Jessica Bongos

About me

Abuja, Nigeria

I’m a Nigerian singer songwriter, recording and performing Artist who, despite having degrees in International Development and Leisure Events and Facilities Management, has a deep-seated passion for music.

Daughter of the legendary Nigerian musician Bongos Ikwue, I am largely influenced by the type of music I heard him play around the house growing up; musical genres such as soul, Motown classics, jazz, R’n’B, blues, and gospel music are embedded in my style of music.

My music style is characterized by softer rhythms and heart-warming themes.

Although a bit shy, reserved and largely introverted, I’m a woman filled with depth and intense in presence and this reflects strongly in my music.

So far, I have released an EP, an album and 2 singles.

I have performed at various concerts and festivals in Nigeria and internationally. Stage is my home.

Cultural background

  • Nigeria

Values

  • Fairness
  • Faith
  • Honesty
  • Justice
  • Kindness
  • Love
  • Making a difference
  • Meaningful work
  • Self-respect
  • Spirituality
  • Well-being
  • Spiritually-driven

Project Music

Bold & Beautiful

"Bold & Beautiful" is a celebration of Africa's global cultural impact, with vibrant rhythms and melodies embodying its rich diversity. It champions unity amidst diversity, reminding us of the strength found in celebrating differences. Through its infectious energy, it calls for solidarity, showcasing music's power to bridge divides and foster a world where diversity is celebrated as a source of strength.

  • African
  • Pop
  • Bass
  • Choir
  • Singer
  • Treble
  • Vocal ensemble
  • Guitar
  • Clapped hands
  • Central African Republic
  • South Africa
  • United States of America
Usiku
Play
  • Award Winner
  • Album Track

Our song sheds light on a significant pressing social issue in our communities:[sexual assault & Rape]. We approached the topic through storytelling, focusing on a child's journey after being sexually abused by a guardian and then expelled from home. These cases are common in our communities, especially in rural areas, and often go unreported due to a lack of advocacy. We used our talents to provoke empathy in the listener, urging them to become advocates for change. Together, we say no to rape & child marriages. Let us create a safer world.

  • African
  • Traditional / Folk
  • Background vocals
  • Singer
  • Singer-songwriter
  • Acoustic guitar
  • Netherlands
  • Nigeria
  • Zambia
Sing a song for women

A lot of women feel silenced in their societies. They are made to feel small and like their opinions do not matter. Sing a song for women everywhere means “let’s speak up for gender equality for women all around the World”. This message is amplified by 4 female voices of Artists from 3 countries asking everyone to support women more and ignore the traditional expectations of women. This song also encourages these women to look beyond societal stereotypes and dig deeper to find their value, worth and strength. Their magic!

  • African
  • Fusion
  • Traditional / Folk
  • Vocal
  • World
  • A capella
  • Background vocals
  • Chanting
  • Singer
  • Vocal ensemble
  • Acoustic bass guitar
  • Bass guitar
  • Violin
  • Conga
  • Kenya
  • Nigeria
  • Ukraine
Little Drops of Love

This is a song about the impact of social injustice during a person's formative years in relation to small acts of kindness (Little Drops of Love) that can make a difference in someone's life... An eclectic mix of world & jazz-pop performed by a unique singing voice, strong groove and cross rhythms.

  • Jazz-Pop
  • World
  • Background vocals
  • Singer
  • Piano
  • Synthesizer
  • Bass guitar
  • Electric guitar
  • Bass drum
  • Cymbals
  • Darbuka
  • Percussion
  • Ireland
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
We Are

Music has a remarkable ability to transcend cultural, linguistic, and social barriers: A powerful tool for social change and unity. Musicians have the opportunity to amplify marginalized voices, advocate for social justice, and inspire positive change. In "We Are," we endeavored and succeeded in bringing musicians from diverse cultures onto the same stage, each contributing from their own background and context. There were moments when communicating through music proved easier than discussing the music itself. "We are who we are for a reason."

  • African
  • Arabic
  • Christian / Gospel
  • Electronic
  • Hip Hop / Rap
  • New Age
  • Oriental
  • Pop
  • R&B / Soul
  • World
  • A capella
  • Background vocals
  • Bass-baritone
  • Rapping
  • Singer
  • Singer-songwriter
  • Tenor
  • Organ electric
  • Synclavier
  • Synthesizer
  • Bouzouki
  • Violin
  • Darbuka
  • Drum set
  • Percussion
  • Riq / Riqq / Rik
  • Netherlands
  • Nigeria
  • Spain
  • Syrian Arab Republic

No submissions for Beyond Music Project Volume 3.

No submissions for Beyond Music Project Volume 2.

No submissions for Beyond Music Project Volume 1.