Jalen Ngonda isn’t just making music—he’s resurrecting the soul. With a voice drenched in Motown magic and an old-school sensibility that feels like a time capsule cracked open, the Maryland-born crooner has just dropped his latest single, “Just As Long As We’re Together.” Released via the legendary Daptone Records, the track is a velvet-smooth testament to the power of love and commitment, effortlessly channeling the golden era of R&B while keeping one foot planted firmly in the now.
The song first took shape during a visit to his family home in Wheaton, Maryland, before producers Michael Buckley and Vince Chiarito stepped in to polish the gem into its final form. The result? A lush, heartfelt ballad that feels both intimately personal and universally resonant—a signature move from an artist who’s made a name for himself by blending nostalgia with fresh, contemporary energy.
Ngonda’s rise has been nothing short of cinematic. At just 17, he took a leap of faith across the Atlantic, enrolling at Liverpool’s Institute of Performing Arts. It wasn’t long before fate intervened: a last-minute opening slot for Jools Holland led to an encounter with Daptone co-founder Neal Sugarman. One transatlantic move and a studio session later, Ngonda emerged with his 2023 debut album, “Come Around and Love Me” – a record so dripping in vintage charm and emotive depth that it cemented him as a vital soul voices of his generation.
Ngonda’s latest single serves as both a love letter to classic soul and a bold step forward in his ever-evolving artistry. “Just As Long As We’re Together” isn’t just another track—it’s a statement, a promise, and a reminder that real soul never goes out of style. So, plug in, press play, and let Jalen Ngonda take you somewhere timeless.
Photo: Rosie Cohe