Project CBNews

In the wake of a global pandemic that left many artists struggling to survive, gospel musician Boni Maleke found her voice. What began as a personal escape from the mental toll of COVID-19 has blossomed into a flourishing music ministry that now spans three albums, with her fourth single set to release on March 28th.

"The songwriting was my way of escaping the pain that came with COVID," Maleke revealed during a candid interview with Just Gospel radio. "If you watched the news, everywhere we were bombarded by COVID. So many people died... I had to escape."

Finding Melody in Lockdown

Unlike many in the arts and culture industry who suffered financially during the pandemic, Maleke maintained her corporate position. However, the hard lockdown in 2020 gave her unexpected time at home, where she began crafting what would become her debut album, released in 2021.

"I'm a nine-to-five girl," she explained, referring to her job at ACI, where she continues to work while pursuing her music career. "When songs started coming, it was a confirmation that this is the right time."

Her creative process begins uniquely—with melody first, followed by research. "For me, the first thing that comes to mind is the melody and then the words," she said. "Once I started searching the Bible, more words came, and then I started putting in the verses and the chorus."

Stepping Out in Faith

Maleke's journey took a significant turn in 2022 when she organized her first live recording at Joburg Theatre. What began as a modest venue booking quickly evolved when ticket demand exceeded expectations. "We initially wanted to do this in a small setup at Joburg Theatre, but then we started announcing and we were fully booked and we had to change the dates and the venue to accommodate the number of people that were coming," she recounted.

With no prior experience organizing an event of that magnitude, Maleke credits divine intervention for bringing the right people into her path, including 802 Media for stage design and support from Koinonia Bible Church.

"God knows your heart, and he will bring just the right people to help you when you take that step of faith," she said.

Family Foundations

Maleke's musical roots trace back to her childhood, where she was raised by pastor parents who instilled a strong spiritual foundation. As the only young person in their church during its early days, she was thrust into leadership roles from an early age.

"I needed to lead the worship, I needed to establish a choir, I needed to do announcements," she explained. "The foundation of salvation is a gift that my parents gave to me at a very young age."

Today, she balances her corporate career, music ministry, and family life as a mother of two children, Katleho and Hloni, with support from her husband.

Personal Trials and Testimony

Behind Maleke's inspirational music lies a deeply personal struggle. Her daughter was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune disorder that causes unpredictable muscle weakness. "It's a very devilish sickness because the symptoms, how it hits her, it's not the same all the time," Maleke shared. "One moment, it weakens the muscles of the lungs and then she can't breathe. The next moment, it weakens the muscles of her hands."

This ongoing battle has strengthened Maleke's faith rather than weakening it. Her song "You Are My Strength" emerged from this experience, drawing inspiration from Psalm 46:1. "The devil thought he was hitting us so hard, but God, our source of strength, kept us through that time," she affirmed. "Today we are standing and we acknowledge that if it had not been for the Lord on our side, we would have gone to, I don't know, to try and find solutions."

A Ministry of Connection

When asked about the most meaningful feedback she's received, Maleke didn't point to chart success or album sales but to spiritual impact.

"The whole purpose of our ministry is to bring about that connection between men and God," she said. "When somebody said, 'When you are singing, I felt that connection,' and you start seeing people praying and crying... that is the greatest testimony that I appreciate."

Her latest album, "Grace Imparted," released in February 2022, continued this mission with an intimate session for her earliest supporters.

Words of Wisdom

For aspiring gospel artists, Maleke offered three key principles: serve in your local church before seeking the spotlight; remember your gifts are for God's kingdom, not personal gain; and maintain an eternal perspective. "Jesus is coming back," she emphasized. "We're going to be held accountable for those gifts and talents that God has given us."

As she prepares to release her next single on March 28th, Maleke remains grounded in her purpose: "How do we impart grace to the world so that they may know the Jesus we're talking about? Can we stop talking and arguing but start acting so that people can see the Jesus we're talking about?"

Boni Maleke's music is available across major streaming platforms. Her upcoming single releases March 28th, 2025.