7 Unforgettable Facts About SZA's Parents, Audrey And Abdul Mubarak-Rowe
The phenomenal success of R&B superstar SZA, whose recent album SOS continues to dominate charts globally, is often attributed to her raw, diaristic lyrics and genre-bending sound. Yet, the foundation for her unique artistry lies squarely with her highly supportive and fascinating parents, Audrey and Abdul Mubarak-Rowe. As of December 2025, the couple remains a powerful force in SZA's life, frequently expressing their pride and offering insights into the singer's formative years, which were marked by a distinct blend of faith, culture, and diverse musical exposure.
The story of Solána Imani Rowe's upbringing in Maplewood, New Jersey, is far from typical Hollywood fare, shaped by an interfaith household and a deep commitment to community involvement. Understanding her parents' professional backgrounds—from media executive to business leader—and their eclectic musical tastes is essential to truly grasp the origins of the artist known as SZA. Their influence is woven into the very fabric of her music, from the gospel undertones to the jazz sensibilities, making their story as compelling as her chart-topping hits.
Complete Biography Profile of Solána Imani Rowe (SZA)
- Full Name: Solána Imani Rowe
- Stage Name: SZA (pronounced 'Siz-za'), derived from the Supreme Alphabet in the Nation of Gods and Earths, standing for 'Sovereign, Zig-Zag, Allah.'
- Date of Birth: November 8, 1989 (Some sources cite 1990)
- Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
- Hometown/Raised In: Maplewood, New Jersey
- Parents: Audrey Mubarak-Rowe (Mother) and Abdul Mubarak-Rowe (Father)
- Siblings: Older half-sister (Panya) and an older brother (Daniel)
- Religion/Upbringing: Raised Orthodox Muslim; attended a Muslim preparatory school.
- Education: Graduated from Columbia High School. Attended several colleges, including three different semesters at three different historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and eventually dropping out.
- Musical Debut: Began releasing music in 2012. Signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2013.
- Breakthrough Album: Ctrl (2017)
- Latest Album: SOS (2022)
- Notable Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Progressive R&B Album for SOS.
The Intersecting Faiths: How Audrey and Abdul Mubarak-Rowe Raised an R&B Star
One of the most defining and surprising elements of SZA’s family life is the interfaith dynamic between her parents. Her mother, Audrey Mubarak-Rowe, is Christian, while her father, Abdul Mubarak-Rowe, is a Muslim convert.
This dynamic created a home environment rich in spiritual awareness and open dialogue, a fact SZA has often cited as formative.
Despite the interfaith marriage, SZA was primarily raised in an Orthodox Muslim household in Maplewood, New Jersey, and attended a Muslim preparatory school.
SZA has noted that both the Quran and the Bible were her first literary influences, highlighting the conservative yet spiritually diverse nature of her upbringing.
This strict religious background, while providing a moral framework, also led to SZA experiencing bullying after the September 11 attacks, a difficult period that shaped her resilience.
The family's spiritual focus instilled a sense of loyalty and deep involvement, qualities SZA has described as central to her family’s identity.
From CNN Executive to Jazz Aficionado: Their Professional Influence
SZA’s parents were not just supportive figures; they were professionals whose careers and passions directly influenced her artistic trajectory. Both Audrey and Abdul had careers rooted in the media and corporate world, providing SZA with a relatively middle-class upbringing.
Abdul Mubarak-Rowe, SZA's father, held a significant position as an executive producer at the news giant CNN.
This media background likely contributed to SZA's comfort with storytelling and public presentation, even if she initially struggled with the spotlight.
Audrey Mubarak-Rowe’s profession was described by SZA as a "global account lady," a role that required extensive travel and a strong business acumen.
Beyond their professional lives, their musical tastes were incredibly diverse and became a cornerstone of SZA's musical education.
Her mother, Audrey, exposed SZA to the powerful emotions of R&B and church music, laying the groundwork for her soulful vocal style.
Conversely, her father, Abdul, introduced her to the sophisticated, polished sounds of jazz and funk legends like Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, and John Coltrane.
This fusion of gospel, R&B, jazz, and funk is the secret recipe behind SZA's signature sound, proving that her parents’ influence was both cultural and aesthetic.
Public Pride and Viral Moments: SZA's Parents in the Spotlight
Unlike many celebrity parents who prefer to remain private, Audrey and Abdul Mubarak-Rowe have been openly involved in celebrating their daughter's career, leading to several viral and heartwarming moments.
They have given interviews expressing profound pride in their daughter's journey, which they acknowledge was not always easy, particularly given her early struggles with confidence and finding her path.
One of the most touching public displays of their support came when SZA shared that her father was moved to tears while listening to her song "Broken Clocks" from the album Ctrl, a powerful testament to the emotional resonance of her work.
More recently, Abdul Mubarak-Rowe stepped into the public eye to defend his daughter, showcasing his protective nature. He publicly called out Doja Cat for what he perceived as "unprofessional pettiness" when SZA was not allowed to speak during an acceptance speech at the MTV VMAs.
This incident, though minor in the grand scheme, highlighted that SZA’s father is not afraid to use his voice to support his daughter, a trait perhaps honed during his years as a media executive.
The parents’ constant involvement, which SZA once described as "involved, supportive, overbooked, outgoing, spiritually aware, talkers and loyal," continues to be a crucial anchor in her life as a global music icon.
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