Jorja Smith

Biography

Jorja Alice Smith, born on June 11, 1997, in Walsall, West Midlands, England, is a critically acclaimed English singer and songwriter. Raised in a musically inclined family—her Jamaican father was a former neo-soul musician and her English mother a jewelry designer—Smith began piano lessons at age eight and wrote her first song at eleven. She attended Aldridge School on a music scholarship, where she learned classical singing and the oboe. Discovered at fifteen after uploading YouTube covers, she soon traveled to London for songwriting sessions, balancing her burgeoning career with school and later supporting herself as a barista after moving to London at eighteen.[2][1]

Smith's career accelerated in 2016 with the release of her debut single "Blue Lights" on SoundCloud, which quickly garnered significant attention. Her debut EP, 'Project 11,' followed later that year, and she was named to the BBC Sound of 2017 list. Smith's soulful blend of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz influences—shaped by her love for artists like Amy Winehouse—culminated in her 2018 debut album 'Lost & Found,' which peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart and earned her the Brit Critics' Choice Award. She has since collaborated with notable artists such as Drake, Stormzy, and Kali Uchis, and her music often addresses social issues, reflecting her commitment to meaningful songwriting.[2][5][3]

Smith's artistry is marked by her emotive vocals and introspective lyrics, drawing from a diverse palette of genres including reggae, punk, and soul. Her impact is evident in the critical acclaim and awards she has received, including the Brit Award for Best British Female Artist and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, solidifying her legacy as one of the leading voices of her generation.[2][5]

Fun Facts

• Smith's debut single 'Blue Lights' samples Dizzee Rascal's 'Sirens' and received over 400,000 plays on SoundCloud in its first month.[2][5]
• She worked as a barista in London to support herself while launching her music career.[2][1]
• Smith is the cousin of professional footballer Kemar Roofe.[2][1]
• She learned to play the oboe and studied classical singing as part of her music scholarship at Aldridge School.[2][1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Amy Winehouse - Major stylistic and songwriting influence; Smith was 'obsessed' with Winehouse's album 'Frank' as a teenager. (Frank (2003)) [Teenage years (approx. 2010–2015)]
• Maverick Sabre - Early supporter and collaborator; helped guide Smith during her initial songwriting sessions in London. (Songwriting sessions, 'Carry Me Home' (Project 11 EP)) [2015–2017]

Key Collaborators

• Drake - Smith featured as a special guest on his Boy Meets World Tour and appeared on his mixtape. (Boy Meets World Tour, Drake's mixtape) [2017]
• Stormzy - Collaborated on the single 'Let Me Down.' ('Let Me Down' (2018)) [2018]
• Kali Uchis - Smith featured on Kali Uchis' song 'Tyrant.' ('Tyrant' (Isolation album)) [2018]
• Preditah - Collaborated on the single 'On My Mind.' ('On My Mind' (2017)) [2017]
• Maverick Sabre - Frequent collaborator and early mentor; co-wrote and performed together. ('Carry Me Home' (Project 11 EP)) [2015–2017]

Artists Influenced

• Mahalia - Cited Jorja Smith as an inspiration for blending R&B and soul with socially conscious lyrics. (Love and Compromise (album), 'Sober') [2018–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Crush (feat. Jorja Smith)
2. Slow Down (feat. Jorja Smith) - Vintage Culture & Slow Motion Remix
3. Get It Together (More Life)
4. Nobody But You
5. Little Things x Gypsy Woman - L BEATS MASHUP
6. Blue Lights (Lost & Found)
7. Be Honest (feat. Burna Boy)
8. On My Mind (Jorja Smith X Preditah)
9. Little Things x Gypsy Woman - L BEATS MASHUP (falling or flying (Deluxe))
10. Come With Me (feat. Jorja Smith)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-r&b, #neo-soul, #sophisti-pop