Jorja Smith Biography: Jorja Alice Smith, born on June 11, 1997, is an English singer and songwriter known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics. Raised in Walsall, West Midlands, she began writing music at the age of 11. Her musical journey took a turn in 2012 when a friend uploaded her cover of Labrinth’s “Earthquake” to YouTube.
Jorja Smith Biography
Jorja Smith, a British singer-songwriter from Walsall in the West Midlands, was born on June 11, 1997. She gained recognition for her collaborations with high-profile artists such as Drake, Stormzy, Kendrick Lamar, and Kali Uchis. In 2018, she won the Brit Critics’ Choice Award and went on to perform at major events including the Brit Awards and Coachella that same year.
Jorja Smith Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Jorja Alice Smith
11 June 1997 Walsall, West Midlands, England
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| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2016–present |
| Works | Discography |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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Jorja Smith Personal Life
Her debut studio album, Lost & Found, released in June 2018, received critical acclaim and reached number three on the UK Albums Chart. Smith released her first EP, Project 11, in November 2016 after building momentum with a series of singles beginning in early 2016. Her artistry and growing influence in the music industry earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2019. She was born to a Jamaican father, Peter—who previously sang in the neo-soul group 2nd Naicha—and an English mother, Jolene, a jewelry designer.
About Jorja Smith
Jorja Alice Smith is an English singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Walsall, West Midlands, she has been writing songs since the age of 11. In 2012, Smith’s friend uploaded her cover of Labrinth’s “Earthquake” to YouTube, which led to her discovery by record producer Guy Moot.
Jorja Smith Achievements
This video caught the attention of record producer Guy Moot, marking the beginning of her rise in the music industry. Following the success of her first two singles, Smith signed with Sony/ATV in early 2016. Over the next year, she released two EPs that gained significant attention. Her debut album, Lost & Found, arrived in 2018 to widespread critical acclaim and reached number three on the UK Albums Chart. That same year, she won the Brit Critics’ Choice Award.
Jorja Smith Wiki
- Born: 11 June 1997 (age 28 years), Walsall, United Kingdom
- Works: Discography
- Genres: R&B/Soul, Hip-Hop/Rap
- Parents: Jolene Smith, Peter Smith
- Height: 1.6 m
Early Life
Jorja Smith was born in Walsall to a Jamaican father and an English mother. Her father, Peter, is a former musician who once performed in a neo-soul group called 2nd Naicha, while her mother, Jolene, is a jewellery designer. She has a younger brother named Luca and is a cousin of professional footballer Kemar Roofe.
Encouraged by her father, Smith began piano lessons at age 8. She earned a music scholarship to Aldridge School, where she studied classical singing, learned to play the oboe, and later pursued music as part of her A-levels. At 15, she was discovered by a manager after uploading YouTube videos of her singing covers. She soon began commuting to London for songwriting sessions with artists like Maverick Sabre and Ed Thomas. After finishing school, she moved to London at 18, supporting herself as a barista while continuing to develop her songwriting career.
Career
Artist Maverick Sabre publicly endorsed Jorja Smith, helping to elevate her profile. In January 2016, she independently released her debut single “Blue Lights” on SoundCloud. The track, which samples Dizzee Rascal’s “Sirens,” quickly gained traction, racking up 400,000 plays within its first month. Her follow-up single, “Where Did I Go?” dropped in May and caught the attention of Drake, who called it his favorite song of the moment in a July interview with Entertainment Weekly.
This surge in visibility brought Smith to the attention of Guy Moot, a prominent executive at Sony/ATV. Later that year, Moot signed her to a publishing deal. In November 2016, she released her debut EP, Project 11, a four-track collection that showcased her songwriting and vocal talent. Around the same time, she was named to BBC Music’s Sound of 2017 longlist, ultimately placing fourth.
Influences
Jorja Smith was exposed to a wide range of musical genres growing up, including reggae, punk, hip-hop, and R&B. She began writing songs at just 11 years old. As a teenager, she became deeply influenced by Amy Winehouse’s debut album Frank (2003), admiring Winehouse’s honest and unfiltered songwriting style. Smith has expressed that many of her songs focus on social issues, noting, “When things are happening in the world, I think it’s important to address them—because as a musician, you have the power to make people listen. Once someone hits play, you have their attention.” She cites a diverse list of musical inspirations including Lauryn Hill, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Sade, Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, Mos Def, and The Streets. In terms of fashion, Smith considers Rihanna a major style icon.
Jorja Smith net worth 2025
As of 2025, Jorja Smith’s estimated net worth stands at approximately £13.7 million (about $17.5 million USD). This valuation places her among the wealthiest young British musicians, according to reports from Cosmopolitan UK and Metro.co.uk.
FAQs
What music genres influenced Jorja Smith’s style?
Jorja Smith grew up listening to a mix of reggae, punk, hip-hop, and R&B, which helped shape her eclectic sound and songwriting approach.
Who are Jorja Smith’s biggest musical influences?
Some of Jorja Smith’s key musical influences include Lauryn Hill, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Sade, Nina Simone, Alicia Keys, Mos Def, and The Streets.
What inspired Jorja Smith to start writing music?
She began writing songs at the age of 11, influenced by her early exposure to different genres and a deep admiration for Amy Winehouse’s raw and emotional songwriting.
How does Jorja Smith incorporate social issues into her music?
Smith has said she uses her platform to highlight social issues, believing musicians can capture attention and spark awareness through their lyrics.
Which Amy Winehouse album had a major impact on Jorja Smith?
Amy Winehouse’s debut album Frank had a significant influence on Smith as a teen, particularly because of its honesty and vulnerability.
Who is Jorja Smith’s fashion inspiration?
Jorja Smith cites Rihanna as a major fashion influence and style icon she looks up to.