Birmingham may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about the UK’s most influential migrant communities. However, it is in Birmingham that renowned British singer-songwriter Laura Mvula, of Jamaican heritage, was born and raised. What was her journey to musical success? Read more on birminghamka.
Childhood in the Suburbs
Laura was born in 1987 and grew up in the Birmingham suburbs of Selly Park and Kings Heath. Her father was originally from Jamaica, making her and her brothers stand out among other local children.
Both of her parents were teachers—her mother taught humanities, while her father was a law lecturer. From an early age, Laura developed a passion for music. At primary school, she learned to play the piano and violin. Her musical growth continued at Swanshurst Girls’ School, where her family, particularly her aunt Carol Pemberton, strongly influenced her career choice. Pemberton, the founder of the vocal group Black Voices, introduced Laura to a cappella singing.
The group gained significant popularity and toured internationally in 2005. By 2008, Laura had formed her own band, Judyshouse, performing jazz and neo-soul music. She served as the lead vocalist and songwriter.
Laura’s parents instilled in her a deep connection to religion, which she carried into adulthood. She became the director of the Lichfield Gospel Choir, which was founded by her aunt’s group. This was not the only community choir she led—she used her talent to help others through music, offering her guidance on a voluntary basis.
She pursued formal education at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating in 2008. However, she did not immediately enter the music industry. Instead, she worked as a music teacher and later as a receptionist at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. It was there that she met her future manager, Kwame Kwaten.
She
Laura’s debut album was simply titled She. Released under Sony RCA, her musical talent quickly caught the attention of major music critics. In 2012, after the album’s release, she was shortlisted for the Critics’ Choice Award at the BRIT Awards 2013. That same year, she made her first live television appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
During the show, she performed Green Garden, a song filled with references to her childhood in Kings Heath. This track also became the opening song of her first studio album, Sing to the Moon.
Critics at The Guardian described her music as “gospel-infused” and recognised it as a new musical movement rather than just a stylistic choice. Sing to the Moon reached number nine on the UK music charts.
2013 was a breakthrough year for Laura. She won the MOBO Award for Best Female Act and Best R&B/Soul Act. Additionally, she received two nominations at the Brit Awards, further solidifying her place in the industry.
In 2014, she recorded a cover of Little Girl Blue, which became part of the soundtrack for 12 Years a Slave. This was not her last contribution to film music. In 2015, she collaborated with director Guy Ritchie. That same year, she re-recorded her debut album and performed at Royal Albert Hall with Metropole Orkest—one of many future collaborations with orchestras.
Laura Mvula performed at several major music festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival.
First Live Concert
Despite already having a notable career, Laura played her first full-length live concert in 2016 at the Jazz Maastricht Festival. By then, she had released another album, The Dreaming Room, which was warmly received by both critics and fans.
One track from the album was described as “the anthem of joyful feminists.” In July 2016, she performed alongside British singer-songwriter Tom Odell at Global Citizen and Chime For Change in London.
Despite her rising success, Sony dropped her in 2017, which was a shock to many, considering her continuous nominations and accolades.
Laura, however, did not let this setback define her. She shifted her focus to writing music for theatre productions, including projects for the Royal Shakespeare Company. In recognition of her contributions to music, Birmingham City University awarded her an honorary doctorate in 2019.
2021 was a turning point for Mvula’s career. She signed a contract with Atlantic Records and released a new album featuring a mix of old and new songs, along with several cover tracks.
Laura Mvula’s journey is one of perseverance and artistic evolution. From gospel choirs and orchestral collaborations to her impact on theatre and mainstream music, she remains one of Birmingham’s brightest musical talents.