Jorja Smith & Preditah

Biography

Jorja Alice Smith, born on 11 June 1997 in Walsall, West Midlands, England, is an English singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting. She began writing songs at the age of 11 and was classically trained in piano, oboe, and classical singing during her school years, earning a music scholarship at Aldridge School. Her early exposure to diverse genres such as reggae, punk, hip-hop, and R&B shaped her eclectic musical style. Smith was discovered after a friend uploaded her cover of Labrinth's "Earthquake" to YouTube in 2012, leading to her signing with Sony/ATV in 2016. She released her debut EP "Project 11" in 2016, followed by her critically acclaimed debut album "Lost & Found" in 2018, which peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart and won her the Brit Critics' Choice Award. Her music blends neo-soul, R&B, UK garage, and elements of spoken word, often featuring moody and introspective themes.

Smith's collaboration with UK garage producer Preditah on the 2017 single "On My Mind" is a notable highlight, showcasing a tribute to classic UK garage and rave culture. This collaboration helped cement her presence in the UK music scene alongside other high-profile collaborations with artists like Drake, Stormzy, Kali Uchis, and Kendrick Lamar. After moving to London at 18 to pursue her career, she balanced day jobs with music writing and performing, steadily building her reputation through both solo projects and collaborations. Her third EP, "Be Right Back" (2021), continued to receive favorable reviews, further establishing her as a versatile and influential artist in contemporary British music.

Fun Facts

• Jorja Smith was discovered after a friend uploaded her cover of Labrinth's "Earthquake" to YouTube when she was just 15.
• She worked as a barista in London while pursuing her music career before gaining mainstream success.
• Her single "Blue Lights" samples Dizzee Rascal's grime track "Sirens," blending UK rap with neo-soul.
• Despite her success, Smith has said she rarely visits her hometown Walsall, having built a new life in London.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Guy Moot - Record producer and executive who discovered and signed Jorja Smith to Sony/ATV publishing deal (Oversaw early career development and publishing) [2016 onwards]
• Maverick Sabre - Early supporter and collaborator who co-signed Smith publicly and worked on writing sessions (Writing sessions and early career support) [2015-2016]
• Ed Thomas - Songwriter and producer involved in early writing sessions with Smith (Early songwriting collaborations) [circa 2015-2016]

Key Collaborators

• Preditah - UK garage producer; collaborated on the single "On My Mind" blending UK garage and R&B (Single "On My Mind" (2017)) [2017]
• Drake - Featured Smith on his "More Life" project and publicly praised her music, boosting her profile ("More Life" (2017), public endorsements) [2017 onwards]
• Kali Uchis - Collaborated on the song "Tyrant" from Uchis' debut album ("Tyrant" from Isolation (2018)) [2018]
• Stormzy - Collaborated on music projects, part of the UK grime and R&B scene alongside Smith (Various collaborations) [2016 onwards]
• Kendrick Lamar - Collaborated on the Black Panther soundtrack ("I Am" from Black Panther soundtrack) [2018]

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