ArtistDirect News
Jorja Smith Brings Spotify Hometown Series to Walsall Arena in Intimate September Show
On Sunday, September 6 2026, Walsall Arena hosted a one‑night‑only performance by hometown singer‑songwriter Jorja Smith as part of Spotify’s new Hometown live series. The 600‑seat venue filled with local fans and invited listeners eager to hear the artist’s latest work.
Spotify announced the Hometown series on 18 August 2026. The program will feature three UK‑based musicians returning to their birthplaces for intimate, one‑night‑only shows. Jorja Smith will perform in Walsall, while Nemzzz will play Manchester on 12 September and Beabadoobee will appear in London later in the month.
Smith, who was born and raised in Walsall, used the occasion to showcase songs from her third studio album, What Are The Odds, released on 21 August 2026 through her label FAMM. The album contains 10 tracks, including “For Life,” “I Lied, You Lied,” “Alive” (featuring Wizkid), and “This City.” During the show, Smith performed a mix of album tracks and earlier hits such as “Blue Lights” and “Teenage Fantasy.”
The performance began with a solo rendition of “Blue Lights,” the song that launched Smith’s career in 2016. She followed with an a cappella version of “Teenage Fantasy” set to blue and purple lighting. A highlight was the Afro‑House collaboration “Alive” with Wizkid, which created a relaxed atmosphere before the audience heard the more upbeat “I Lied, You Lied” and the introspective “For Life.”
Smith also introduced the Blue Lights Choir, a group she founded in 2022 for girls aged 11‑18. The choir performed “Greatest Gift,” a track that emphasizes community support and empowerment.
During the set, Smith addressed her growing frustration with London, explaining that she had written “This City” after feeling that the capital had sold a dream of home. She performed the song in front of the 600‑seat venue, adding a personal dimension to the performance.
The concert concluded with a three‑song run of “Little Things,” “On My Mind,” and “Be Honest.” The trio, often referred to as Smith’s “holy trinity,” received enthusiastic responses from the crowd, who sang along and danced.
After the show, Smith declared, “I’m proud to be from Walsall,” a statement that resonated with the local audience.
The Hometown series aims to connect artists with the communities that shaped them. Spotify’s announcement noted that the series follows a recent run of live projects that bring U.K. artists and their biggest fans into intimate settings.
Smith’s What Are The Odds follows her debut album Lost & Found (2018) and her 2021 EP Be Right Back. The new album blends Afro‑House, R&B, funk, and dance elements, reflecting Smith’s versatility.
The Walsall show was part of a broader trend of artists returning to their hometowns for live performances. According to Spotify’s public statements, the series will continue with two more intimate shows in September.
The event was covered by local news outlets, including the Walsall Echo and the Walsall government newsroom, which highlighted the significance of a hometown artist performing in a small venue.
In summary, Jorja Smith’s September 6 performance at Walsall Arena marked the first stop of Spotify’s Hometown series. The show showcased her new album, highlighted her local roots, and reinforced the series’ goal of celebrating the places that shape artists.
Spotify announced the Hometown series on 18 August 2026. The program will feature three UK‑based musicians returning to their birthplaces for intimate, one‑night‑only shows. Jorja Smith will perform in Walsall, while Nemzzz will play Manchester on 12 September and Beabadoobee will appear in London later in the month.
Smith, who was born and raised in Walsall, used the occasion to showcase songs from her third studio album, What Are The Odds, released on 21 August 2026 through her label FAMM. The album contains 10 tracks, including “For Life,” “I Lied, You Lied,” “Alive” (featuring Wizkid), and “This City.” During the show, Smith performed a mix of album tracks and earlier hits such as “Blue Lights” and “Teenage Fantasy.”
The performance began with a solo rendition of “Blue Lights,” the song that launched Smith’s career in 2016. She followed with an a cappella version of “Teenage Fantasy” set to blue and purple lighting. A highlight was the Afro‑House collaboration “Alive” with Wizkid, which created a relaxed atmosphere before the audience heard the more upbeat “I Lied, You Lied” and the introspective “For Life.”
Smith also introduced the Blue Lights Choir, a group she founded in 2022 for girls aged 11‑18. The choir performed “Greatest Gift,” a track that emphasizes community support and empowerment.
During the set, Smith addressed her growing frustration with London, explaining that she had written “This City” after feeling that the capital had sold a dream of home. She performed the song in front of the 600‑seat venue, adding a personal dimension to the performance.
The concert concluded with a three‑song run of “Little Things,” “On My Mind,” and “Be Honest.” The trio, often referred to as Smith’s “holy trinity,” received enthusiastic responses from the crowd, who sang along and danced.
After the show, Smith declared, “I’m proud to be from Walsall,” a statement that resonated with the local audience.
The Hometown series aims to connect artists with the communities that shaped them. Spotify’s announcement noted that the series follows a recent run of live projects that bring U.K. artists and their biggest fans into intimate settings.
Smith’s What Are The Odds follows her debut album Lost & Found (2018) and her 2021 EP Be Right Back. The new album blends Afro‑House, R&B, funk, and dance elements, reflecting Smith’s versatility.
The Walsall show was part of a broader trend of artists returning to their hometowns for live performances. According to Spotify’s public statements, the series will continue with two more intimate shows in September.
The event was covered by local news outlets, including the Walsall Echo and the Walsall government newsroom, which highlighted the significance of a hometown artist performing in a small venue.
In summary, Jorja Smith’s September 6 performance at Walsall Arena marked the first stop of Spotify’s Hometown series. The show showcased her new album, highlighted her local roots, and reinforced the series’ goal of celebrating the places that shape artists.