19 QUESTIONS WITH JORJA SMITH
The R&B Star on Fame, Hypochondria, and Not Believing in Heartbreak.
For SSENSE, Studio Sylvia photographed singer-songwriter Jorja Smith for an editorial accompanying the feature “Questions with Jorja Smith.” Set within a stripped-back, intimate environment, the imagery balances strength and vulnerability, capturing Smith’s quiet confidence and magnetic presence. Through a series of natural portraits, the editorial offers a glimpse into the artist beyond the stage—grounded, reflective, and effortlessly self-assured. Working closely with the SSENSE editorial team, Studio Sylvia created a visual narrative that mirrors Smith’s music: soulful, understated, and deeply human.
SSENSE
SERVICES
Art Direction
Photography
TEAM
Studio Sylvia
CREDITS
Photography & Art Direction: Sylvia Austin
Interview & Styling: Nazanin Shahnavaz
Set design: Mat Cullen
Hair: Erol Karadag
Makeup: Carol Lopez Reid
Manicurist: Melanie Shengaris
“I never dreamt about becoming a popstar,” says Jorja Smith, “I still don’t want to be a popstar.”
The 21-year-old English artist is to-the-point and in control. On set she requests a minute-by-minute breakdown of the schedule, while she examines the clothing from the styling pull. Her debut album, Lost & Found, dropped this summer and ascended charts around the world, capping what’s been a quick transformation from SoundCloud artist working at Starbucks, to household name. Smith introduced herself to the world with “Blue Lights,” a four-minute commentary on police brutality, and subsequently released a five-track EP, Project 11, that bolstered proof of her R&B prowess. Smith has now been collaborating with the likes of Stormzy, Kali Uchis and Drake—appearing twice on the latter’s 2017 album, More Life.
On set she eats lunch standing up, rapidly tapping messages into her phone. As hair and makeup fuss over her face, she speaks confidently, efficiently—as if daring an opponent to spar. “I decided when I was 16 that I’m going to keep writing and make something of this,” she says. It’s difficult to argue with her conviction—confidence, sometimes, is contagious. But Jorja isn’t all hard angles. There’s a softness to her, a tenderness in the fluctuations of her pitch, in the way she holds herself during an acoustic set—in the way she reps her mom’s hand-made jewelry. Nazanin Shahnavaz caught up with Jorja to chat before she disappears into international stardom.
Nazanin Shahnavaz
Jorja Smith
How has your life changed?
Lack of privacy. Everyone wants to know what you’re doing. Everyone already knows what you’re doing. Everyone has an opinion on what you’re doing. Did you see the photo I posted in the red dress and everyone commented that I look pregnant? I get it, I don’t have the flattest tummy. What I don’t understand is why people would choose to spend three minutes of their day making someone else feel like shit. I try not to pay too much attention to it because you can get really sad and it’s not real, none of it is real.
What star sign are you?
A Gemini.
Are you in love?
Yes I am.
Is your relationship public?
We’ve been together for almost a year now. His name is Joel [Compass], we wrote “The One” from my album. I posted a picture of him with the lyrics and everyone was like “Fuck him!” I probably shouldn’t have tagged him in it, I’m never posting a picture of him again. I was talking to Kali [Uchis] about this, if I’m going to go out with somebody, it can’t just be anybody, and it’s definitely not going to be mister @privateaccount with a picture of a fish as his profile image.
Someone mentioned that Drake has a tattoo of you, is this true?
[Laughs] No, that’s definitely not true. If he has, I haven’t seen it. I’m sure if he had a tattoo of me it would be on the internet somewhere. Look it’s Sade, although it could be me right now with this net around my hair.
How would you describe your personality?
Unpredictable.
On a day-to-day basis, what kind of scenarios make your blood boil?
Anything. You could look at me funny and I would get pissed off at you.
What fills you with joy, brings you to tears, gives you goosebumps?
