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Jorja Smith explains why she briefly 'retreated' from spotlight

Jorja Smith has opened up about taking a step back from the spotlight following the release of her second studio album.

The British singer-songwriter took a partial career break after releasing Falling or Flying in 2023, before returning this year with her upcoming album What Are The Odds.

Speaking to GQ in a recent interview, Jorja explained that while she chose to spend less time in the public eye, she never fully stepped away from music.

"I didn't even step away, I can't lie - I still had shows. I just..." she said, pausing before clarifying that she did not want to overstate her experience. "I'm not dramatic, actually. I need to stop saying that, because I'm actually not dramatic."

The singer added, "I wasn't on socials as much, so it was that type of break, you know?"

Jorja went on to reveal that her decision to take a break was partly influenced by conversations about her appearance online.

"It was when people were just commenting on my weight so much, and I was like, 'I'm actually quite happy.' I just had loads of people being like, 'Oh, she's put on weight,' and it's like, yeah, fair, I had, but I was quite happy and quite healthy," she told the publication. "It wasn't people saying I'd put on weight (that made me upset)... It's not actually normal to have so many people have an opinion on you, whether it be your looks (or) just anything."

Jorja, 29, continued, "That was a moment when I was like, What the hell? I thought I was built for this, but not today."

The Be Honest hitmaker also admitted that earlier in her career, she struggled to slow down after finding fame at a young age.

"I started so young and always wanted to do more, just go, go, go - I didn't physically have any breaks, I don't know how to stop," she shared. "I've done shows every year (since I started). So after my album, I wanted to step away, retreat a bit."

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Cover Media
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