Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith, born on June 11, 1997, in Walsall, West Midlands, is an English singer-songwriter whose distinctive voice and songwriting prowess have established her as a prominent figure in contemporary music. Raised in a musically inclined family, Smith’s father, Peter, was a former musician with a neo-soul group called 2nd Naicha, while her mother, Jolene, is a jewelry designer. Her early exposure to music came through piano lessons at the age of eight, encouraged by her father. She further honed her skills at Aldridge School, where she was awarded a music scholarship and studied classical singing and the oboe.

Smith’s journey into the music industry began when she was just 15. After uploading cover videos to YouTube, she was scouted by a manager, which led to writing sessions in London with artists like Maverick Sabre and Ed Thomas while still in school. Following her graduation, Smith moved to London at 18, working as a barista while pursuing her music career. Her early singles, “Blue Lights” and “Where Did I Go?”, caught the attention of Drake, who praised her work, leading to a publishing deal with Sony/ATV in late 2016.

In 2017, Smith released her debut extended play, Project 11, and was named one of BBC Music’s Sound of 2017 longlist rising stars. Her breakthrough came with her debut studio album, Lost & Found, released in June 2018. The album received critical acclaim and peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart, marking the beginning of her rise to fame. Smith’s success continued as she won the Brit Critics’ Choice Award in 2018, becoming the first independent artist to achieve this honor. The same year, she was named Best British Female Artist at the Brit Awards and received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

Smith’s career continued to flourish with her third EP, Be Right Back, released in May 2021, which received positive reviews. In early 2020, she hosted a BBC Radio 3 show called ‘Tearjerker’, focusing on the healing power of music, while also releasing singles like “By Any Means” and “Come Over” featuring Popcaan. In 2023, she released the single “Little Things,” which peaked at number 95 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart, and announced her next studio album, Falling or Flying, set for release in September 2023. She also released “Go Go Go,” the third single from the album, in August 2023.

Smith’s music is deeply influenced by a range of genres including reggae, punk, hip-hop, and R&B. Her admiration for Amy Winehouse’s raw songwriting approach is evident in her own music, which often addresses social issues and personal experiences. Smith cites Lauryn Hill, Adele, Sade, Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, Mos Def, and The Streets as significant influences. Her vocal style has drawn comparisons to notable artists such as Adele and Amy Winehouse, and she has acknowledged Rihanna as a fashion icon who inspires her.

Through her heartfelt lyrics and compelling melodies, Jorja Smith has carved out a unique space in the music industry, establishing herself as a voice for both personal and social commentary. Her continued success and impact on the music scene reflect her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.