Singer-songwriter SZA has expressed strong concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in music, saying it makes her feel “at war.”
She believes AI disproportionately impacts Black artists, producing unauthorized covers and stereotypical tracks that exploit Black music without benefiting the original creators.
SZA specifically mentioned AI covers of Olivia Dean’s songs, highlighting how AI-generated music deprives artists of streams and recognition.
Speaking to i-D magazine, SZA clarified that her opposition is not about competing with other pop or R&B singers, but against “anti-intellectualism” and shortcuts that bypass human creativity.
She emphasized that AI cannot replicate the nuanced blend of human experience, knowledge, and emotion that informs authentic music. SZA said her frustration fuels her desire to explore music in unconventional directions.
The 36-year-old artist also highlighted societal concerns, describing a fragmented and unprepared society lacking community and solidarity. She expressed feeling “aggressively Black” as a reaction to the inequities she observes.
SZA had previously criticised AI users for overreliance on machines and drew attention to AI’s environmental impact, urging fans to consider the energy consumption and pollution generated by AI. Her statements highlight the ethical, cultural, and environmental debates surrounding AI in the music industry. (IANS)
