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.
HLE | |
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| Birth name | Hlengiwe Ntombela |
| Born | 12 April 1991 (age 31) Kwaggafontein, South Africa |
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| Website | http://www.hlelive.com/ |
Biography
editLife
editNtombela grew up in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.[1] Her father is a bishop at Potters House Family Church.[1]
Career
editNtombela 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
editIn February 17, was announced that Hle has signed a record deal with Motown Gospel under Capitol Christian Music Group, based in Nashville.[10]
Discography
editThis section of a biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (October 2020) |
Albums
editSingles
edit- "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
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Herself | Best Female Artist of the Year | Nominated [13] |
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Sekudu, Bonolo (19 June 2019). "Following God's lead". Move! – via PressReader.com.
- ^ "Hle Ntombela-Mthethwa launches her first ever gospel album". Rosebank Killarney Gazette. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "HLE's debut hits high note with #1 single on iTunes All-Genre Charts". GATEWAY NEWS. 25 February 2020.
- ^ "Hle - Dwala »". uBeToo. 1 February 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ "Hle Ntombela". Afternoon Express.
- ^ "You Are (Live)". Shazam.com. Retrieved 23 May 2023.
- ^ Andile "FineSalt" Vilakazi (15 August 2020). "HLE Announces Debut Album "Your Kingdom On Earth"". Gospel Corner Online. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Bambalele, Patience (17 February 2022). "Hle taps global market with Motown Gospel deal". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
- ^ "HLE Live – YKOE | Coming 28 August". Hlelive.com. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ Clarks, Jessie (7 August 2020). "Former Joyous Celebration Lead Singer HLE Announces Debut Album". TheChristianBeat.org. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (19 May 2021). "South African Music Awards 2021: All the nominees | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.