SZA’s artistic expression causes a stir

Contemporary Visual Artist, Ntsikelelo Mzibomvu, says Mzansi has a history of embracing extreme artistic expression, despite the country’s conservativeness.

He emphasises, however, that this has always also depended on who is the artist or creator of the piece.

“…from Sister Bethina, to Yizo Yizo and Water by Tyla amongst many examples, we have proven to have a progressive tolerance towards artistic expression.”

Mzibomvu’s remarks are in response to the question on whether South Africans would be receptive to artistry that pushes boundaries, like the teaser released by multi-grammy award winning American, singer-songwriter Solána Rowe, popularly known as SZA, for her new deluxe album called “Lana”, which has raised some eyebrows on social media.

The teaser was a confirmation from the artist that she is finally releasing music, while also marking the second anniversary of her smash second album, “SOS”.

The video captioned, Clock starts now: Happy anniversary, shows the 35-year-old answering nature’s call close to a stream and walking away with the tissue she had used to clean herself.

 

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A post shared by SZA (@sza)

“It is often said that art mimics life, so I see the limits of artistic expression as the relationship between how far or deep the artist wants to show an element of human nature or reality; vs how ready society is to receive and welcome the reflection,” says Mzibomvu.

The artist says those familiar with SZA’s work aren’t alarmed by her teaser.

“SZA has a history of being an artist that bares her soul, and her pain to her audience. For me this teaser is an extension of that, a message that seemingly says no parts of my life are sacred. My private becomes public in what is about to come. It depicts extreme vulnerability in a compromised position.”

The visual artist and author does, however, emphasises that the short video leaves the audience with questions and eager for more, which is also the purpose of a teaser to spark conversation and generate interest.

SZA ACTUALLY RELEASING MUSIC pic.twitter.com/V6gmokmP25

— Dylan🎄 Queen of Christmas 🎄 (fan account) (@Dylusionzzz) December 10, 2024

Why’s the video weird was that really unnecessary or maybe just me

— ☼ ⋆｡˚⋆ (@oogle72) December 9, 2024

We didnt wanna watch her piss???

— tha don (@DADONBARBlE) December 9, 2024

My love life has been so non dramatic because it doesn’t really exist. But, now that this Sza Deluxe is about to drop, the urge to cause some chaos real quick (so I can relate even harder) is crazy. The clock starts now.

— about:blank (@amalwtf) December 10, 2024