Cover photo credit Rashidi Noah
For the final performance of the U.S. leg of her headlining tour, Jorja Smith curated an ambient night full of dance, emotion and memories. As I made my way through the Hollywood Palladium, I could feel the energy radiating in the atmosphere. People were buzzing with excitement, eager to witness the English singer-songwriter strut the stage. Looking around, I saw a myriad of cultures and styles — this was everyone’s opportunity to showcase personality through wardrobe. In her past performances, Smith has drawn in such fashionably diverse crowds that, despite their outward and stylistic differences, come together as one fervent body. The sense of community could be seen from a far. From left to right, strangers were talking to each other, bonding over their love of Smith’s music.
After her 2018 debut album, Lost & Found, Smith left fans hungry for more. In 2023, Smith made a surprise appearance at Lab11 in Birmingham to perform her new track “Little Things.” With her signature blend of R&B and soul, Smith blessed the crowd with a taste of the dance music her upcoming project would soon showcase. In 2023, Smith finally released her expected second album falling or flying, which captures the singer’s rocky relationship with fame. Producing this record under her independent label, FAMM, Smith took liberties with the traditional boundaries of R&B, soul, rock and pop, experimenting with complementary and contrasting sounds. While the record does incorporate the R&B elements present in the rest of Smith’s discography, falling or flying curates a unique listening experience that makes you want to bask in Smith’s warm vocals while dancing to the hypnotic instrumentals.
As I watched over the crowd, I admired how the venue was packed shoulder to shoulder – it was truly a sea of anticipation, restless for the show to begin. At eight o’clock sharp, English rapper-singer ENNY took the stage to open up the night. While she only played a few songs, such as hits like “Same Old” and “Charge It,” ENNY’s ability to transfix the crowd with her powerful lyricism and flow was evident. ENNY’s voice carried a sense of nostalgia that moved listeners. You couldn’t help but stare in awe of the way the rapper moved across the stage as her rich voice carried throughout the speakers. While just the opening act, ENNY made the stage her own and showcased her ability to light up the night.
Once the clock struck nine, the golden lights dimmed throughout the theater and fans roared – no longer could they contain their energy. Suddenly, a spotlight fell over two drummers, who fell into a synchronized solo. The stark beats shook the theater, as orange lights began to flash across the room. When Smith finally took the stage, the crowd let out uncontrollable screams.
Repping a bedazzled Dodgers jersey, Smith started off her set with “Try Me,” the first track off her new album. Smith’s silky vocals illuminated the venue, setting a vibrant mood. As the song came to a close, blue lights casted over the stage – a not so subtle nod to what was coming next; the crowd screamed in excitement as Smith began to sing “Blue Lights.” The combination of Smith’s crisp voice and backing harmonies transported fans back to 2018 – when her first album came out. Suddenly I felt like I was in middle school again, listening to Lost & Found for the first time. Heavy emotions of nostalgia and longing carried throughout the speakers as Smith hypnotized fans with her raw vocals and storytelling.
Later into the show Smith welcomed ENNY back to the stage to perform a duet of “Peng Black Girls Remix.” Once again the crowd cheered and sang every word. Finally, after fans were already sweaty and beaming with joy, the opening notes to Smith’s hit “Little Things” rang throughout the venue. This sparked a rush of adrenaline throughout the crowd, as fans jumped together and cried the lyrics back to Smith. There wasn’t one person who wasn’t singing or dancing – the entire palladium erupted into a big party.
In a single night, Smith undoubtedly demonstrated her ability to mesmerize audiences with her charming voice and soulful production. Her affect on the crowd lingered even after her show, as people exited the venue buzzing with elation and dancing down Sunset Boulevard.