I cry at any film, when someone’s dying or if there is an empowering moment. I watched The Florida Project recently and that last scene, I was in tears.
Do you believe in fate?
No.
Do you have any regrets?
No.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
No.
When did you last break someone else’s heart?
I can’t remember when, and I don’t really care. I’m the kind of person that will take a lot of shit from somebody, but once I end it, it’s done.
Do you ever feel lonely?
I like being on my own.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
A strong one. I want people to remember me for my music. Hopefully I won't do anything crazy that they’ll remember me for.
When was the last time you were scared?
I’m not really scared of anything. I’m quite confident. If anything I scare myself, like I’ll have a headache and then I’ll worry something really serious is wrong with me—I’m the worst. So is my boyfriend. We’re the worst. Imagine. It’s awful because I’ll be like, “Stop telling me there’s something wrong with you.” Then I’ll be like “I’m going to the doctor’s because I think there’s something wrong with my head.”
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY–FRIDAY, 10AM–6PM
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
(EST) / GMT-5
19 QUESTIONS WITH JORJA SMITH
The R&B Star on Fame, Hypochondria, and Not Believing in Heartbreak.
For SSENSE, Studio Sylvia photographed singer-songwriter Jorja Smith for an editorial accompanying the feature “Questions with Jorja Smith.” Set within a stripped-back, intimate environment, the imagery balances strength and vulnerability, capturing Smith’s quiet confidence and magnetic presence. Through a series of natural portraits, the editorial offers a glimpse into the artist beyond the stage—grounded, reflective, and effortlessly self-assured. Working closely with the SSENSE editorial team, Studio Sylvia created a visual narrative that mirrors Smith’s music: soulful, understated, and deeply human.
SSENSE
SERVICES
Art Direction
Photography
TEAM
Studio Sylvia
CREDITS
Photography & Art Direction: Sylvia Austin
Interview & Styling: Nazanin Shahnavaz
Set design: Mat Cullen
Hair: Erol Karadag
Makeup: Carol Lopez Reid
Manicurist: Melanie Shengaris
“I never dreamt about becoming a popstar,” says Jorja Smith, “I still don’t want to be a popstar.”
The 21-year-old English artist is to-the-point and in control. On set she requests a minute-by-minute breakdown of the schedule, while she examines the clothing from the styling pull. Her debut album, Lost & Found, dropped this summer and ascended charts around the world, capping what’s been a quick transformation from SoundCloud artist working at Starbucks, to household name. Smith introduced herself to the world with “Blue Lights,” a four-minute commentary on police brutality, and subsequently released a five-track EP, Project 11, that bolstered proof of her R&B prowess. Smith has now been collaborating with the likes of Stormzy, Kali Uchis and Drake—appearing twice on the latter’s 2017 album, More Life.
On set she eats lunch standing up, rapidly tapping messages into her phone. As hair and makeup fuss over her face, she speaks confidently, efficiently—as if daring an opponent to spar. “I decided when I was 16 that I’m going to keep writing and make something of this,” she says. It’s difficult to argue with her conviction—confidence, sometimes, is contagious. But Jorja isn’t all hard angles. There’s a softness to her, a tenderness in the fluctuations of her pitch, in the way she holds herself during an acoustic set—in the way she reps her mom’s hand-made jewelry. Nazanin Shahnavaz caught up with Jorja to chat before she disappears into international stardom.
Nazanin Shahnavaz
Jorja Smith
How has your life changed?
Lack of privacy. Everyone wants to know what you’re doing. Everyone already knows what you’re doing. Everyone has an opinion on what you’re doing. Did you see the photo I posted in the red dress and everyone commented that I look pregnant? I get it, I don’t have the flattest tummy. What I don’t understand is why people would choose to spend three minutes of their day making someone else feel like shit. I try not to pay too much attention to it because you can get really sad and it’s not real, none of it is real.
What star sign are you?
A Gemini.
Are you in love?
Yes I am.
