Meet SZA’s Parents: Audrey Rowe and Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe

SZA, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter renowned for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics, has captivated audiences worldwide with hits like Snooze, Kill Bill, and All the Stars.

Born Solána Imani Rowe on November 8, 1989, in St. Louis, Missouri, SZA spent most of her formative years after her family relocated to Maplewood, New Jersey. She has often spoken of African-American descent and how her parents instilled a deep sense of Black pride in her upbringing, shaping her identity and artistry.

Raised in an Orthodox Muslim household due to her father’s faith, SZA grew up in an interfaith environment, as her mother is Christian. Her father, Abdul Mubarak-Rowe, worked as an executive producer at CNN, while her mother, Audrey Rowe, held an executive position at AT&T.

This blend of religious and cultural influences played a significant role in SZA’s early life. She attended both Sunday school, a Muslim preparatory school, and her regular education. However, following the September 11 attacks, she faced bullying that ultimately led her to stop wearing a hijab in middle school to better fit in.

SZA has two siblings: an older half-sister, Panya Rowe, who is 11 years her senior, and a younger brother, Daniel Rowe, who raps under the stage name Manhattan. She has described her childhood as somewhat lonely due to the age gap with her siblings and a lack of close playmates, which allowed her to develop a rich imagination and explore her interests.

Growing up in a predominantly white community, SZA was among the few Black students in her schools. She attended Columbia High School, where she excelled in extracurricular activities such as gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance, even ranking nationally as a gymnast during her sophomore year.

After graduating in 2008, she pursued marine biology in college, enrolling in multiple institutions before settling at Delaware State University. However, she ultimately dropped out in her final semester to pursue music, working various jobs—including bartending and dancing at strip clubs—while forging her path outside her parents’ expectations.

Audrey Rowe

Audrey Rowe, SZA’s mother, is a woman of resilience, compassion, and professional achievement. A former executive at AT&T, she built a successful career in telecommunications before shifting her focus to community advocacy and racial equity.

For over two decades, Audrey served as the Program Director at the South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race in New Jersey, a role she held until her retirement in December 2024. Her work centered on promoting racial harmony and understanding—values that align closely with SZA’s advocacy for authenticity and self-expression.

A devout Christian, Audrey fostered a nurturing and open-hearted environment at home. SZA has often credited her mother with teaching her how to love unapologetically. In a 2018 interview with V Magazine, she reflected, “I’m super sensitive, and my mother made me extra sensitive because she’s just so unapologetically loving.” This emotional depth is a defining element of SZA’s music, where vulnerability and honesty take center stage.

Beyond emotional support, Audrey’s influence shaped SZA’s early life in unique ways. She affectionately nicknamed her daughter “Chickabee,” inspired by the 1994 film Nell, a reflection of SZA’s boundless energy as a child. Though she initially encouraged a traditional path—urging SZA to complete college—Audrey eventually embraced her daughter’s unconventional journey.

Looking back on SZA’s decision to leave Delaware State University to pursue music, Audrey told The New York Times, “I wish I knew then what I know now about listening to what your child has a passion for, and supporting that, whatever it is.” Today, she is one of SZA’s most prominent supporters, often proudly cheering her on at award shows and performances.

Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe

SZA’s father, Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe, has played a profound role in shaping her life. A former editor and producer at CNN, he spent nearly three decades in broadcast journalism before transitioning to a role on the advisory board of the New Jersey Council on American-Islamic Relations.

A devout Muslim, Abdul raised SZA in an Orthodox Islamic household, instilling in her a strong sense of faith and discipline—values that continue to influence her identity today.

His spiritual and cultural impact is deeply woven into SZA’s artistry, even reflected in her stage name. SZA (pronounced “SIZ-uh”) is derived from the Supreme Alphabet, a system associated with the Five Percent Nation, where “S” stands for sovereign or savior, “Z” for zig-zag (enlightenment), and “A” for Allah.

This connection to her father’s beliefs underscores the lasting influence of his teachings. In a 2018 interview with The New York Times, SZA spoke about her connection to Islam, saying, “The belief in one God, all the pillars of Islam… those make sense in my spirit. It’s the way that I connect with God; it has always made sense to me.”

Growing up in a strict household, SZA had limited exposure to mainstream music; instead, she was introduced to jazz legends like Miles Davis and Billie Holiday through her father’s collection. Yet, despite his discipline, Abdul embraced balance, successfully navigating an interfaith marriage with Audrey Rowe.

SZA recalls, “My mom would do her, my dad would do him. They made space for each other.” This mutual respect was evident in how Abdul attended church events with Audrey, while she joined him for jum’ah prayers at the mosque—a harmony that SZA reflects in her ability to blend diverse influences into her music.

Abdul and Audrey created a home that SZA once described as “involved, supportive, overbooked, outgoing, spiritually aware, talkers, and loyal.” Their interfaith dynamic provided a rich cultural foundation, with SZA attending Sunday school and Muslim school while growing up in Maplewood, New Jersey—a town she described as “completely different than the rest of New Jersey.”

Their support for SZA’s career has been unwavering. From accompanying her to the 2018 Grammys to cheering her on during her Saturday Night Live debut in 2022, Abdul and Audrey have remained proud and present, standing by their daughter as she continues to redefine contemporary music.