Solána Imani Rowe, professionally known as SZA, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. She rose to fame with her self-released EPs, leading to her becoming the first female artist signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). With hit albums like Ctrl (2017) and SOS (2022), she has redefined modern R&B with her unique blend of soul, pop, and hip-hop influences.
SZA’s career skyrocketed with her five-time Grammy-winning success, and in 2025, she won Best R&B Song for “Saturn”. She has collaborated with Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Rihanna, and Beyoncé, solidifying her place among the industry’s elite. Beyond music, she made her acting debut in 2025 with the film One of Them Days and is set to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show alongside Kendrick Lamar.
In this article, we will explore SZA’s net worth, career, age, height, weight, family, relationships, physical appearance, lesser-known facts, and FAQs.
SZA Short Details
| Full Name | Solána Imani Rowe |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | SZA |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
| Hometown | Maplewood, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | November 8, 1989 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 35 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Genres | R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop |
| Labels | TDE, RCA |
| Notable Works | Ctrl (2017), SOS (2022), Lana (2024) |
| Awards | 5 Grammy Awards, Brit Award, Billboard Women in Music Award, and more |
| Website | szactrl.com |
Early Life and Education
SZA was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey. Her mother, Audrey Rowe, worked as an AT&T executive, and her father, Abdul Rowe, was a CNN editor. Raised in a Christian-Muslim household, she attended both Sunday school and Islamic school as a child.
During her early years, SZA wore a hijab but stopped after the 9/11 attacks due to bullying. She was an accomplished gymnast and cheerleader at Columbia High School before enrolling at Delaware State University to study marine biology. However, she dropped out in her final semester to pursue music.
Musical Career
2011-2014: Beginnings and EP Success
SZA’s music journey began in 2011, recording songs with friends and self-releasing her first two EPs, See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013). These gained underground buzz, leading to her signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2013—becoming their first female artist.
Her third EP, Z (2014), debuted at #39 on the Billboard 200, marking her breakthrough in the industry. She also co-wrote songs for Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj during this period.
2017-2019: Ctrl and Major Breakthrough
SZA’s debut album, Ctrl (2017), was a cultural phenomenon, featuring hits like “Love Galore”, “The Weekend”, and “Broken Clocks”. The album peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200, went triple platinum, and earned four Grammy nominations.
In 2018, she collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on “All the Stars”, which became a top-10 hit and earned an Oscar nomination. She also featured on Maroon 5’s “What Lovers Do”, landing her first Billboard Hot 100 top-10 hit.
2020-2023: SOS and Chart Domination
After a five-year gap, SZA released SOS (2022), which became an instant success:
- Spent 12 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200, a record for an R&B album.
- Featured five top-10 hits, including her first #1 single, “Kill Bill”.
- “Snooze” was the only song to chart on the Hot 100 for the entire year of 2023.
SZA won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Pop Duo Performance (“Kiss Me More” with Doja Cat).
2024-Present: Lana and Acting Debut
In December 2024, SZA released Lana, the deluxe version of SOS, featuring new singles like “Saturn”, “Drive”, and “BMF”. She won Best R&B Song at the 2025 Grammys for “Saturn”.
She also made her acting debut in 2025 in One of Them Days, a comedy film starring Keke Palmer.
Family and Relationships
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Audrey Rowe | Mother, AT&T Executive |
| Abdul Rowe | Father, CNN Editor |
| Daniel (Manhattan) | Brother, Rapper |
| Panya Rowe | Half-sister |
SZA dated Drake in 2009 and was engaged to a fashion designer for five years.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Tattoos | Yes |
| Piercings | Yes |
SZA Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2025, SZA has an estimated net worth of $20 million, earned from:
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Career | Album sales, streaming revenue, and touring |
| Songwriting | Co-wrote for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Doja Cat |
| Acting | Starred in One of Them Days (2025) |
| Endorsements | Brand deals, sponsorships |
| Merchandise | SZA-branded apparel and collaborations |
Lesser-Known Facts About SZA
- She was a gymnast and cheerleader in high school.
- She co-wrote “Consideration” for Rihanna’s Anti (2016).
- She wanted to be a marine biologist before pursuing music.
- She worked as a bartender and a dancer in NYC before signing with TDE.
- Her name “SZA” was inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and the Supreme Alphabet.
- She is set to perform at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show with Kendrick Lamar.
- Her song “Kill Bill” is inspired by the Quentin Tarantino movie.
- She practices meditation and is deeply spiritual.
- She struggled with anxiety and stage fright early in her career.
- She loves anime and often references it in her music.
FAQs About SZA
Q: What is SZA’s biggest hit?
A: Kill Bill (2023) and Good Days (2020).
Q: Has SZA won a Grammy?
A: Yes, she has five Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Song (2025) for “Saturn.”
Q: What is SZA’s net worth?
A: Estimated $20 million as of 2025.
Q: Is SZA acting now?
A: Yes, she made her acting debut in One of Them Days (2025).
Conclusion
SZA has redefined R&B, winning multiple awards, setting streaming records, and making her mark in Hollywood. With a 2025 Grammy win and a Super Bowl performance ahead, she continues to dominate the industry.
NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information. Readers should verify details from reliable sources.
