Jalen Ngonda to headline Brixton Academy after Streatham soul album release

Jalen Ngonda, the Maryland-born soul singer who now lives in Streatham, will headline Brixton Academy in October 2026. The performance follows the release of his second album, *Doctrine of Love*, earlier this year. The 5,000-capacity venue is a short distance from his south London home.

From Maryland to Streatham via Liverpool

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Ngonda’s move to the UK began in 2014 when he enrolled at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, an institution founded by Paul McCartney. The singer told *The Standard* that watching a documentary about the school’s 1960s nights sparked his decision to apply. A remote audition in California led to an offer, and his local church in Maryland organised a benefit concert to fund his flight.

After 18 months at LIPA, Ngonda left to pursue a solo career. He signed to independent label Daptone Records in 2022 and has since played Glastonbury twice, headlined Hammersmith Apollo, and collaborated with Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz. His music draws from classic soul artists like Marvin Gaye and The Temptations, though Ngonda avoids pastiche, blending modern production with vintage influences.

A permanent home in south London

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Ngonda told *The Standard* that he chose to remain in the UK after his studies, settling in Streatham. He described returning to the US as a step backward, saying, “If I went back, I would move back to my parents’ house.” His current tour, running until November 2026, includes stops in Los Angeles, Lille, Leeds, and Suffolk’s Latitude Festival.

It just made no sense to go back to America. If I went back, I would move back to my parents’ house and, you know, it just would have been a start over [again] point.

Jalen Ngonda, speaking to *The Standard*

The new album and what comes next

*Doctrine of Love* explores themes of romance and heartbreak, with tracks like *Good Good Love* and *Burning Temptation* showcasing Ngonda’s raspy falsetto. The album’s title track originated from a misheard word, Ngonda confused “doctrine” with “doctorate” but kept the error, framing himself as a “professor of love” who awards qualifications in the subject.

When asked if the songs reflected personal experiences, Ngonda told *The Standard* that most were fictional, though “some songs” drew from his life. He is currently in a relationship but declined to elaborate. The album has attracted praise from high-profile fans, including Paul Weller, Snoop Dogg, and Elton John.

Ngonda’s Brixton Academy show will be his largest London headline performance to date. No specific date or ticket details have been released, but the venue’s website will list updates. His tour continues until November 2026, with further UK dates expected.