UK-based Washington DC native JALEN NGONDA is heading back to Australia in March 2026. The soul sensation will be heading up Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney alongside festival appearances at Electric Avenue, WOMADelaide and Golden Plains.
Having last visited our shores in January 2025 playing to multiple sold out crowds across the country, Jalen describes his own sound as “modern soul with a touch of the Beach Boys and the Beatles.” Best known for his instantly recognisable track “If You Don’t Want My Love”, which boasts over 145 million Spotify streams, Jalen has risen to the forefront of the R&B scene. His debut 2023 album Come Around and Love Me was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised by NME as “a wonderfully smooth, dramatic album of modern soul and R&B, all brought together by an exhilarating, hair-raising voice.”
Jalen’s silky vocals and blend of classic and temporary soul have earned him comparisons to greats like Marvin Gaye and caught the attention of A-listers Snoop Dogg, Kehlani, Olivia Dean and Elton John.
Growing up in a music loving family on the outskirts of Washington DC, Jalen began playing instruments in primary school and writing songs as early as 14. His inspiration came from his father’s collection of Motown CD’s, kickstarting a discovery of early blues, gospel, jazz, rock and soul. Jalen began to hone his craft playing organ in the same church who later raised money to send him to the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts in the UK.
He has gone on to support icons like Lauryn Hill and Thee Sacred Souls and sell out his own shows across the US, UK and Europe. Having taken to the stage at major festivals like Glastonbury, Rock Werchter and TRNSMT, Jalen’s Australian tour is not to be missed.
On his headline shows, Jalen will be joined by award-winning Australian soul singer WILSN. Taking to the stage with a full band, WILSN will be playing tracks from her brand new sophomore album Bloom.
TOUR DATES:
Saturday 28 February 2026
Electric Avenue – Christchurch, NZ
Monday 2 March 2026*
The Tivoli – Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 4 March 2026*
Astor Theatre – Perth, WA
Friday 6 March 2026*
Forum – Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 7 March 2026
WOMADelaide – Adelaide, SA
Sunday 8 March 2026
Golden Plains Festival – Meredith, VIC
Tuesday 10 March 2026*
Enmore Theatre – Sydney, NSW
* With special guest WILSN
If you are looking for a place to stay for any of the above tour dates then check out our interactive accommodation map below. Just add in the dates you want to stay and the venue and you will be able to see what’s available nearby! (The map is set to Electric Avenue festival, so just change it to your venue of choice!)
Do you also need to find a flight to get you there, try our flight search feature below! Simply add in your home and destination city, select the dates you want to travel and search away!
