Jalen Ngonda launches sophomore album, Doctrine of Love, alongside “Burning Temptation” video.
Jalen Ngonda strengthens his soul legacy with his sophomore album, Doctrine of Love. He releases the title track’s video, “Burning Temptation,” alongside the album. The soul phenom delivers another project designed for fans to enjoy and jam.
Jalen Ngonda emerges as a rare singer bridging Motown’s golden age with today’s urgency. He grew up in Maryland, beginning his journey at 11 under the influence of The Temptations. After hearing them, he dives deeply into the timeless sound of classic soul.
Self-taught on guitar, drums, and keys, Ngonda honed his craft at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. He busked across London, steadily building his reputation as a dynamic live performer. In 2022, he signed with Daptone Records and later released his debut album Come Around and Love Me.
With Doctrine of Love, Jalen Ngonda honors soul’s legacy while carrying it forward. He stands as a modern renaissance soul man, rooted in 1964 yet reaching toward the future.
Reinventing contemporary soul
Doctrine of Love emerges as a contemporary project steeped in 60s and 70s soul. It avoids clichés, rooted in Jalen’s scholarship for that era and its enduring legacy. Jalen channels Motown greats yet reinvents himself by exploring contemporary pop and R&B. He says,
It’s no exaggeration to say that every day of my life I wish I would wake up in 1964 in Detroit recording with the Funk Brothers.
Dropping the music video for “Burning Temptation,” Jalen speaks about balancing his love for 60s and 70s soul in 2026 as a contemporary artist. He adds:
But that’s not my life. So what I can do is express my thoughts and my fascination with that sound and period and just be an artist.
Ngonda collaborates closely with Vince Chiarito and Michael Buckley on the album. The new LP showcases poise and confidence, following his acclaimed debut Come Around and Love Me.
Doctrine of Love arrives after a nonstop tour run. Ngonda opened Olivia Dean’s sold-out European arena tour and headlined his own European dates.
Give in to the soulful vibes of Doctrine of Love — stream now!
Press Release
