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.
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A Mother’s Legacy
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.”
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A Journey With The Guzheng
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.
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The Day Belle Made Guzheng Famous!
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.
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What Next For The Forward-thinking Virtuoso?
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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