For the first time, Glastonbury features two female headliners. Dua Lipa performs on Friday, and US R&B star SZA will close the main stage on Sunday.
With billions of streams to her name, the 34-year-old is one of the most paid attention to specialists on the planet. Her 70 million monthly Spotify listeners put her nearly on par with fellow headliners Coldplay.
She might not be as well-known to UK audiences yet, but that could be about to change.
Here’s all you need to know about this superstar.
She got her stage name from RZA of Wu-Tang Clan
If you’re wondering how to pronounce SZA, it’s “sizzle” – kind of like “sizzle” or “scissor” without the last letter.
Born Solána Imani Rowe, the singer drew inspiration from RZA of Wu-Tang Clan for her stage name.
The abbreviation comes from the Incomparable Letter set, utilized by the Five Percent Country, a dark patriot development impacted by Islam.
The Z represents Crisscross, A represents Allah, and she’s referenced to Complex that the S can mean either hero or sovereign.
Her friends don’t call her SZA; they call her Sous. It’s almost like her second album name, SOS.
Her profession might have followed a different way
SZA’s debut album, Ctrl, earned her five Grammy nominations in 2017. However, her second album, SOS, catapulted her into superstar status.
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The album topped the Billboard charts for 10 weeks, though not all in a row, making it the most successful run for a female artist in the 2020s.
She was creating music long before she started breaking records.
Independent star! Her EPs got the attention of Kendrick Lamar’s mark chief, handling her arrangement in 2013.
Furthermore, she doesn’t just compose tunes for herself – she’s additionally made hits for Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, and Rihanna.
Her day job was completely different, as she had studied marine biology at university.
You’ve probably heard her before
TikTok and radio favorite! You probably won’t have the foggiest idea about the name, yet you know her voice.
Her streaming numbers are extraordinary. Her greatest track, “Kill Bill,” has been streamed almost 2 billion times on Spotify.
The song is an exaggerated break-up ballad where she humorously fantasizes about killing her ex and his new girlfriend.
R&B with nibble! Her verses investigate love, and life’s battles, all with snappy trustworthiness.
Her hits include “Good Days,” “Snooze,” and “Love Galore,” which features Travis Scott. She also teamed up with Kendrick Lamar for the Black Panther soundtrack, scoring a big hit with “All The Stars.”
Unexpected, yet invaluable treasure alert! Spot her voice on Doja Feline, The Weeknd, and Maroon 5 tracks.
She won’t restrict herself when it comes to music
Class drinking spree alert! SZA blends jazz legends in with rock and alt for a sound all her own.
Throughout her career, she’s said she doesn’t want to be stuck in just R&B.
In 2020, she told Wonderland, “Nobody does that to white people. No one ever criticizes Adele or Justin Bieber when they sing R&B with all their heart.”
Last year, she told The New York Times that people often categorize her as an R&B artist, but she believes she is versatile and capable of doing any genre.
Her last album was celebrated for blending various musical styles, drawing inspiration from soul, electronica, and indie rock.
Pitchfork gave the album an 8.7 out of 10, noting that while she stays true to R&B roots, she confidently dismisses the usual genre clichés.
She won a Brit Award, beating Taylor Swift.
Since Taylor Swift is so widely recognized, many people thought she would win the international artist award at this year’s Brit Awards.
In the end, SZA claimed the trophy, beating out Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Miley Cyrus.
This wasn’t an underdog victory. SZA’s album has been celebrated as a masterpiece, while Taylor Swift’s new releases in 2023 were just re-recordings of her previous albums, “1989” and “Speak Now.”
If anything, the Brits fixed what went wrong at the Grammys. SZA had the most nominations there (nine in total), but didn’t win any of the top awards.
In her acceptance speech, SZA suggested she would return to the UK very soon. Just a month later, she was announced as a headliner at Worthy Farm.
Emily Eavis is ‘excited’ about SZA’s set
When the Glastonbury line-up was announced in March, some people were wondering, and probably searching on Google, to find out who SZA was.
Even some of her fans wondered if it might be too soon in her career for her to be the main act.
Critics are eager to see her performance, and organizer Emily Eavis is thrilled to have SZA included in the lineup.
“It’s awesome to have SZA here since this is her most memorable time performing at Glastonbury,” she told Grazia.
Taking someone new on board can be challenging, but it’s also fascinating when they’re enthusiastic and full of great ideas, especially as we work out how to bring those ideas to life on the Pyramid stage.
Glastonbury is making some changes by featuring two women as headliners and shifting from its rock roots to better match the current music tastes of its audience.
She’s known for bringing out special guests
Olivia Rodrigo brought out Lily Allen, Kylie Minogue sang with Nick Cave, and Miley Cyrus had her dad Billy Ray and Lil Nas X join her for “Old Town Road.” Glastonbury always has some surprise guest appearances!
SZA has worked with many talented artists, including Doja Cat and Kendrick Lamar, who was a headliner at Glastonbury.
Fans at a New York City show last year were fortunate to hear Bridgers and Cardi B perform their collaborations, “Ghost in the Machine” and “I Do.”
Summer Walker and Lizzo have also joined her on stage, while Travis Scott made three appearances during SZA’s UK tour last year.
There will likely be a moment on Sunday night when someone will say, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage.”
Conclusion
SZA, a talented American singer-songwriter known for her soulful and eclectic music, is set to captivate audiences at Glastonbury. Her unique blend of R&B, neo-soul, and alternative music has garnered widespread acclaim. With powerful vocals and introspective lyrics, SZA’s performances promise to be both emotive and electric. She has earned multiple Grammy nominations and is celebrated for her innovative approach to contemporary music. As a headliner, SZA’s presence at Glastonbury is anticipated to be a highlight, showcasing her artistic depth and magnetic stage presence.
FAQ
SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, is an American singer-songwriter known for her genre-defying music that blends elements of R&B, soul, and alternative.
Grammy Nominations: SZA has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Urban Contemporary Album, and Best R&B Performance.
Impact of “Ctrl”: Her debut album “Ctrl” was praised for its introspective lyrics and innovative production, influencing a new wave of R&B music.
Collaborations: SZA has collaborated with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and Rihanna, expanding her influence across different genres.
SZA’s music is characterized by its raw honesty and emotional depth, often exploring themes of self-discovery, relationships, and empowerment. Her soulful vocals and genre-bending production set her apart in the contemporary music landscape.
Headlining at Glastonbury, one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals, signifies SZA’s rise to prominence and influence in the music industry. It reflects her impact on popular culture and her ability to connect with a global audience through her music.
