With the release of her album Ctrl – There is no doubt, this is SZA’s time.
When first walking into the party, a couple of small steps and a captivating array of pink light guide you to a pool room like no other. This is definitely not your ordinary pool room, as mermaids (yes mermaids) are swimming, and 6 tracks from SZA’s Ctrl are playing in the background and creating not only a mood, but an experience.
In addition to the pink lighting and the swimming mermaids, butterflies (of course) were craftily placed on the stair handles by the pool. Since the release of her “Love Galore” music video, butterflies have definitely become a set part of SZA’s artistry and brand.
At this point, one finds out that the party has been organized by RCA Records and Afropunk.
People were talking and overhearing that there are a few surprises in store for later that night. And yes, the surprises came through and they did not disappoint…
(We’ll come back to the surprises soon enough.)
Walking up to the second floor, the space was a lot wider, with drinks being served and flavorful one-bite finger food, that had one wishing there was more than one bite to be had. Another 6 tracks from Ctrl were playing. There were couches arranged and placed at the front of the room creating a comfortable yet cool and modern vibe. Also, the pink lighting.
The pink lighting was doing wonders in terms of balancing the energy of the room with the tracks that were playing.
The third and last floor of the building, was where the entire album was being played. There was an open bar and an outside rooftop area where people were just conversing and socializing. The energy was beautiful and it felt like a safe space. In terms of the people in attendance and the interactions everyone was having, there was no sense of hierarchy. There was just music and the celebration of a woman with impeccable artistry.
To make the space even more SZA… There were butterflies placed on the flowers and trees that decorated the rooftop. As well as a woman in the corner, creating flower crowns to anyone who wanted to wear one.
The space was screaming SZA, through the aesthetic choices, in the best way possible.
Around 9:00 pm, everyone was asked to move to the second floor. It was time for the long awaited surprise of the night and of course, SZA’s arrival.
Everyone was asked to not have their phones out as the surprise played.
We were surprised with not one, but two new music videos.
The first screened music video was from a released single, tracked number 4 on Ctrl, “Drew Barrymore.” The video was full of color and imagery, directed by Dave Meyers. (music video spoiler alert) There was a cameo by Drew Barrymore herself with SZA. As soon as Drew Barrymore showed up on the screen, the crowd unanimously shrieked in a sort of joyful shock. That cameo was so unexpected but so tasteful.
After the “Drew Barrymore” video, came another dose of magic, with the video from the first track on the album, “Supermodel,” directed by Nabil. This video generated so much reaction from the audience. (another music video spoiler alert) There were a couple of really young black girls in the video. As SZA was walking so flawlessly through what seemed like an enchanted garden, the girls would blow some glitter on her.
Someone screamed “That’s that black girl magic” – and that’s definitely what it was. It was an incredible visual story that complemented the song so well.
As soon as the music videos ended, SZA came to the front of the room.
She looked so beautiful, was extremely humble and very humanly relatable in terms of her authenticity and genuine gratitude.
“Thank you so much for coming, thank you for caring, at all, that I made stuff. I don’t even know what to say. I’m literally shivering. I made stuff with a lot of things on my mind and I just try to tell the truth. So, I hope you appreciate it. And I appreciate y’all, I love you so much… Just trying not to let you down, God Bless.”
After her speech, SZA got to speak to her guests and pose for some pictures. There were so many people trying to talk to her and when speaking to every single person, no exaggeration, she would give them her undivided attention, amidst the chaos of everyone talking and the flashing cameras. This was a sign of someone who really cared. She cared about who supported her and wanted to show and give that care back.
The one word that kept being thrown out throughout the night was “experience” and that is truly what listening to SZA’s album felt like. The experience of the album accompanied with the experience on every floor, is what made the listening party so unique and so true to SZA.
Stay tuned for the music videos. Stay tuned for more from SZA. It’s SZA SZN.
