SZA Gets Inducted Into New Jersey Hall of Fame

The singer also gave a special shoutout to her home county.

“I love my county. Shout out to Essex County,” she said.

SZA Reflects On Her New Jersey Roots

SZA, whose full name is Solána Imani Rowe, reflected on several places connected to her upbringing. She recalled attending Maplewood Middle School and working at local businesses before her music career. Those jobs included Village Trattoria in Maplewood and a sneaker store in Irvington.

SZA also spoke about New Jersey’s diversity and the experiences that helped shape her worldview. She described growing up around different cultures and communities throughout the state. She also mentioned Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood while reflecting on her memories.

For SZA, New Jersey deserves more recognition within the larger tri-state area.

“Sometimes people [skip] over Jersey and go straight to New York,” she said.

Her parents, Audrey and Abdul Mubarak-Rowe, were also part of the celebration. Both spoke about watching their daughter develop into an artist. Her mother recalled knowing SZA would accomplish something special, even if she did not know what path she would take.

Her father reflected on hearing “Ctrl” and discovering another side of his daughter through her songwriting. SZA later called the induction “one of the biggest honors I’ve ever had.”