It’s always an accent that falls towards the lowest end of the spectrum for prestige and attractiveness. Actually, it doesn’t just fall, it often plummets to the position of the wooden spoon. But the Black Country accent of the West Midlands hasn’t impeded the meteoric success of Walsall native, Jorja Smith. With the release of her newest feature, on AJ Tracey’s ‘Crush’, released via Tracey’s independent label, Revenge Records, Smith proudly proclaims that the Black Country accent ay bad, it’s bostin’.
While Smith’s velvety, jazz-infused vocals are renowned, it’s her use of the Black Country accent in “Crush” that truly resonates. As a fellow Walsallian, I understand the frustration of constant Peaky Blinders inquiries and the sting of accentism. But through “Crush,” Smith broadcasts her heritage to Tracey and her combined 17.1 million Spotify listeners, exposing a vast audience to an accent rarely heard in mainstream media, let alone popular music.
Smith’s raw, unfiltered use of her accent brought a smile to my face. It’s a reminder of home, its people, and its language. While the Walsall accent might not win any “prestige” points, Smith’s BRIT Awards and Grammy nominations speak for themselves. “Crush” offers the best of both worlds: a display of Smith’s vocal power and a heartwarming nod to her hometown. From one Walsall girl to another, Smith’s embrace of her roots is a powerful statement: the Black Country accent is here to stay.