SZA, a renowned American R&B singer-songwriter and actress, has taken the music industry by storm with her soulful voice and captivating lyrics. Born Solána Imani Rowe on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was raised in Maplewood, New Jersey, in a mixed-faith household. Her father, Abdul Mubarak-Rowe, is Muslim, while her mother, Audrey Rowe, is Christian. This diverse upbringing has significantly influenced SZA's music and worldview.
SZA's ethnicity is African-American, with her mother having roots in the Bamileke ethnic group of Cameroon. Her father is also of African-American heritage, making SZA's background a rich blend of African-American and West African influences. She attended Columbia High School in Maplewood and later enrolled at Delaware State University, where she studied Marine Biology but did not graduate.
SZA's music career began to take shape when she signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2013, becoming the label's first female artist. Her breakthrough album, Ctrl, released in 2017, featured collaborations with notable artists such as Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and James Fauntleroy. The album launched her to global fame and established her as a rising star in the R&B scene.
Throughout her career, SZA has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. In February 2024, she won four awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Song and Best Progressive R&B Album. Her best-known singles include "Good Days," "Kill Bill," "Snooze," and "Nobody Gets Me."
In addition to her music, SZA has made headlines for her high-profile performances and collaborations. She co-headlined the Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar in 2025, which grossed over $350 million, making it the highest-grossing co-headlining tour in history. SZA also joined Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, one of the most-watched musical performances of the year.
SZA's achievements extend beyond her music and performances. In 2026, she was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, under the Performing Arts & Entertainment category. This honor solidifies her status as a celebrated artist and icon in the music industry.
As of 2026, SZA's net worth is estimated to be $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth and other sources. Her income comes from music streaming and album sales, concert touring, brand deals with major companies, and songwriting credits for notable artists like Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Key points
- SZA's real name is Solána Imani Rowe, and she was born on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri.
- SZA's ethnicity is African-American, with her mother having Cameroonian roots.
- SZA has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
