As 2023 winds down, critically acclaimed R&B artist SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, looks back on a transformative year for her career, sharing her reflections in a candid interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music.

The past twelve months saw SZA embark on an extensive global tour, a period she describes as deeply fulfilling due to the genuine connection with her audience. “The reason I’m in this, breaking my back, isn’t for fame or scrutiny. It’s for that real, tangible connection with people in the crowd,” she shared. This connection, a look into the eyes of her fans, has been the driving force behind her relentless efforts and the key to finding real meaning in her fame.

Despite her success, SZA has openly struggled with the complexities of fame. The constant public scrutiny and pressure to conform to external expectations have taken a toll, leading to moments of anxiety and a desire to retreat from the public eye. “I started experiencing panic attacks and emotional breakdowns at unexpected moments,” she admitted, expressing the challenges of being under the relentless gaze of the world.

2023 has been a year of accolades for SZA, with her album ‘SOS’ earning widespread acclaim from fans and peers alike. The overwhelming response led to an extension of her ‘SOS’ Tour, further cementing her status as a leading figure in contemporary music. Her contributions were recognized with three BET Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, a Billboard Woman of the Year award, two iHeart Radio Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and four Soul Train Awards.

Following her Grammy win in 2022, SZA is now eyeing nine nominations for the 2024 awards. Despite these significant milestones, she remains introspective about her ambitions. “I’ve achieved everything I never thought possible – from going platinum, meeting icons like Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and Frank Ocean, to winning a Grammy. What more could I aspire for?” she pondered, signaling a sense of fulfillment and achievement in her career.

SZA’s journey through 2023 has not just been one of professional triumph but also of personal growth and introspection. Her candidness about the struggles and joys of her career offers a rare glimpse into the life of an artist at the pinnacle of success, yet still navigating the complexities of self-identity and personal fulfillment.

As she moves forward, her story remains one of inspiration, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of authentic connection through music.

Ntianu Obiora
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Ntianu Obiora is a versatile creative professional with over a decade of experience in publishing, marketing, communications, and digital strategy. She is the Online Editor at THEWILL DOWNTOWN