SZA, the Grammy Award-winning artist whose real name is Solana Imani Rowe, has been one of the most successful figures in modern music since the release of her debut album Ctrl in 2017. Despite her accomplishments, the 35-year-old singer admits that fame is something she never fully anticipated. As she prepares to make her acting debut in the upcoming film One of Them Days, alongside established actress and former child star Keke Palmer, SZA reflects on the challenges that come with public scrutiny.
In an interview with Extra, SZA shared her discomfort with fame, revealing that she often feels “insulated by beautiful energy” but also struggles to be comfortable with the constant attention. She noted how others, like Keke Palmer, seem to effortlessly handle being in the spotlight, thanks to the coping mechanisms they’ve developed over time. Palmer, known for her long-standing career, has built a network of support and strategies that help her stay calm under pressure. In contrast, SZA admits she finds it difficult to navigate the world of fame, especially when it comes to being “examined” in such a public way.
SZA, who came from a “regular” life before entering the music industry, acknowledged the unexpected nature of her rise to fame. She pointed out that when she first embarked on her career, she had no idea what she was truly signing up for. “Fame is so weird and people be actin’ like it’s normal,” she said, adding that people often tell her, “That’s what you signed up for,” but for SZA, the reality of fame was something she could never fully prepare for.
Having had a more private life before her career took off, the transition to being constantly under the public eye has been challenging. SZA explained that fame wasn’t something she sought out, and she finds it hard to adjust to the idea of always being watched. The expectation of constant visibility has made her question the concept of fame itself, especially as she continues to navigate her place in the industry.
Despite these challenges, SZA’s career has continued to thrive, with her second album SOS becoming another chart-topping success. While her journey has been filled with its share of difficulties, she remains a talented and resilient figure, continuing to evolve both in music and now, in film. SZA’s openness about her experiences with fame provides a more human perspective on what it’s like to go from relative obscurity to becoming a household name.
