked her entry into mainstream collaborations as she co-wrote “Feeling Myself,” a track performed by Nicki Minaj featuring Beyoncé, demonstrating her growing influence and versatility as a songwriter. By 2016, her presence in the industry was undeniable, leading to a feature on Rihanna’s critically acclaimed album ANTI, further expanding her reach and collaborative portfolio.
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2017 marked a pivotal year with the release of Ctrl, SZA’s debut studio album. This album showcased a contemporary rhythm-and-blues sound while delving into relatable themes of romance, nostalgia, and personal insecurity. Ctrl resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, featuring popular tracks such as “Broken Clocks,” “The Weekend,” and “Love Galore.” The album soared to number one on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart, earning her multiple Grammy Award nominations and cementing her status as a major force in music. In 2018, she collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars,” the powerful anthem for the Black Panther movie soundtrack. This collaboration garnered further Grammy nominations and even an Academy Award nomination, highlighting her crossover appeal. Notably, she joined Lamar again in 2025 for a performance during the Super Bowl halftime show, headlined by Lamar.
Following the success of Ctrl, SZA continued to release singles and collaborate with a diverse range of prominent artists, including Justin Timberlake, Cardi B, and Post Malone. Her collaboration with Doja Cat on “Kiss Me More” proved exceptionally successful, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2021 and earning SZA her first Grammy Award for best pop duo/group performance. In 2022, anticipation culminated in the release of her second studio album, SOS. This album featured “Kill Bill,” which became the highest-charting song of her career, showcasing her continued evolution and artistic growth. In 2024, SZA received an impressive nine Grammy nominations, the most of any artist that year, underscoring her critical and commercial acclaim. SOS was honored as best progressive R&B album, and the single “Snooze” won best R&B song. She also secured another Grammy for best pop duo/group performance for “Ghost in the Machine,” a collaboration with Phoebe Bridgers. From her Missouri roots and New Jersey upbringing to global stardom, SZA’s journey is a testament to her talent and relentless dedication to her craft.
