HLE (singer)

HLE
Born
Hlengiwe Ntombela

(1991-04-12) 12 April 1991 (age 35)
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. Her father is a bishop at Potters House Family Church.

Career

Ntombela began her career as a backing vocalist for Ntokozo Mbambo. 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.

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. The same year, she was featured on Benjamin Dube's album, Glory in His Presence.

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

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.

In 2021, HLE hosted a weekly Sunday show titled "VIP Invite" on Mzansi Magic, Channel 161, DSTv. The show was renewed for a second season in 2022.

2022-present: new projects

On February 17, was announced that Hle has signed a record deal with Motown Gospel under Capitol Christian Music Group, based in Nashville. She released her debut EP with Motown Gospel titled "Take Heart" in 2023.

In 2025 she released her much-anticipated second album, "The Ground We're On".

Discography

Albums

Singles

Awards

South African Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2021 Herself Best Female Artist of the Year Nominated
Your Kingdom on Earth Best Contemporary Faith Album Won
Best Live Audio Visual Recording of the Year Nominated
2023 Herself Female Arist of the year Nominated
Take Heart Best Contemporary Faith Album Nominated
2026 The Ground We're On Best Contemporary Faith Music Album Won
Album of the Year Won
Herself Female Artist of the Year Won

Basadi in Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2026 Herself Best Gospel Artist of the Year Nominated

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 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. ↑ "Gospel star Hle bags her own TV show 'VIP Invite'". The Star.
  11. ↑ Bambalele, Patience (17 February 2022). "Hle taps global market with Motown Gospel deal". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  12. ↑ "LISTEN: HLE Debuts "Take Heart" with Lyric Video". GMusic+.
  13. ↑ "Hle Releases New Album "The Ground We're On"". Gospel Music magazine.
  14. ↑ "HLE Live – YKOE | Coming 28 August". Hlelive.com. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  15. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (7 August 2020). "Former Joyous Celebration Lead Singer HLE Announces Debut Album". TheChristianBeat.org. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  16. ↑ "Hle Releases New Album "The Ground We're On"". Gospel Music magazine.
  17. ↑ "2021 SAMAs: all the nominees". TVSA.
  18. ↑ "SAMA 27: 2021". SA Music Awards.
  19. ↑ "AKA, K.O lead Sama 2023 nominees as show heads to KZN". News 24.
  20. ↑ "South African Music Awards 2026: HLE and Kabza De Small Lead Winners". Interspace Daily.
  21. ↑ Shumba, Ano (17 August 2026). "SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AWARDS 2026: ALL THE WINNERS". Music in Africa. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  22. ↑ "Meet the Basadi in Music Awards™ 2026 Nominees". Basadi in Music awards.