Jorja Smith, the Brit Award-winning musician, has put the Black Country accent on the global map, making it go viral on social media. Born in Walsall in 1997, Smith's unique accent has drawn attention from thousands of fans across the world, who have expressed their admiration for it. This newfound recognition has instilled a sense of pride among the residents of Walsall, with many celebrating the positive portrayal of their local dialect.
People from Walsall are particularly delighted by this development. Lisa Sweet, a Walsall native, expressed her joy over the positive comments about their accent online.
"It makes a nice change, because most people don't think our accent's very good." – Lisa Sweet
Smith's journey to fame began early. She started writing songs at the age of 11 and earned a music scholarship at Aldridge School in Walsall. Her talent was recognized by a music manager when she was just 15. Her debut album, "Lost and Found," spent three weeks in the Top 20, solidifying her presence in the music industry. Smith's accolades include prestigious awards such as the Brits Critics' Choice Award and Best British Female Artist.
The reaction to Smith's accent has been overwhelmingly positive, with many trying to trace its origins back to Walsall. Madson Hodgson, a TikToker from Walsall, found the newfound appreciation surprising.
"Never in my life have I heard someone saying that Walsall is the most exotic accent in the UK." – Madson Hodgson
Bonnie Jenkins, a school friend of Smith's, acknowledged her influence.
"I think she's inspired a lot of people around here to sing to be fair." – Bonnie Jenkins
Libby Wood, another Walsall resident and musician, also shared her thoughts on the accent's reputation.
"It's got a bad rep everywhere, people think it makes people sound stupid, that we're slow, but I think it's a really nice accent." – Libby Wood
Smith's success has not only brought attention to her music but also to the cultural identity of her hometown. Her story has inspired others in her community to embrace their unique voice and pursue their artistic dreams.
Leave a Reply