Nathaniel Vah’s “The Heat” Discover How Best Friend Duo J & J Classic Balance Music and Friendship

Monrovia Liberia: Foster Allen and Julie Ngo of the Bestfriends-duo J and J Classic, are Liberian artists from the UK and have been creating relatable music for over a decade, attracting audiences with their eclectic sounds and soulful anthems. 

The duo known for blending genres that include RnB, and improvise in hip pop and afro music, released their most recent song in Januery, 2024 on Friday, titled "Champion."

The "You Are Mine" 2023 classic was composed and arranged by the duo, it is an RnB song with a little African effect index in it, the chorus is in igbo language one of Nigeria's largest tribes.

The dou who currently resides in Monrovia musical journey began nearly 10 years ago in a songwriting session. 

"We met in the United Kingdom at a Music Training Course session, So we started writing songs and then the next thing you know, our vision for the game aligned, and here we are," said Allen Foster.

Odarty Blackie image: Captured Image after the interview session

In 2020, J and J classic released their self-titled debut Album tagged "I Believe In You" produced by Seven Shrinks, the album features five standout tracks which include: Can I Hold You, You Are Mine, I believe In You, Champion and Feeling Alright.

The following year, they became the closest no one could have ever imagine. 

Fast forward to 2022, they released their second studio album which is the "Gospel" but admit to Nathaniel Vah's the "Heat" audiance they have not come out with promotional plans to push the gospel Album " Turn Around" due to some personal reasons. 

Julie Ngo, who is the daughter of the late Professor Robert, said she found it challenging to escape her father's shadow early in her career but eventually was drawn to working with Allen and have become a musical icon today.

"He was a great storyteller," said Julie Ngo of her father.

Foster Allen unveil that his inspiration came from Luther Vendros, who died on July 1, 2005, and as of today, July 9, 2025 it has been exactly 20years and 8 days since his passing. 

Foster described Vendros as the "ultimate storyteller" while refferencing his "Dance With My Father" his classic Single, released on May 30, 2003. 

Dance With My Father served as the lead single and title track of his fourteenth and final studio album.

"I thought that was one of Vendros's many superpowers, but that's one that I hoped to emulate," said Allen.

J and J Classic has forged its own identity, drawing inspiration from everyday life. Julie Ngo said that many of their songs feel like diary entries, reflecting personal love experiences. 

Their song "You Are Mine" explores the ups and downs of relationships and the lessons learned in therapy, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for challenges rather than seeking immediate solutions.

Meanwhile, the dou's home is not just a safe space, but also a creative outlet. 

They intend to establish a Musical School to boost Liberia’s Music and to Educate young aspiring creatives "We also want to establish a nationl ochestra here in Liberia", said Foster Allen. 

J and J classic had recently produced a show at Fusion Bah on 14th Colony Club, and the event turned out to be a remarkable one for the stars.

They say family is their responsibility, but just as important is being the artists they were meant to be. 

For example, Julie said there was never any doubt about taking those connected to them on the road, saying their relatives never missed a show.

With their family's support, the two are clear on their intentions as a musical duo.

"Ultimately, my goal isn't to be huge and famous. My goal is to help people. My goal is to build community that will effect change and for people to feel seen," said Ngo. 

Ngo further, they are comfortable with the idea that their music may not attract every audience.

"We probably don't appeal to a lot of people because our music is our music, but the people that it appeals to, we're meant for," said Allen Foster.

The "I Believe In You" album is available for streaming on Apple Music and Audio-Mack.