SZA to be second Black woman to receive this award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame

The Songwriters Hall of Fame is going to present Solána Imani Rowe, better known by her stage name SZA, with the Hal David Starlight Award, which honors young songwriters.

According to Variety, the 34-year-old joins previous recipients that include Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Lil Nas X, Halsey, Sara Bareilles, Ed Sheeran, Nick Jonas, Nate Ruess, Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo, Drake, Benny Blanco, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Rob Thomas, and John Rzeznik.

SZA will become the second Black woman to receive the honor, following Alicia Keys in 2005. The four-time Grammy winner will be honored at the 53rd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 13 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

“This is THE most meaningful thing to me,” SZA wrote in an Instagram story post in response to the news. “You have NO idea. THANK YOU beyond words for seeing me at all.”

In 2004, the Hal David Starlight Award was established to honor SHOF Chairman Emeritus Hal David for his extensive contributions to the development of young songwriters. Awardees are “gifted young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs.”

“This is such an exciting time for songwriters and music,” SHOF chairman Nile Rodgers said in a statement. “Phenomenal artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are pushing the envelope of what success looks like, but who could argue that the last two years belong to SZA. Incredible songwriting, incredible performances, incredible artistry. She so deserves to be the 2024 recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award!”