Figuratively and quite literally, SZA was on cloud nine at the Kia Forum during her first of two headlining evenings in Inglewood on Wednesday, March 22.
Dangling from the edge of a diving board, mirroring the Princess Diana-inspired “SOS” album cover as the show commenced, she sat in isolation as the rich blue ocean waves and soft white sky beamed on a three-sided screen as she looked off into the crowd. The intricate, yet robust stage production reflected how, like the sea with all its ebbs and flows, can weave a greater sense of emotional turbulence in relationships that SZA has been known to put on full display throughout a pair of studio albums.
Then, after she splashed into the water, she rose to deliver “Seek & Destroy” with a gusto that comes after taking a quick dip to regain mental and emotional clarity. Metaphorically, it was evident that for the entire 90-minute set, just like a vigorous ship at sea, SZA too could weather any storm that may come her way.
This tour is in support of SZA’s 2022 record “SOS,” a 23-track R&B-pop and trap love synopsis reflecting on the vulnerability of desperation, revenge and the occasional longing for someone she periodically calls “utterly toxic.” Solána Imani Rowe, professionally known as SZA, amassed mainstream buzz around the record, staying on the Billboard charts at No. 1 for 10 consecutive weeks, being the first woman to do so in over seven years since Adele’s reign with “25.”
Fans packed the arena, carrying SZA tote bags and other merch; some even sporting show opener Omar Apollo gear. The Mexican-American, newly-nominated Grammy artist had fans ready to party before SZA took the stage as he sang songs off his debut album “Ivory,” including “Tamagotchi,” “Evergreen” and “Killing Me.” He was suave, dancing at each end of the stage as fans cheered him.
“Los Angeles, this is my first arena tour, this is crazy,” he said. And it was, considering his rapid rise to…
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