Nothing makes us prouder than seeing the success of local artists on the big stage. The rise of Walsall’s Jorja Smith this year has been nothing short of meteoric. From working in Starbucks to a Mobo nomination in double quick time for the soulful teenager with talent to spare. January’s debut single ‘Blue Lights’ was spawned from a sample of Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Siren’ and evolved into an earnest and beautiful song about teenage ennui in a small town. Boredom and introspection has never sounded so beguiling. Jorja has been compared to Lauren Hill and Amy Winehouse, big vocal shoes to fill but she has the tools. Possessed of a maturity and a literate lyricism in advance of her tender years Jorja is going to be big. It’s unlikely we will be able to see her in such a cosy environment as The Sunflower Lounge again. New EP ‘Project 11’ is out in December, there’s a support slot with Nao (see our preview of the Birmingham Nao gig here) and the small matter of the Mobos to attend. Get your tickets quickly.

Tue 13 Dec 7.30pm at Sunflower Lounge, 76 Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4EG Birmingham  £7.50 thesunflowerlounge.com/