Jalen Ngonda: Doctrine of Love Tour
Jalen Ngonda brings his Doctrine of Love Tour to the 9:30 Club on Monday, November 16, 2026, with support from Brooke Combe. Ngonda, a Maryland-born, London-based soul artist signed to Daptone Records, has spent the last several years building a global following with a sound that honors classic soul and R&B while pushing into modern territory. His 2023 debut album *Come Around And Love Me* earned breakout success, and his sophomore album *Doctrine Of Love* continues that momentum with a blend of vintage authenticity and contemporary songwriting. The show promises a live set that showcases his dynamic stage presence, switching between guitar, piano, and his signature falsetto, with backup singers and a tight band. Opening act Brooke Combe will start the evening.
When: Monday, November 16, 2026
Doors: 7:00 PM (opening acts, door times, and set times are subject to change)
Lineup: Jalen Ngonda with special guest Brooke Combe
About Jalen Ngonda: Ngonda’s musical journey began at age 11 when he heard The Temptations on the radio, leading him to explore soul, Motown, and Stax records obsessively. He taught himself guitar, drums, and keyboards, played drums in his church, and later studied music at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (founded by Paul McCartney). After moving to London in 2018, he busked, recorded, and refined his sound—an organic fusion of 1960s Chicago and Detroit soul infused with modern r&b and his own natural charm. His debut album *Come Around And Love Me* (2023) featured the viral single “If You Don’t Want My Love,” produced by Vince Chiarito and Mike Buckley. The follow-up *Doctrine Of Love* (2026) distills his earlier template further, with influences ranging from mid-1950s New Orleans and girl groups to folk rock by The Byrds and The Beatles. The album’s title track sets an emotional and musical template, while songs like “Anyone In Love” and “Mr Train Conductor” showcase his falsetto and storytelling. Ngonda is known for his vintage stage style, wearing 1950s clothing, and his live performances are described as energetic and charismatic, blending heartfelt ballads with dance-floor stompers. He has supported artists such as Thee Sacred Souls, Freddie Gibbs, and Olivia Dean, and has headlined festivals including Glastonbury and We Out Here. The tour takes its name from the new album, and Ngonda continues to tour worldwide.
Tickets: Tickets are non-transferable until 72 hours prior to the show. Any tickets suspected of being purchased for resale may be cancelled at the discretion of the venue and Ticketmaster. Buyers who violate this policy may be denied future ticket purchases for I.M.P. shows.
Venue: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Note: Opening and set times are subject to change. There is no specific age restriction or run time listed in the event details.