Cover Jorja Smith will be performing in Hong Kong for the very first time at West Kowloon’s Pop Fest (Photo: Courtesy of Ivor Adamah-Lawson)
Jorja Smith will be performing in Hong Kong for the very first time at West Kowloon’s Pop Fest (Photo: Courtesy of Ivor Adamah-Lawson)
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Ahead of her first time performing in Hong Kong at West Kowloon’s Pop Fest, British singer Jorja Smith answers Tatler’s questions about her latest album ‘Falling or Flying’ and how she’s dealing with fame
Earlier this year, Jorja Smith joined the Brit Billion Club—the list of artists recognised by the Brit Awards—after her music gained over one billion streams in the United Kingdom. And for good reason: there’s not a year since her 2016 debut that the British singer didn’t release chart-breaking songs or participate in prestigious collaborations.
From On My Mind (2017) to Be Honest (2019) featuring Burna Boy, Addicted (2021) and, more recently, In The Night (2024) with Childish Gambino and Amaree: everybody wants Smith, and she’s been all around the world—or almost. On November 3, the singer will perform for the first time in Hong Kong. She’s scheduled to play at West Kowloon’s Pop Fest, alongside Mirror’s Anson Lo and Stanley Yau, Hikari Mitsushima, Jeffrey Gnai and more.
Ahead of the performance, Jorja Smith answers Tatler’s questions about the Reimagined and Deluxe versions of her Falling or Flying album, why “messing around” enhanced her creativity and the difficulties of dealing with fame.
You might also like: West Kowloon PopFest: Mirror’s Anson Lo and Stanley Yau part of the stellar line-up
Early this year, you released a reimagined version of your album Falling or Flying. What made you want to do that , and what does reinterpreting your own music bring to you and your creative process?
Jorja Smith: I feel like I’ve always been experimenting with different sounds. I’ve always messed around. I used to record lots in my room when I was younger and send it to my manager. They’d be called “messing around sessions” because I literally would just mess around on any kind of beat that I found or took a liking to.
I love playing with my band and jamming, I love singing covers and I love messing around. It’s just a lot of fun. It always brings something new, musically—when I’m singing the songs differently, the band brings different chords, worlds and vibes to the songs. It inspires me to write other songs or melodies. It’s just endless; my imagination gets to run wild. So that’s why we have reimagined Falling or Flying. It was actually arranged by my musical director Amane [Suganami] who plays the keys in the band—he’s amazing!
Above Jorja Smith (Photo: Courtesy of Ivor Adamah-Lawson)
Jorja Smith (Photo: Courtesy of Ivor Adamah-Lawson)
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Your past projects talk about various subjects from love to empowerment, police brutality and resilience. What topics that have inspired you lately?
The Falling or Flying project was really about stepping into womanhood. I’m 27 now and I started writing the album when I was 25, turning 26. So it’s about growing and my experiences from being in the public eye and putting music out. That’s currently what I’ve been writing about.
In late 2023, you spoke about social media bullying and body shaming. How did you get through it—not only as an artist, but as a woman in her mid-20s?
You know what, it was actually really hard. I’ve been someone who found it hard to be happy with myself sometimes. I can say this now in hindsight because I think I’ve become a lot more confident, not really caring what people think—which is hard!
But to be honest, I’m still going through it. I do feel a lot better though, and I’ve accepted that people will always have a comment to add, whether it’s good or bad.
Above Cover of Jorja Smith’s second album ‘Falling or flying’ (Photo: courtesy of Jorja Smith)
Cover of Jorja Smith’s second album ‘Falling or flying’ (Photo: courtesy of Jorja Smith)
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How does this kind of situation impact the way you live and perceive fame?
I’m still figuring all that out now, but it impacted me negatively. There was one point where I didn’t want to post on social media. I was like “F everyone”. I started overthinking and caring a bit too much about the wrong things. So yeah, I’m still figuring it out.
The deep sisterhood you try to cultivate through your collaborations and friendships is evident.
I love working with my friends! Working with my girlfriends is literally the best because we just have fun. We laugh, chat rubbish and write. I’m super lucky that I’ve got some really amazing friends who continue to inspire me and keep me motivated because everyone’s doing really amazing things. I hope to continue to be able to make great stuff with my friends.
You’re embarking on a series of concerts across the Asia-Pacific Region. Is there anything you’re particularly excited to do in Hong Kong and around Asia?
I can’t believe that I’m able to perform out there—it’s crazy and amazing! This is my first time going to Hong Kong. I am just so excited to step off the plane and take everything in. Also, I’m really excited to see the people who are listening to my music, and taking all that in. I do feel a connection with my fans: we must feel a similar way because they like what I sing about.
Last but not least: what’s the most Gemini thing about you?
Everything! I am very much a Gemini. You’ll have to meet me to really find out!
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Salomé Grouard was Digital Editor and Front & Female Content Lead at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on managing Tatler Hong Kong’s digital platform and content, she also covers gender equality, the music scene and sports through interviews with industry leaders, experts and trendsetters.
Interview highlights include renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Korean actor Park Seo Jun, singer Jorja Smith, Chinese TV host Yue-Sai Kan, YouTuber Kimono Mom, Japanese rapper Awich, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mikey Musumeci.
She has also produced stories on revolutionising sexual wellness in Asia, activism within the surfing community, Asian trans musicians reclaiming their narratives through music and looked at the toxicity of gym culture through the lens of the plus-size community. She also covers music festivals, such as Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Bali’s Suara.
