Like many great singers, Phelo Bala started singing in his church choir at an early age, and it was immediately clear that he’d inherited the unique musical gift from his beloved mother and brothers Zwai and Loyiso, who Phelo would eventually form the globally acclaimed Bala Brothers with, when he was only 14 years old. Following in his brothers’ footsteps, Phelo joined the prestigious Drakensberg Boys Choir in KwaZulu Natal, where he rose to become deputy head boy and head of choir.

After completing his studies at Drakensberg Boys, Phelo’s professional career started with the release of the first Bala Brothers CD in 2006. The success of Bala Brothers saw Phelo performing on stages all over the world including England, Scotland, Japan, Australia and of course all over Southern Africa as both a soloist and as part of an ensemble. In 2011 Phelo joined the highly acclaimed and multi award winning Joyous Celebration group which also launched his songwriting career and in 2017 he released his debut album called Ndim’lo.

His career has seen him performing for Nelson Mandela and a host of other dignitaries and celebrities including John Legend, Kenny Latimore, Kirk Franklin, Samuel L Jackson, Thabo Mbeki, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as well as sharing the stage and collaborations with ,Lira, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Dozi, Sibongile Khumalo, Soweto Gospel Choir, TKZee, Frenzy, Mobi Dixon, Brenda Mntambo, Dr Tumi. He has also done backings for Hle Mntombela, Mnqobi Nxumalo and Rebecca Malope.