Jalen Ngonda is widely regarded as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary soul music — an artist who honours the genre's roots while pushing it forward. His second album, 'Doctrine Of Love', solidifies his standing as both a custodian of tradition and an innovative creator, channelling the legacies of Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson and David Ruffin without retreating into nostalgia.
The record is packed with confidence, elegance and an irresistible swing. The title track sets the tone with danceable energy and an expansive reading of love as philosophy and way of life. Ngonda's falsetto glides effortlessly over tight rhythms, strings and guitar figures that evoke the soul scenes of Detroit, Chicago and New Orleans in the late 1960s.
What sets Ngonda apart from many contemporary retro-soul artists is his uncompromising commitment to the lifestyle and aesthetic — from hunting for vinyl and capturing an analogue sound to embodying the persona of a classically dressed gentleman on stage. Live, he fuses musicality, charisma and genuine feeling in performances that feel as timeless as they are immediate.
The concert at Amager Bio is organised by Luger and Amager Bio & BETA.