Artist living with albinism inspires with soulful voice and unwavering confidence
At just 25 years old, Hlamy C has become a beacon of inspiration in the Afro-soul and R&B music scenes.
Born and raised in Matsakali village near Malamulele in Limpopo, this talented artist is not only known for her soulful voice and electrifying performances but also for her unwavering confidence in the face of albinism.
Hlamy C, or Ntombi ya Mhlengwe, whose real name is Hlamarisa Mercy Chauke, discovered her love for music at the tender age of six.
She matriculated from Shingwedzi High School in 2018 and is proud graduate of the University of Limpopo with a BA in Communications.
She said from an early age, she was drawn to the rhythm and soul of the genre, finding joy in singing and performing.
Despite the challenges of growing up with albinism, she embraced her condition with grace and confidence, a trait that has only fuelled her passion for music.
“My love for music began when I was very young. Singing and performing in front of crowds is what truly excites me,” she said.
Her musical journey began in 2016 as a lead singer for her high school and church choir.
“I was first Introduced in the recording industry by my rapper friend and that was the time I impressed producers at a local studio with my versatile and melodic voice,” she said.
She added that in 2018, she was introduced to another local studio and that’s where things started going well musically.
“I recorded and released my first official solo album which was titled Mali Madlayisani which got played on local radio stations and scored me several interviews and performances,” she said.
She added that she recorded six more tracks with her to form part of her debut album but due to disagreements with the producers, the album was never released.
“As devastated as I was as a young artist I did not give up on my dream to become an artist,” she said.
Her confidence and positive outlook have been pivotal in her journey, enabling her to take criticism as mere opinions and not let it define her self-worth. She has fourth albums and EP releases to her name.
Her debut in the music industry was marked by her victory at the LIMA 21 Soul and R&B Awards, where she was honoured as the Best Soul and R&B Artist.
Her resilience and talent were further recognsed when she scooped two Xitsonga Music Awards trophies in November of the previous year.
“These awards were a testament to my growing influence in the Afro-soul and R&B genres,” she said.
In August 2024, Hlamy C released her latest EP, “Destiny”, featuring the renowned Brian Bomba.
“This new project continues to showcase my unique blend of Afro-soul and R&B, with tracks that reflect my personal experiences and artistic vision,” she added.
She said her music often draws inspiration from legends like Oliver Mtukudzi, Lucky Dube, Jah Prayzah, and Mr. Bow, blending their influences with her own distinctive style.
She said her empowering motto, “Do you, act you, be authentic,” resonates deeply in her work.
“One of my most impactful lines comes from my second EP, ”The Dream“, specifically the song “Nomzamo,” which translates to “Hold on, don’t give up, you will succeed.” This message has been a guiding light for me both in her personal life and in my music career,” she said.
Speaking to Pretoria News, Chauke said her journey is not just about musical success but it is also about breaking barriers and fostering understanding.
While growing up, she was often called “mlungu” or “lekgowa” - terms referring to her appearance.
Rather than letting this affect her, she chose to use it as a platform to educate and connect with others.
Her vibrant performances and relatable lyrics have helped bridge cultural and social gaps, making her a beloved figure in her community and beyond.
Her story underscores the importance of embracing one’s true self and pursuing one’s passions regardless of external challenges, she said.
As she continues to grow and inspire through her music, she remains a shining example of how authenticity and confidence can lead to remarkable success.
“In the world of Afro-soul and R&B, I stand out not just for my musical talent but also for my powerful message of self-acceptance and resilience,” she added.
Pretoria News
lesego.montso@inl.co.za