As the audience erupts in cheers, Jorja Smith takes the stage, accompanied by her eight-piece band. Yet, she seems a bit tentative, perhaps a touch reserved. Her opening number, “Try Me,” sets a challenging tone: “I say your mind’s made up on me,” she sighs, delivering the lyrics with her signature silky voice.
This marks Smith’s first UK tour since 2018, a year when, at just 21, her atmospheric debut album garnered Grammy and Mercury nominations, Brit Awards, and a legion of celebrity admirers. Following collaborations with stars like Drake, Stormzy, and Burna Boy, she diverged from the typical trajectory of instant fame. Smith returned to her hometown of Walsall, dedicating five years to her sophomore album, “Falling or Flying,” and now, two years later, she’s finally touring the new material.
Initially, her powerful, smoky vocals are used sparingly, occasionally drowned out by the energy of the two drummers. However, by the time she performs “Feelings,” a duet with rapper J Hus, Smith breaks through her cautious demeanor. She radiates confidence throughout the song’s chilly lyrical interplay, moving gracefully across the stage.
“Falling or Flying” showcases an expanded sonic range with jagged guitar riffs, unique textures, and a dramatic scale. Even her older tracks now benefit from this fresh ambition. Backing vocalists add lush, Solange-style harmonies to a reimagined “February 3rd,” while “Where Did I Go?” features a deep, funky bassline. The double-drumming in “Go Go Go,” a rock-infused track with new wave flair, seems to unleash a new intensity within Smith, perfectly suiting her.
As the performance progresses, her commanding vocals pull the audience in closer, transforming the atmosphere from one of distance to intimacy. When Smith’s backing singers join her for a lively finale featuring her upbeat, non-album singles like “Be Honest” and the straightforward bassline hit “Little Things,” the vibe shifts to that of a fun gathering rather than a formal performance. Radiant and relaxed, Smith engages with the front rows, assuring them, “I won’t leave it so long next time,” exuding the confidence of a star who knows how to captivate at will.
Jorja Smith will be performing at Manchester Apollo on May 29 and 30, with upcoming tour dates to follow.
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