Pastor and acclaimed gospel artist Collen Maluleke is gearing up for a major milestone as he celebrates 10 years in gospel music.
Maluleke will mark the occasion with a live recording titled A Decade of Open Heavens, taking place on November 28, 2025, at House of Treasures Ministries in Johannesburg South.
Reflecting on his journey, he shares with the Saturday Star what has shaped his calling, creativity and commitment to ministry over the years.
You are marking 10 years in gospel music. Looking back, what stands out most from your journey since the release of 'Open Heavens'?
What stands out most is God’s faithfulness. 'Open Heaven's was more than a debut; it was the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected doors, grace and encounters that shaped me as an artist and as a servant of God. I’ve seen how one song can touch lives far beyond what I imagined and that has humbled me throughout these ten years.
What inspired you to pursue gospel music and what continues to drive your creativity today?
I pursued gospel music because it was the most natural expression of my calling. Worship has always been my language with God. What drives me today is still all the same: a desire to communicate the heart of God, to bring hope and to create moments where people can encounter His presence through music.
Over the past decade, how has your music evolved, both in style and in message?
My music has matured with my walk with God. In style, I’ve grown more open to different sounds and arrangements, blending contemporary gospel with African expressions to reflect where God has placed me. In message, my songs have become more intentional, rooted in Scripture, testimony and the realities of the people I minister to.
You’re both a pastor and a gospel artist. How do you balance ministry responsibilities with your music career?
Balancing pastoring and a music career really comes down to understanding seasons and priorities. Ministry is my foundation and music is simply an extension of that calling. I lean heavily on prayer, planning and the grace God gives when you walk in your purpose. I’m also blessed with incredible support. My team is solid and my wife is one of my greatest supporters in ministry. At church, I have strong leadership that carries the vision and runs the departments with excellence. Because the structure is strong and the teams support one another, it becomes much easier for me to flow in both assignments without being overwhelmed.
How do you hope your music has impacted your listeners and the South African gospel scene?
My hope is that my music has brought people closer to God, strengthened their faith and given them language to worship even in difficult seasons. For the South African gospel scene, I hope it has contributed to a culture of excellence, authenticity and spiritual depth in our music.
Saturday Star