Jalen Ngonda

Jalen Ngonda brings his finely tuned take on classic soul to O2 Academy Bristol on 24 October 2026. Raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, then based in Liverpool where he studied at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, he shaped his sound on small stages before moving to larger rooms. His writing draws on the grammar of 1960s soul—firm basslines, measured tempos, vocals front and center—blended with rhythm and blues and a light pop sensibility.

Signed to New York’s Daptone Records, he has released a run of singles and the 2023 album Come Around and Love Me, which nails the live feel across slow ballads and tighter, groove-led tracks. On stage, he keeps it direct: a voice that leads, a taut rhythm section, and subtle horn or string lines that leave space for the melodies. Moving between London, Liverpool and European tours, Ngonda belongs to a generation that revisits soul’s codes with economy and focus, leaning on song craft and the pulse of a live band. Bristol gets that blend, straight and unadorned.