SZA’s New Music Video: Two Noteworthy Guest Appearances
If you didn’t catch SZA’s cameo in Childish Gambino’s video for “This is America,” you’re sure not to miss his feature in “Garden.”
Directed by Karena Evans, the 22-year-old behind Drake’s “God’s Plan” and “Nice for What” videos, “Garden” depicts SZA (AKA Solána Rowe) frolicking on the beach and snuggling up to Gambino (AKA Donald Glover) in the greenery of a forest, among a few other scenic settings.
The two R&B artists definitely get up close and personal, but an even sweeter show of intimacy is that of the bond between mother and daughter when Audrey Rowe, SZA’s mom, appears toward the end of the video. We first get a glimpse of her dressed in white from head-to-toe, then she emerges from her floral throne to embrace her daughter lovingly.
The song itself is about feeling vulnerable and insecure and questioning your ability to be loved. SZA told Vulture, “My mom has spent her whole life living in openness and acceptance and I really never understood.” That acceptance shines through in those final scenes of the video, representing the glimmer of hope that SZA will soon develop the confident openness of her mother.
