SZA did not mince her words when addressing attacks on immigrants in the United States, while urging unity in the face of despair.
Speaking to Variety after winning record of the year for “Luther” at the Grammys, SZA said it felt “bizarre” to celebrate awards while the world feels increasingly unmoored.
“It’s incredibly dystopian that we’re dressed up and able to celebrate accolades when people are getting snatched up and shot in the face on the street,” SZA told Variety backstage at the Grammys. “It just feels bizarre, and I find so many of us don’t really know how to feel right now, besides rage and hopelessness — and I don’t feel like that’s the emotional card I want to subscribe to.”
SZA went on to say she believes “entropy can bring change,” and emphasized the “great possibility” that can emerge from moments of chaos. Her comments came after an evening filled with statements opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and defending immigrant communities. Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish were among the artists who directly called out the government agency’s actions while accepting awards.
“This is a time when we can dig deep as a community and really learn that, OK, it’s not time to count on anyone else but us and our neighbors,” SZA said. “To protect ourselves, to rally for each other, to be that morale booster, to disseminate mutual aid, to take care of each other. And I just feel like — yay, that’s an amazing opportunity. Boo that this is even happening.”
She continued: “It’s always ‘Fuck ICE,’ but I just don’t want everyone to fall into despair. Because when you lose morale, change becomes impossible. And that’s just not true. I will not be going quietly into the dying of the light. I encourage everyone to do the same.”
Back in December, SZA criticized the White House after a song she wrote for “Saturday Night Live” was used in an ICE deportation ad.
“White House rage-baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK — inhumanity plus shock-and-awe tactics,” she wrote at the time. “Evil and boring.”
SZA entered Sunday night with five nominations, most tied to her collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, including “30 for 30.” In addition to record of the year, Lamar and SZA also won best melodic rap performance for “Luther.” She was further nominated for best traditional R&B performance for “Crybaby,” from “Lana: SOS Deluxe.”
