Trailblazer Artiste · Joined 9 years ago ·
Abuja,Nigeria
Singer songwriter, Jessica Bongos is an Abuja based independent artist. She hails from Otukpo, Benue State and was born on July 15, 1983 in Lagos State, Nigeria.She acquired a Bachelor’s degree in International Development from the University of Liverpool...
Singer songwriter, Jessica Bongos is an Abuja based independent artist. She hails from Otukpo, Benue State and was born on July 15, 1983 in Lagos State, Nigeria.
She acquired a Bachelor’s degree in International Development from the University of Liverpool and a Masters degree in Leisure events and facilities management from Sheffield Hallam University.
She was constantly exposed to music. Growing up with a musician as a father, he often gathered the family around in the living room to play his guitar, urging them to sing songs. She stood out as she inherited her father’s zeal for music, and it was in that family room her talent was cultivated.
Jessica officially started singing with her father, Bongos Ikwue in 2006, recording backing vocals on a few of his songs. She decided to step out on her own as a solo singer in 2013. That same year, she released her debut single titled “You Left Me”.
In July 2014, she released her debut album, a 5-track EP titled “UNSCATHED”, produced by Atta Lenell. By December 2015, Jessica Bongos was placed on Spinlet’s “Sound of 2016” list, featured alongside other Nigerian breakout artists, including Kiss Daniel, Adekunle Gold, and Tekno.
Jessica’s sound can be described as Neo Pop Soul. Her unique raspy, sultry vocals are described as “intriguing to listen to” and that they “blend well with her stories of love and heartbreak”.
As she explains it, “Music touches the deepest part of my soul. It is to me, the most beautiful artistic expression of feelings that people can relate to on a daily basis”.
The composition of her music is inspired by a variety of genres such as old school Motown, soul, R&B, jazz, gospel, alternative, and country music. Her biggest musical influences are Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Etta James, Nina Simone, Sade Adu, Otis Redding, Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder and Bongos Ikwue.
"Broken to Peace", Jessica's debut album was officially released on Tuesday, October 31st, 2017. The album is an eclectic mix of soul, jazz, blues, highlife, and alternative music. All tracks on this album were produced and mixed by Atta Lenell Otigba except for track 1 which was produced by Tay Iwar.
