We talk to Sza about black girl magic, neo soul and being chosen by Beyonce.
Am I right in saying your name stands for Sovereign/saviour, Zig-zag, Allah? Why were those the concepts you wanted to inform your musical identity?
Identity is a strong word. They’re more so words and concepts I resonate with. Each letter represents a theme, S- self savior (the trusting of ones-self ), Zig zag- enlightenment and knowledge of ones-self , A- allah with respect to the most high. Just concepts.
What is Black Girl Magic to you?
Being yourself and embracing yourself brightly! That unspoken tingling warm feeling you get when you see another woman that looks like you and shares your energy, It’s enigmatic it’s a gift I’m grateful for .
What makes you magic?
My unwavering belief that any and everything is possible! Everyone can feel that way! Just do stuff and watch the combination of desire and action lean in your favour.
Who are some women of colour that you look up to (not just professionally/musically), and why?
My mother and grandmother – the strongest most resilient beautiful bright women I’ve ever known! Stylish and deeply connected with God, rooted in joy, they ooze inspiration. Outside of them I’ve been inspired and blessed by so many women, I think I find a bit of inspiration in everyone.
Musically, as a neo soul artist, who has been your greatest musical influence, and what have you learned from their music?
I don’t personally consider myself a neo soul artist or any kind of artist in particular actually. I just do what feels good and try to respect all perceptions and interpretations, however the sounds resonate with different people. However people need to see it. I’ve been inspired by so many artists. Bjork, Pharrell, Wutang, Sting, Radiohead, Coltrane, Lauryn, Coldplay, Louis Armstrong the list goes on!
Where does your self-belief come from?
The belief and understanding that there is something much bigger than me at work, so there’s a constant battle to trust myself and trust the vision of the universe along with my place in it.
What did it mean to you to know that you were chosen by Beyonce for the Ivy Park campaign?
My love for Beyoncé (and Solange) is bizarre – I’m in love with their energy! Every single thing about it and Beyoncé is a true queen. And I don’t mean conceptually you feel the moment you step within a 10 feet radius, i felt it through the TV. I’ve never been more inspired by an energy! She consistently transcends the human experience and expectation. She’s a grand vision of the universe. She could call me to mars and I’d say okay when do we start training. If she said no training I’d say bet we bounce. I trust her, we all should!
What was it like working on it?
I didn’t know what was happening or why she chose me. Just tried to be thankful and not let my anxiety ruin me for the day.
Are you quite active, what kinds of exercise/sport do you like to do?
I was a gymnast and a dancer for most of my life, I love to rock climb too! I love to hike, I love to swim, I love to just be outside. Or something really amazing inside (like skyzone indoor rock wall etc)
What is your relationship with fashion usually, does it interest you, does it form a big part of your identity?
It does interest me; any form of expression excites me! I think a great part of keeping it all exciting is not letting it define you. Change fits like water, just feel it.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Just trust yourself be good to people and stay open
What can you tell us about CTRL, what it your vision for the new EP?
This album marks the end of me “trying” in my life, the end of resistance.I’m only interested in being and doing. This album gave me that. I’m thankful.
