Hil St. Soul

Hil St. Soul

Hil St. Soul is a UK soul and R&B act built around singer Hilary Mwelwa and musical partner Victor Redwood-Sawyerr, who is also a co-founder of the hip hop group Blak Twang. Mwelwa is born in Lusaka, Zambia and moves to London with her family at the age of five. She grows up listening to traditional Zambian music through her father as well as American R&B and soul artists including Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

Early life and training

Mwelwa studies biological sciences at Westminster University in London and initially considers a career in science. While studying, she begins exploring music more seriously, takes time off from university and records her first demo. She says she has no formal music training and is raised on soul, R&B, gospel and pop from an early age.

Music and style

The act is associated with neo-soul, soul, R&B and jazz, and is identified with the London underground music scene. Mwelwa’s vocals are described in contemporary press as strong and rich in tone. She presents herself as someone drawn to music that has an emotional impact, and her work reflects the influence of the soul and R&B records she hears in childhood.

Activity and touring

Hil St. Soul tours with artists including Macy Gray, Angie Stone and D'Angelo.