Rising R&B Soul singer-songwriter Bonita Jalane officially released her album “Kept Kissing Frogs” on August 3 . The project offers a raw, candid exploration of heartbreak, healing, and the journey toward self-love.
Jalane said “Kept Kissing Frogs (KKF) ‘was born out of a cycle of loving the wrong people and learning hard lessons. And finally realizing I had to love myself differently. Every ‘frog’ represents a situation I had to forgive, release, overcome, and grow from. It’s not just about romantic relationships — it’s about anything that broke me, challenged me, or forced me to evolve. This album is my testimony — raw, real, and healing.”
KKF is 16 tracks of R&B, Soul, and Hip Hop. The music is soulful, and the lyrics are meaningful, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions – from happy to sad to hopeful.
“Track #3, ‘Nah Son,’ carries a trap-soul vibe and dives into the frustrations of a situationship. Bonita calls out the lack of consistency—no more disappearing after the late-night calls. Her message is clear: if you’re not serious, go find someone else to play with.”
Jalane also has some beautiful harmonies on this album, and she shows just how high her range can go. You can hear the passion, hurt, and triumph all at once in her voice. You don’t just hear the music and lyrics-you can feel it.
“I Love Myself” track #6 is another heartfelt song that reiterates the importance of loving yourself, because sometimes, life may get lonely. Jalane talks about healing and seeing the best in yourself, no matter what others may say. The song sounds peaceful, with Jalane’s harmonies and delivery of the lyrics. This is an affirmation song and a reminder to love yourself, and will give you some peace and hope. And Jolane sings with passion, taking you to church, and the organ in parts of the song adds to that feeling.
Jalane’s single, “So High,” is the 14th track on the album and it is not about being “high” off drugs, but rather a euphoric high off of life.
In July, Jalane gave fans a sneak peek of the entire album at City Winery in the ATL. “For three of the songs, I did them as a medley to keep the flow and energy moving,” she said. “The experience was deeply emotional and unforgettable. The audience showed up with so much love. For singles like “So High,” “I Love Myself,” and “Somebody,” people were singing along — it felt like a full-circle moment seeing the music connect in real time.”
She is no stranger to performing and has performed sold-out shows at City Winery and prepares herself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Jalane said “I rehearse with my band, of course, but I also take time to pray, journal, visualize, and align myself with the message I’m delivering,” she said. “For this show especially, I had to emotionally ground myself — because this wasn’t just a concert, it was my healing live on stage.”
Jalane was friends with Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who passed away from an accidental drowning in Costa Rica on July 20, 2025. She said performing during that pain was extremely difficult.
“I actually found out about his passing just an hour before going on stage,” she said. “Malcolm and I were planning to create a jazz record together, so I did a special tribute during the show. I performed a jazz rendition of “What a Difference a Day Makes” and dedicated it to him. The timing, the lyrics, the weight of it all… it hit me so deeply. I carried that pain with me through the performance, but also honored it. I let the tears come. I let the audience in. Because grief and art often share the same breath.”
Her fans had emotional moments as well, even though most of the album was new to them. “It was beautiful watching their reactions in real-time,” she said. There were laughs, tears, head nods — people really felt it. Music is my lifeline. It’s how I process pain, celebrate joy, and make sense of the in-between. Every melody I write is a conversation with God, my ancestors, and my inner child. It’s where I tell the truth — even when it hurts, especially when it heals.”
Listen to “Kept Kissing Frogs” by Bonita Jalane here:
ABOUT BONITA JOLANE
Jalane, a Brooklyn native, now calls Atlanta home. She has shared the stage with superstar artists such as Chris Brown, Monica, and Fantasia, and even collaborated with artists like Cam’ron.
