Jorja Smith

Early Life

Jorja Alice Smith was born on June 11, 1997, in Walsall, West Midlands, England. Growing up in a musically inclined family, her father, Peter, was a former musician who sang in a neo-soul group, while her mother, Jolene, is a jewellery designer. Encouraged by her father, Jorja began taking piano lessons at the age of eight and later earned a music scholarship at Aldridge School, where she studied classical singing and learned the oboe. By the age of 15, she was discovered after her friend uploaded a cover of Labrinth's "Earthquake" to YouTube, leading to her first management opportunities.

Career

Jorja's career took off in 2016 when she released her debut single "Blue Lights," which quickly gained traction on SoundCloud. Her second single, "Where Did I Go?," caught the attention of Drake, who praised it in Entertainment Weekly. This exposure led to a publishing deal with Sony/ATV and the release of her debut EP, "Project 11," later that year. Smith's unique blend of contemporary R&B and her poignant lyrics addressing social issues resonated with audiences, earning her a spot on BBC Music's Sound of 2017 longlist. She toured with Drake and collaborated with various artists, solidifying her place in the music industry.

Artistic Development

Influenced by a diverse range of genres including reggae, punk, hip-hop, and R&B, Jorja's songwriting reflects her commitment to addressing social issues. She cites Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, and Adele among her inspirations, and her music often explores themes of identity and empowerment. Smith's artistic journey continues to evolve as she releases new music, including her albums "Lost & Found" and "falling or flying," along with several EPs and singles that showcase her growth as an artist.