Solána Imani Rowe, globally recognized as SZA, has captivated audiences with her unique voice and introspective lyrics. Fans new and old are often curious about the woman behind the music, especially wondering: How Old Is Sza? Born on November 8, 1989, SZA is currently 34 years old. This places her firmly in the millennial generation, and her music often resonates with the experiences and emotions of this demographic. However, her journey to stardom wasn’t an overnight success, showcasing years of dedication and evolution in the music industry.
SZA’s foray into music gained momentum in 2011 when she made crucial connections while working in clothing retail, delivering items to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) artists. It was Terrence “Punch” Henderson, TDE’s co-president, who recognized her raw talent upon hearing her sing. This pivotal moment led to SZA becoming the first female artist to sign with TDE in 2013, after independently releasing her mixtape See.SZA.Run in 2012 and the EP S in 2013. These early projects laid the foundation for her distinctive sound and artistic identity.
Her stage name, SZA, pronounced “SIZZ-ah,” holds deeper meaning, derived from the Supreme Alphabet of the Five Percent Nation. As she explained in a 2018 interview, each letter represents a significant concept: “S” for Sovereign or Self, Savior; “Z” for Zig-Zag-Zig, symbolizing enlightenment and self-acknowledgment; and “A” for Allah, representing the most high. This carefully chosen moniker reflects her artistic depth and personal philosophy.
In 2014, SZA further solidified her enchanting, dreamlike sound with her second EP, Z. That same year marked her entry into mainstream collaborations, co-writing “Feeling Myself” for Nicki Minaj featuring Beyoncé, a testament to her growing influence and recognition within the industry. By 2016, she was featured on Rihanna’s acclaimed album ANTI, broadening her reach and collaborative portfolio.
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The year 2017 marked a turning point with the release of Ctrl, SZA’s debut studio album. This album, characterized by its contemporary rhythm-and-blues sound, delved into themes of romance, nostalgia, and insecurity, striking a chord with listeners worldwide. Featuring popular tracks like “Broken Clocks,” “The Weekend,” and “Love Galore,” Ctrl soared to number one on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and number three on the Billboard 200 chart. Critically acclaimed, it garnered several Grammy Award nominations, cementing her status as a major musical force. In 2018, she collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars” for the Black Panther soundtrack, earning Grammy and Academy Award nominations, further highlighting her versatility and appeal across genres. Notably, despite being in her late twenties during this period, SZA’s music resonated with a youthful audience while showcasing a maturity in lyrical content and vocal delivery that belied any specific age bracket.
Post-Ctrl, SZA continued to evolve, releasing singles and collaborating with diverse artists such as Justin Timberlake, Cardi B, and Post Malone. Her collaboration with Doja Cat on “Kiss Me More” became a massive hit in 2021, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing her first Grammy Award for best pop duo/group performance. In 2022, she released her highly anticipated second studio album, SOS. This album featured “Kill Bill,” her highest-charting song to date, demonstrating her continued growth and evolution as an artist well into her early thirties. In 2024, at 34 years old, SZA received an impressive nine Grammy nominations, the most of any artist that year. SOS was honored as best progressive R&B album, and “Snooze” won best R&B song. She also won another Grammy for best pop duo/group performance for “Ghost in the Machine” with Phoebe Bridgers, showcasing her enduring relevance and critical acclaim as she navigates her thirties.
SZA’s journey, from her birth in 1989 to her current status as a Grammy-winning artist, is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and artistic growth. Knowing how old is SZA provides context to her impressive achievements and ongoing impact on the contemporary music scene.
