Hle has signed a deal with American label, Motown Gospel. Image via Facebook: Hle
Hle celebrates record deal with US label Motown Gospel [watch]
South African gospel powerhouse Hle, has become the youngest artist to sign with American label Motown Gospel.
Hle has signed a deal with American label, Motown Gospel. Image via Facebook: Hle
American record label, Motown Gospel, has risen to become one of the most successful gospel labels in the world. The label boasts the likes of Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Kelly Price on their roster and SA gospel powerhouse Hle has just joined them!
Speaking to Drum, Hle said the deal has been in the making for a few months. As a household name in the gospel genre, she mentioned that she does not take the opportunity lightly.
ALSO READ: Sizwe Alakine seals the deal with Warner Music South Africa [watch]
HLE’S GOSPEL JOURNEY
Hlengiwe “Hle” Ntombela kicked off her gospel career as a backup singer for Ntokozo Mbambo. The KwaZulu-Natal-born singer joined the gospel group Joyous Celebration, in 2016 but parted ways with the gospel giants to kickstart her solo career.
She released her debut album, Your Kingdom on Earth in 2020. The 13-track album is a live offering that hit number one on Apple Music’s gospel charts in seven countries.
The Sama-nominated singer is also a television presenter. She hosted VIP Invite on Mzansi Magic Music. Hle takes viewers on a musical journey through the show.
In 2021, the 30-year-old singer told TshisaLive: “It’s exciting to challenge myself in things that I know I am good at, as well as things I can’t do well because I’m dyslexic. I can’t read, I can’t talk properly but I’m there being a presenter.”
WATCH HLE PERFORM ‘LIYNQABA’ HERE
HLE JOINS MOTOWN GOSPEL
Taking to Instagram on Thursday 17 February, Hle officially announced that she has joined Motown Gospel. Speaking to Drum, the talented singer said the deal has been in the works for a while.
“One of the executives sent me a direct message (DM) saying he had been following my music and that he would like to get to know me.”
“He said he wanted to meet on Zoom. I was busy doing a soundcheck, but I stopped and attended to the meeting.”
Hle also sees the opportunity as a big responsibility and is the youngest artist to join the Motown roster.
“It means I have to spend more time in prayer and to be attentive to what the Holy Spirit is saying at a particular time.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
After the success of her debut album, Your Kingdom on Earth, Hle is yet to announce details about a new album.
The second season of her gospel show, VIP Invite, is set to premiere on Sunday 20 February at 17:00.
