Express & Star

Walsall's Jorja Smith nominated for three Mobo awards

Singing sensation Jorja Smith has been nominated for three Mobo awards as her stellar career start continues.

Published
Last updated
Jorja Smith

Jorja, from Walsall, has made the shortlist for best female, best newcomer and best R&B/soul act.

The 20-year-old is currently on tour with pop star Bruno Mars in America.

In her brief career so far, Jorja has already worked with Canadian superstar Drake and performed at London's Royal Albert Hall.

After the Mobo nominations were revealed, she posted on Twitter: "Nominated for best newcomer, best Rnb/soul act, best female act. So crazyyy – @MOBOAwards. Thank you."

In the best female category Jorja will compete with Emeli Sande, Little Simz, Lady Leshurr and a host of other artists.

Best newcomer sees her up against hotly tipped rapper Dave, and Loyle Carner, following the release of his debut record Yesterday's Gone.

A profile of Jorja on the Mobo website says: "Jorja Smith is an English R&B singer/songwriter whose soulful, jazz-tinged cadence, heartfelt lyrics, and retro sound invoke names like Alunageorge, Nao, Lulu James, and Amy Winehouse, the latter of whom the Walsall-based artist cites as her biggest influence.

"Smith issued her debut single, 'Blue Lights,' in 2015, but it was 2016's powerful 'Where Did I Go?' that began turning heads.

"That track, and the follow-up single 'Beautiful Little Fools,' eventually culminated in the late-2016 release of Smith's debut EP, Project 11.

"The following year saw her international profile elevated via her multiple appearances on Drake's surprise playlist/LP More Life, which saw her holding court amongst a bevy of high-profile guests like Kanye West, Young Thug, 2 Chainz, and Travis Scott."

South London MC Stormzy is up for best male and best album following the release of his debut record, Gang Signs & Prayer, in February.

He also received a nod for best grime star as well as best song and best video for landmark track Big For Your Boots.

Stormzy, real name Michael Omari Jr, will compete with east London afrobeats and grime rapper J Hus who collected four nominations.

The pair - both shortlisted for last month's Mercury Prize - will face off in four categories including best male and best album.

Sampha, who was named winner of the Mercury prize for his debut album Process, is shortlisted in three categories including best R&B/soul act.