Is your relationship public?
We’ve been together for almost a year now. His name is Joel [Compass], we wrote “The One” from my album. I posted a picture of him with the lyrics and everyone was like “Fuck him!” I probably shouldn’t have tagged him in it, I’m never posting a picture of him again. I was talking to Kali [Uchis] about this, if I’m going to go out with somebody, it can’t just be anybody, and it’s definitely not going to be mister @privateaccount with a picture of a fish as his profile image.
Someone mentioned that Drake has a tattoo of you, is this true?
[Laughs] No, that’s definitely not true. If he has, I haven’t seen it. I’m sure if he had a tattoo of me it would be on the internet somewhere. Look it’s Sade, although it could be me right now with this net around my hair.
How would you describe your personality?
Unpredictable.
On a day-to-day basis, what kind of scenarios make your blood boil?
Anything. You could look at me funny and I would get pissed off at you.
What fills you with joy, brings you to tears, gives you goosebumps?
I cry at any film, when someone’s dying or if there is an empowering moment. I watched The Florida Project recently and that last scene, I was in tears.
Do you believe in fate?
No.
Do you have any regrets?
No.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
No.
When did you last break someone else’s heart?
I can’t remember when, and I don’t really care. I’m the kind of person that will take a lot of shit from somebody, but once I end it, it’s done.
Do you ever feel lonely?
I like being on my own.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
A strong one. I want people to remember me for my music. Hopefully I won't do anything crazy that they’ll remember me for.
When was the last time you were scared?
I’m not really scared of anything. I’m quite confident. If anything I scare myself, like I’ll have a headache and then I’ll worry something really serious is wrong with me—I’m the worst. So is my boyfriend. We’re the worst. Imagine. It’s awful because I’ll be like, “Stop telling me there’s something wrong with you.” Then I’ll be like “I’m going to the doctor’s because I think there’s something wrong with my head.”
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY–FRIDAY, 10AM–6PM
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
(EST) / GMT-5
19 QUESTIONS WITH JORJA SMITH
The R&B Star on Fame, Hypochondria, and Not Believing in Heartbreak.
For SSENSE, Studio Sylvia photographed singer-songwriter Jorja Smith for an editorial accompanying the feature “Questions with Jorja Smith.” Set within a stripped-back, intimate environment, the imagery balances strength and vulnerability, capturing Smith’s quiet confidence and magnetic presence. Through a series of natural portraits, the editorial offers a glimpse into the artist beyond the stage—grounded, reflective, and effortlessly self-assured. Working closely with the SSENSE editorial team, Studio Sylvia created a visual narrative that mirrors Smith’s music: soulful, understated, and deeply human.
SSENSE
SERVICES
Art Direction
Photography
TEAM
Studio Sylvia
CREDITS
Photography & Art Direction: Sylvia Austin
Interview & Styling: Nazanin Shahnavaz
Set design: Mat Cullen
Hair: Erol Karadag
Makeup: Carol Lopez Reid
Manicurist: Melanie Shengaris
“I never dreamt about becoming a popstar,” says Jorja Smith, “I still don’t want to be a popstar.”
The 21-year-old English artist is to-the-point and in control. On set she requests a minute-by-minute breakdown of the schedule, while she examines the clothing from the styling pull. Her debut album, Lost & Found, dropped this summer and ascended charts around the world, capping what’s been a quick transformation from SoundCloud artist working at Starbucks, to household name. Smith introduced herself to the world with “Blue Lights,” a four-minute commentary on police brutality, and subsequently released a five-track EP, Project 11, that bolstered proof of her R&B prowess. Smith has now been collaborating with the likes of Stormzy, Kali Uchis and Drake—appearing twice on the latter’s 2017 album, More Life.
