When one thinks of a musician who embodies the elements of a great artist, the categories begin wide and narrow as they reach the top! All is true! The candidates for 2023 included some of the bestselling, trendsetting, goal defining musicians spanned over numerous genres and styles; however, the staff at ProMediaBank (PMB) set the criteria on one most important element; the “Emotion” factor! SZA was the unanimous choice by the editors and authors at ProMediaBank by a landslide.
From both ladies and gents, SZA music knocks at the soul, offering listeners a seat at the table. What’s on your mind? Is Love Blind? Or perhaps you’re lost in time? SZA music simply relates, resonating organically throughout your pains, gains, and sometimes shame, but she never leaves your side. Folks, that is what you call a musician!
Born Solana Imani Rowe, SZA first burst on the scene in 2012 with her self-released EP ‘See.SZA.Run’ and has been a mainstay since. Through the years, we have watched the progression into what she is today, ‘A true musician who embodies the very fabric of an artist’ …..(v) one who creates out of passion projected onto a canvas of one’s imagination. SZA has made a substantial impact on todays’ culture, unlike any other in the past few years.
To look for an example of SZA’s impact on the culture, look no further than her 2022 released album ‘SOS’. The ‘SOS’ album, released with 23-original tracks, the full-length project has produced 6 chart-topping singles dating back to 2020. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts, holding its own for 11 straight weeks and has remained in the top 5 since. Regarded as a R&B artist, SZA is body, soul, cool, and sexy, all rolled up in one! Produced by an all-star list of producers and arrangers, the SOS album has a little something for everyone; lovers, riders, and all those in between. SZA single handedly dispels the belief of many fans who argue artists don’t offer a complete body of work. SZA is a perfectionist who places a premium on her craft. The SOS album is a multi-genre collection of beautifully written songs which incorporates the influences of rock, electronica, folk, jazz, hip-hop, gospel, and soul. It is reported that the released album was compiled of only 23 of the 100 songs recorded for the album.
2023 has been an amazing year for SZA. Coming off her SOS Tour, which grossed 35+ million, SZA immediately turned her efforts to the release of her deluxe album, Lana – a collection of unreleased songs that will be released as a follow-up to SOS. In addition, SZA is up for a Grammy Award with (9) nominations including Album of the Year, and Best Progressive R&B Album. It is with no reservation we second the gesture and all of her accomplishments by awarding SZA PMB’s 2023 Artist of the Year.
Congrats and well wishes, well-deserved sister~
