When Belle steps onto a stage, she brings with her more than an ancient Chinese
instrument — she brings a living, breathing bridge between cultures. The Hong
Kong–raised guzheng player, whose real name is Erin Lam, has become one of the
UK’s most exciting new artists, blending tradition with bold creativity.
In September 2025, she stunned audiences at Manchester’s huge Primal Live song
contest, winning Best Original Song and Top Fundraiser, raising thousands for the
Booth Centre supporting the homeless. But her success is more than a musical
milestone. It marks a deeply personal journey — one shaped by loss, rediscovery
and an unbreakable connection to her roots.
Belle’s incredible song contest win is dedicated to her mother. Belle lost her mother
to blood cancer in 2015, after a year-long battle following her 2014 diagnosis, and
was sadly unable to witness Belle’s success — from reaching Grade 8 on the piano
and completing her Music Masters at the University of Manchester to winning Primal
Live.
Speaking of this, she says: “My mother was a great, elegant and kind woman. She
raised seven children, and I am the fifth. Because my father was often away for
business, it was always her and us — we shared a very close bond. It saddens me
that she cannot see my achievements but she is always with me everything I do is in
her honour.”
With Grade 8 piano already under her belt, Belle sought something that would
connect her to her heritage. The guzheng — an ancient Chinese zither with a history
spanning over 2,500 years — captivated her instantly. “I fell in love with its
shimmering, expressive sound and the graceful movements of the player,” she
explains.
The guzheng is a traditional Chinese string instrument with 21 or more strings, which
has thousands of years of history. The origin of the instrument dates back to the
Spring and Autumn (770-476 BCE) and Warring States periods (475-221 BCE).
However, the string instrument did not become prominent until the Qin Dynasty (210-
206 BCE).
What began as a new challenge became a calling. More than ten years later, the
guzheng is now her profession and platform for innovation. Belle is boldly pushing
the instrument into new spaces — covering Western songs, experimenting with
modern genres and collaborating with UK artists. Her recent groundbreaking project
with Liverpool singer Sophie Mac — Redemption — features the guzheng as
the lead instrument in a rap song.
On Sunday 21st September 2025, Belle competed at the huge Primal Live song
contest alongside 35 other musicians and bands — a competition that was oozing
with talent. In a packed and lively event at Band On The Wall, Belle silenced the
fervent crowd with her spinetingling performances that blew the audience away —
raising hairs and creating goosebumps in the process.
Belle’s first ever original composition — Emerging — is an instrumental story of
transformation. It mirrors her own journey: moving from darkness to light, from doubt
to renewal. Its structure is unconventional — no chorus, no bridge — just evolving
verses that build toward a luminous glissando symbolising rebirth. She knew
instantly that its premiere belonged on the Primal Live stage.
For the final, Belle delivered a Jay Chou martial-arts classic — Fearless. Performing
in a custom qipao, she honoured both her heritage and her family — who share a
deep love of Jay Chou’s music. Her guzheng technique became almost percussive,
driving the song with sweeping gestures and explosive energy. “It captures the
martial arts spirit — staying true to yourself and turning fear into strength,” she
explains.
By winning Primal Live song contest, Belle has broken down cultural boundaries and
made history. But what now for the forward-thinking virtuoso? Belle is now focused
on expanding her musical footprint in the UK — through performances,
collaborations and creating more original music. She is soon to release Redemption — the groundbreaking guzheng rap song with Sophie Mac that might well be the first collaboration of its kind.
Belle is also looking to work with venues to bring something unique to events,
theatres who want a stunning showcase and also schools and organisations who
wish to learn about the cultural significance of the instrument. A true visionary, Belle
isn’t just redefining tradition — she’s rewriting the possibilities of contemporary
music. And all in the name of her mother.
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