On set she eats lunch standing up, rapidly tapping messages into her phone. As hair and makeup fuss over her face, she speaks confidently, efficiently—as if daring an opponent to spar. “I decided when I was 16 that I’m going to keep writing and make something of this,” she says. It’s difficult to argue with her conviction—confidence, sometimes, is contagious. But Jorja isn’t all hard angles. There’s a softness to her, a tenderness in the fluctuations of her pitch, in the way she holds herself during an acoustic set—in the way she reps her mom’s hand-made jewelry. Nazanin Shahnavaz caught up with Jorja to chat before she disappears into international stardom.
Nazanin Shahnavaz
Jorja Smith
How has your life changed?
Lack of privacy. Everyone wants to know what you’re doing. Everyone already knows what you’re doing. Everyone has an opinion on what you’re doing. Did you see the photo I posted in the red dress and everyone commented that I look pregnant? I get it, I don’t have the flattest tummy. What I don’t understand is why people would choose to spend three minutes of their day making someone else feel like shit. I try not to pay too much attention to it because you can get really sad and it’s not real, none of it is real.
What star sign are you?
A Gemini.
Are you in love?
Yes I am.
Is your relationship public?
We’ve been together for almost a year now. His name is Joel [Compass], we wrote “The One” from my album. I posted a picture of him with the lyrics and everyone was like “Fuck him!” I probably shouldn’t have tagged him in it, I’m never posting a picture of him again. I was talking to Kali [Uchis] about this, if I’m going to go out with somebody, it can’t just be anybody, and it’s definitely not going to be mister @privateaccount with a picture of a fish as his profile image.
Someone mentioned that Drake has a tattoo of you, is this true?
[Laughs] No, that’s definitely not true. If he has, I haven’t seen it. I’m sure if he had a tattoo of me it would be on the internet somewhere. Look it’s Sade, although it could be me right now with this net around my hair.
How would you describe your personality?
Unpredictable.
On a day-to-day basis, what kind of scenarios make your blood boil?
Anything. You could look at me funny and I would get pissed off at you.
What fills you with joy, brings you to tears, gives you goosebumps?
I cry at any film, when someone’s dying or if there is an empowering moment. I watched The Florida Project recently and that last scene, I was in tears.
Do you believe in fate?
No.
Do you have any regrets?
No.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
No.
When did you last break someone else’s heart?
I can’t remember when, and I don’t really care. I’m the kind of person that will take a lot of shit from somebody, but once I end it, it’s done.
Do you ever feel lonely?
I like being on my own.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
A strong one. I want people to remember me for my music. Hopefully I won't do anything crazy that they’ll remember me for.
When was the last time you were scared?
I’m not really scared of anything. I’m quite confident. If anything I scare myself, like I’ll have a headache and then I’ll worry something really serious is wrong with me—I’m the worst. So is my boyfriend. We’re the worst. Imagine. It’s awful because I’ll be like, “Stop telling me there’s something wrong with you.” Then I’ll be like “I’m going to the doctor’s because I think there’s something wrong with my head.”
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY–FRIDAY, 10AM–6PM
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
(EST) / GMT-5
19 QUESTIONS WITH JORJA SMITH
The R&B Star on Fame, Hypochondria, and Not Believing in Heartbreak.
For SSENSE, Studio Sylvia photographed singer-songwriter Jorja Smith for an editorial accompanying the feature “Questions with Jorja Smith.” Set within a stripped-back, intimate environment, the imagery balances strength and vulnerability, capturing Smith’s quiet confidence and magnetic presence. Through a series of natural portraits, the editorial offers a glimpse into the artist beyond the stage—grounded, reflective, and effortlessly self-assured. Working closely with the SSENSE editorial team, Studio Sylvia created a visual narrative that mirrors Smith’s music: soulful, understated, and deeply human.
SSENSE
SERVICES
Art Direction
Photography
TEAM
Studio Sylvia
CREDITS
Photography & Art Direction: Sylvia Austin
Interview & Styling: Nazanin Shahnavaz
Set design: Mat Cullen
Hair: Erol Karadag
Makeup: Carol Lopez Reid
Manicurist: Melanie Shengaris
“I never dreamt about becoming a popstar,” says Jorja Smith, “I still don’t want to be a popstar.”
