HLE (singer)

HLE
Birth nameHlengiwe Ntombela
Born12 April 1991 (age 31) Kwaggafontein, South Africa
Genres
Occupations
  • Worship Leader
  • Musician
  • Musical director
  • Songwriter
  • Show Host
Labels
  • YKOE
  • The T Effect
  • Motown
Websitehttp://www.hlelive.com/

Hlengiwe Ntombela (born 12 April 1991), better known as HLE, is a South African gospel singer and songwriter. She is a former member of the gospel choir Joyous Celebration, and currently performs as a solo artist.

Biography

Life

Ntombela grew up in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.[1] Her father is a bishop at Potters House Family Church.[1]

Career

Ntombela began her career as a backing vocalist for Ntokozo Mbambo.[1] In 2012, she was asked to lead a song with the Joyous Celebration gospel choir, after Khaya Mthethwa was unable to do so because of a commitment to Idols South Africa. She joined the choir afterwards.[1]

Ntombela later left the choir and embarked on a solo career as HLE. She recorded her debut gospel album, titled Your Kingdom on Earth, in 2019.[1][2] The same year, she was featured on Benjamin Dube's album, Glory in His Presence.[3]

In 2020, HLE released her debut solo single, "Dwala"; it debuted at number one on the iTunes charts.[4][5] She launched a project, The HOW Project, which centers around the heart of a worshiper.[6] A month later, she released her second debut single, "You Are".[7] HLE released her debut album, Your Kingdom On Earth (Live).[8]

On July 1, 2020, HLE's weekly show titled "Adlib" premiered on One Gospel, Channel 331, DSTv. In this show, Hle hosts South African gospel musicians.[9]

2022-present: new projects

In February 17, was announced that Hle has signed a record deal with Motown Gospel under Capitol Christian Music Group, based in Nashville.[10]

Discography

Albums

Singles

  • "You Are Life" (Malak Yaweh, 2018)
  • "Dwala (Live)" (YKOE / The T Effect, 2020)
  • "You Are (Live)" (YKOE / The T Effect, 2020)
  • "Nguwe (Live)" (YKOE / The T Effect, 2020)

Awards

South African Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2021 Herself Best Female Artist of the Year Nominated [13]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Sekudu, Bonolo (19 June 2019). "Following God's lead". Move! – via PressReader.com.
  2. ^ "Hle Ntombela-Mthethwa launches her first ever gospel album". Rosebank Killarney Gazette. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Benjamin Dube releases his double disc album, Glory In His Presence". Just Nje. 27 September 2019. Archived from the original on 3 December 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  4. ^ "HLE's debut hits high note with #1 single on iTunes All-Genre Charts". GATEWAY NEWS. 25 February 2020.
  5. ^ "Hle - Dwala »". uBeToo. 1 February 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  6. ^ "Hle Ntombela". Afternoon Express.
  7. ^ "You Are (Live)". Shazam.com. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  8. ^ Andile "FineSalt" Vilakazi (15 August 2020). "HLE Announces Debut Album "Your Kingdom On Earth"". Gospel Corner Online. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  9. ^ "South African Gospel Singer HLE lands a hosting gig on One Gospel – Transafrica Radio". Archived from the original on 3 December 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  10. ^ Bambalele, Patience (17 February 2022). "Hle taps global market with Motown Gospel deal". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  11. ^ "HLE Live – YKOE | Coming 28 August". Hlelive.com. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  12. ^ Clarks, Jessie (7 August 2020). "Former Joyous Celebration Lead Singer HLE Announces Debut Album". TheChristianBeat.org. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  13. ^ Shumba, Ano (19 May 2021). "South African Music Awards 2021: All the nominees | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.