25 July 2025 (gig)
26 July 2025
Jalen Ngonda at the Nice Jazz Festival
One of the most exciting and promising newcomers on the soul scene, Jalen Ngonda arrived in Nice to headline at the Theatre de Verdue stage at this years Jazz Festival.
His debut album, Come Around and Love Me, released in 2023 came with influences from some of the legends of soul, most notably Al Green, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye mixed with a touch of The Stylistics and The Delfonics.
Backed by a tight and accomplished 3 piece band Ngonda was given a reception from the Nice audience that was as warm as the summer sun that shines over the famous resort that is the queen of the French Riviera.
That’s All I Wanted From You along with Come Around and Love Me are the two tracks that epitomised all that is good about Ngonda; sweet soul music delivered with passion and style with his distinctive voice.
The Nice fans needed little persuasion to get up from their seats to join him and the band, following his request that they all join in the party.
I Need You, dedicated to all the lovers in the audience showed a more reflective side to his strong catalogue of seductive soul, whilst the blues inspired Running showcased that Ngonda was probably a fan of Muddy Waters and B.B. King than you might have thought.
Whilst he now lives in Liverpool, the American artist has been touring solidly since the debut album release which showed in the natural chemistry between Ngonda and his band.
With a UK tour planned for the autumn, fans of classic soul and more contemporary artists such as Teddy Swims would do well to get a ticket for one of the shows.
16th October Newcastle o2 City Hall
17th October Nottingham Rock City
19th October Manchester o2 Apollo
21st October Cambridge Corn Ext
22nd October London Eventim Apollo
23rd October Bristol Beacon