The 21-year-old English artist is to-the-point and in control. On set she requests a minute-by-minute breakdown of the schedule, while she examines the clothing from the styling pull. Her debut album, Lost & Found, dropped this summer and ascended charts around the world, capping what’s been a quick transformation from SoundCloud artist working at Starbucks, to household name. Smith introduced herself to the world with “Blue Lights,” a four-minute commentary on police brutality, and subsequently released a five-track EP, Project 11, that bolstered proof of her R&B prowess. Smith has now been collaborating with the likes of Stormzy, Kali Uchis and Drake—appearing twice on the latter’s 2017 album, More Life.
On set she eats lunch standing up, rapidly tapping messages into her phone. As hair and makeup fuss over her face, she speaks confidently, efficiently—as if daring an opponent to spar. “I decided when I was 16 that I’m going to keep writing and make something of this,” she says. It’s difficult to argue with her conviction—confidence, sometimes, is contagious. But Jorja isn’t all hard angles. There’s a softness to her, a tenderness in the fluctuations of her pitch, in the way she holds herself during an acoustic set—in the way she reps her mom’s hand-made jewelry. Nazanin Shahnavaz caught up with Jorja to chat before she disappears into international stardom.
Nazanin Shahnavaz
Jorja Smith
How has your life changed?
Lack of privacy. Everyone wants to know what you’re doing. Everyone already knows what you’re doing. Everyone has an opinion on what you’re doing. Did you see the photo I posted in the red dress and everyone commented that I look pregnant? I get it, I don’t have the flattest tummy. What I don’t understand is why people would choose to spend three minutes of their day making someone else feel like shit. I try not to pay too much attention to it because you can get really sad and it’s not real, none of it is real.
What star sign are you?
A Gemini.
Are you in love?
Yes I am.
Is your relationship public?
We’ve been together for almost a year now. His name is Joel [Compass], we wrote “The One” from my album. I posted a picture of him with the lyrics and everyone was like “Fuck him!” I probably shouldn’t have tagged him in it, I’m never posting a picture of him again. I was talking to Kali [Uchis] about this, if I’m going to go out with somebody, it can’t just be anybody, and it’s definitely not going to be mister @privateaccount with a picture of a fish as his profile image.
Someone mentioned that Drake has a tattoo of you, is this true?
[Laughs] No, that’s definitely not true. If he has, I haven’t seen it. I’m sure if he had a tattoo of me it would be on the internet somewhere. Look it’s Sade, although it could be me right now with this net around my hair.
How would you describe your personality?
Unpredictable.
On a day-to-day basis, what kind of scenarios make your blood boil?
Anything. You could look at me funny and I would get pissed off at you.
What fills you with joy, brings you to tears, gives you goosebumps?
I cry at any film, when someone’s dying or if there is an empowering moment. I watched The Florida Project recently and that last scene, I was in tears.
Do you believe in fate?
No.
Do you have any regrets?
No.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
No.
When did you last break someone else’s heart?
I can’t remember when, and I don’t really care. I’m the kind of person that will take a lot of shit from somebody, but once I end it, it’s done.
Do you ever feel lonely?
I like being on my own.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
A strong one. I want people to remember me for my music. Hopefully I won't do anything crazy that they’ll remember me for.
When was the last time you were scared?
I’m not really scared of anything. I’m quite confident. If anything I scare myself, like I’ll have a headache and then I’ll worry something really serious is wrong with me—I’m the worst. So is my boyfriend. We’re the worst. Imagine. It’s awful because I’ll be like, “Stop telling me there’s something wrong with you.” Then I’ll be like “I’m going to the doctor’s because I think there’s something wrong with my head.”
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY–FRIDAY, 10AM–6PM
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
(EST) / GMT-5