Hilda Ulola (born 14 February 1995) professionally known as Hilco, is a Malawian Afro-Pop singer, songwriter and philanthropist.[1] In 2017, she was nominated in the category "Best Afro Pop Artist of the Year" and "Best Female Artist of the Year" in 2018 in the Nyasa Music Awards[2]. In 2019, she was nominated as "Best Female Artist of the Year" in the UMP Awards.[3]

Hilda Ulola
Born (1995-02-14) February 14, 1995 (age 29)
Phalombe, Malawi
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician
songwriter
Years active2009–present

She has been involved in several charity projects, including supporting education for underprivileged children.[1]

Background

edit

Early life

edit

Ulola was born on 14 February 1995, in Blantyre, Malawi's commercial city, in a family of six children. She attended her primary school in Blantyre as well as her secondary school at Blantyre Girls Secondary School. She developed a passion for music at a young age and started performing in school choirs and talent shows.[4]

Musical career

edit

Ulola started her music career in 2015, releasing her debut single "Ekizakitile." She gained popularity with her subsequent releases, including "Chekecheke (I swear)," "Ndalema (I am tired)," and "Khofotabo (Comfortable)."[5][6][7] In 2016, she was signed to Alex Entertainment, which helped her produce more music and collaborate with other artists.[8][9]

Ulola has released several successful singles, including "Wanga (Mine)" featuring Saint, "Usanapite (Before you go)" featuring Dan Lu, and "Undikwatile (Marry me)." Her music genre is a fusion of Afrobeat, RnB, and Pop.[4]

Accolades

edit

Ulola has been nominated for several awards, including the Malawi Music Awards, Nyasa Music Awards, UMP Awards and the African Music Awards. She has won awards for Best Female Artist and Best Newcomer in the Malawi music industry.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017 Herself Best Afro Pop Artist of the Year Nominated
2018 Herself Best Female Artist of the Year Nominated
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2019 Herself Best Female Artist of the Year Nominated

Personal life

edit

It was rumored that Ulola was dating artist Saint and Young D, but the artist denied the accusations.[10][11]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b MLOZI, HOWARD (2017-07-20). "Hilco makes impressive musical inroads | Nation Online". mwnation.com. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  2. ^ a b MLOZI, HOWARD (2017-04-06). "Nyasa Music Awards announces nominees | Nation Online". mwnation.com. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  3. ^ a b "Malawi: 2019 UMP Awards announce winners". Music In Africa. 2019-12-15. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  4. ^ a b "Hilco Ulolo to release new single Chibea - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2017-06-21. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  5. ^ "Malawian new female songbird 'Hilco' to release 'Touch and Go' music video - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2016-10-04. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  6. ^ https://allafrica.com/stories/202008260526.html
  7. ^ "Hilco announces new single 'Ndakondwa': To be released Sept 3 - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2020-08-28. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  8. ^ Malowa, Jarson (2015-05-26). "Blantyre songbird aims for the big time | Nation Online". mwnation.com. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  9. ^ "Invest in Malawi music, says Hilco Ulolo - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2018-01-03. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  10. ^ Mughogho, Lyonike (2019-01-16). "I'm not pregnant with Saint's baby – Hilco Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  11. ^ Mandala, Patience (2017-02-01). "Hilco denies dating Young D Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-06-19.