Solána Imani Rowe, or SZA, as is her stage name, has effectively cut all professional ties with long-time manager Terrence “Punch” Henderson. The surprising update comes just days after the 35-year-old artist released the deluxe version of her second studio album, SOS. As such, fans have expressed genuine surprise at this development, especially considering SZA’s decade-old association with the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) label.
Here are all the available details regarding the controversy surrounding SZA and her manager, Punch.
SZA and her manager Terrence ‘Punch’ Henderson part ways
SZA confirmed that she’s parting ways with her manager Terrence “Punch” Henderson on Instagram. “Nothing to celebrate. The end of an era. I wish him the best, whatever his choices may be,” she wrote.
The singer further expressed her love for Henderson and added that “no one should be attacking him or being cruel on my behalf.” The comment further reads, “Sometimes ppl grow apart and that’s okay” (via Pop Crave).
Terrence “Punch” Henderson first encountered SZA in 2011 during Kendrick Lamar’s CMJ New York showcase before ultimately recruiting her for TDE in 2013. In the process, the R&B star became the first female singer to sign for Punch’s accredited label.
As SZA’s manager, Punch regularly pitched ideas during early studio sessions. He also helped the singer present her work in front of the industry, aside from providing invaluable feedback. Punch’s efforts contributed to SZA’s rise to stardom, with SOS becoming a massive commercial and critical success.
Despite his efforts, fans often held SZA’s manager accountable for consistently postponing the artist’s releases. At one point, the Missouri-born musician even replied to the queries regarding the delays in her works by telling her fans to “ask Punch” about the issue.
However, Henderson seemed to have a different explanation about his role in SZA’s career, as evidenced by his earlier comments, which stated, “My role is to remind her how incredible the record is and why it resonates so deeply” (via The Express Tribune).
While SZA might have moved on from her long-term manager, the reason behind her decision remains unknown at the time of writing.
