Despite the evening starting off with a cool, breezy air – a stark contrast to the sunshine that dominated the week before – the atmosphere outside the O2 Academy was anything but dull. Fans, bouncing with their umbrellas, were already dancing to the rhythm of anticipation. Unfazed by the weather the energy was undeniable, rain or shine!
The O2 Academy remains a classic venue, offering both style and excellent viewpoints. As I made my way around the venue, I knew I’d have a clear view of Jorja Smith no matter where I landed.
After weaving through devoted fans, I settled on a prime spot dead centre beneath the sound system (a recommended point if you’re not front-row bound). From there, I had a flawless bird’s-eye view of Jorja as she emerged under a dark blue spotlight, stunning in a black crop tee and a silk patterned skirt.
The concert opened with a delicate blend of piano chords and drums, mirroring the earlier rain with a soulful intensity. This set the tone for an evening of vibrant, jazzy rhythm that immediately electrified the crowd. The energy only intensified when she launched into her beloved hit ‘Blue Lights’ – the unmistakable piano intro triggering a wave of recognition and cheers. Jorja wasn’t here to play, and let’s be honest – no great concert is complete without a nod to the classics.
Moving seamlessly through her discography, Jorja teased her latest project Falling or Flying with a live performance of ‘Addicted’, drenched in warm orange and purple lighting that set an intimate mood. The setlist flowed beautifully, blending newer tracks like ‘Burn’, ‘February 3rd’, ‘Teenage Fantasy’, and ‘Be Honest’, each song resonating deeply with the crowd.
A standout moment came during the transition from ‘On My Mind’ into ‘Little Things’. This move felt deliberate, showcasing the UK garage essence of ‘On My Mind’, with its crisp R&B vocals, carried effortlessly into ‘Little Things’, reinforcing the genre’s continued influence in her latest work. Notably, ‘Little Things’ was the second single from her album, released back in May, ahead of the full album drop on September 29.
Ultimately, the night was a masterclass in Jorja Smith’s versatility. Her magnetic stage presence, genre-blending sound, and emotive delivery turned this gig into something truly special – a rich fusion of jazz, R&B, and UK garage that made this the gig of all trades.
- Jorja Smith - 2 June 2025