Collen Maluleke secures title “best worship song” at the Crown Gospel Music Awards 2023

Collen Maluleke, a South African gospel singer, songwriter, pastor, and multiple award nominee, hails from the vibrant township of Soweto. Being the first in his family to pursue music, Collen’s journey began as a shy 16-year-old singer who joined the church youth choir and eventually became the youth worship leader.

In 2010, Collen made the decision to pursue music as a serious career. He honed his skills alongside fellow musicians in Soweto, crafting a unique cross-cultural contemporary style that blends elements of traditional gospel, jazz, rock, reggae, and praise and worship. In 2015, Collen recorded his debut album, “Open Heavens,” at the Soweto Theatre, which garnered him four nominations at the Crown Gospel Music Awards for his original compositions.

Building on his early success, Collen released the 12-track album “Grateful” in 2018, followed by “Face 2 Face” in 2020, which earned him a nomination for Best Contemporary Faith album at the South African Music Awards. Amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Collen released the EP “Gandzelo” in completion of the remaining tracks from the “Face 2 Face” album.

In June 2023, Collen released a 13 track album titled “Word + Prayer + Worship,” featuring songs such as, “Song Of Breakthrough,” “Song Of The Angels,” “Glory To God,” and “Makombandlela.” While Collen wrote all the songs himself, “Song Of The Angels” was co-written with fellow award-winning singer-songwriter Khaya Mthethwa. The album title holds deep personal significance for Collen, representing a season of fulfillment and purpose. He explains that “Word” reflects his pastoral calling, “Worship” signifies his role as a worship leader and musician, and “Prayer” serves as the vital foundation that holds everything together.

Collen’s music style strikes a balance that appeals to both the younger generation and the older audience, allowing him to remain relevant in the ever-evolving cultural landscape. He emphasizes the importance of keeping up with God’s message for the new generation and expressing those messages through music. Collen’s sound has gained recognition across South African radio and television, with his music featured on commercial and community stations. His musical journey has taken him to various countries, including Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Lesotho. With strong connections in the music industry and as a member of Spirit Of Praise, an award-winning African gospel collective since 2018, Collen has achieved success through collaborations with artists like Khaya Mthethwa, Mmatema, and Takie Ndou.

Beyond his passion for music, Collen is first and foremost a pastor, a devoted husband, a father of four, and a businessman. He founded Goshen City Church in Westdene, Johannesburg, which serves as a faith-based community development non-profit organization empowering people spiritually, academically, and socially.

Collen Maluleke’s journey exemplifies his dedication to music, pastoral work, family, and community upliftment.