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 Your Kingdom On Earth (Live) The Ground We're On
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) "Kube Kuhle" (2022)
Awards South African Music Awards
! |- |rowspan=3|2021 |div style="text-align: center";>|Herself |Best Female Artist of the Year | |rowspan=3| |- |div style="text-align: center";> rowspan=2|Your Kingdom on Earth |Best Contemporary Faith Album
|Best Live Audio Visual Recording of the Year
|rowspan=2|2023 |div style="text-align: center";>|Herself |Female Arist of the year | |rowspan=2| |- |div style="text-align: center";>|Take Heart |Best Contemporary Faith Album
|rowspan=3|2026 |div style="text-align: center";> rowspan=2|The Ground We're On |Best Contemporary Faith Music Album | |rowspan=3| |- |Album of the Year
|div style="text-align: center";>|Herself |Female Artist of the Year
Basadi in Music Awards
|2026 |Herself |Best Gospel Artist of the Year
References
External links HLE on YouTube