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Pelumi Deborah is a Nigerian gospel artiste, songwriter and worship minister whose music is deeply rooted in faith, worship and personal testimony. Raised by her grandparents, both devoted music ministers, she began her musical journey at a young age and has continued to evolve through her passion for ministry and excellence.
With several collaborations and musical projects to her credit, Pelumi has carved a distinct niche for herself in gospel music.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, she reflects on her musical journey, challenges, creative process and mission to draw people closer to God through the transformative power of music.
You are regarded as one of the best voices in the gospel music scene. How does that make you feel?
I feel deeply humbled, honestly. It’s not something I take lightly at all. Whenever I hear that, I’m reminded that it’s not by my strength, talent or effort alone; it is purely by the grace of God. I always return all the glory to Him because He is the source.
Being recognised in this way only pushes me to remain more yielded, intentional, and accountable because I know that this voice was given for a purpose: to minister, heal, and draw people closer to God.
Having collaborated with several gospel musicians, what criteria do you consider before agreeing to a collaboration?
The first and most important criterion for me is the God factor. I don’t just jump on songs; I pray about them and seek God’s direction before making any decision. Beyond that, the song itself must minister to me personally. I need to connect with it deeply, to the point where I can see my own experiences and convictions in it. Excellence is also very important to me. I believe that anything done for God should reflect the highest level of quality possible, so I pay attention to an artist’s commitment to excellence, both in sound and execution. When all these elements align, then I know it is something worth being a part of.
How do you stay spiritually grounded in an industry that can be demanding?
Staying spiritually grounded is absolutely non-negotiable for me. The truth is that nothing works outside of God. I make it a priority to consistently dwell in His presence through prayer, studying the Word and fellowship. It’s not something I do occasionally; it is a lifestyle. The industry can be demanding and, sometimes, distracting, but when your foundation is solid in God, you are not easily shaken. I constantly remind myself that ministry comes before music, and if my relationship with God is intact, everything else will fall into place.
Was there a defining moment when you knew you were called into ministry through music?
Yes, I’ve had several defining moments that confirmed my calling into ministry through music. There have been encounters and experiences that were too deep to ignore—moments when I knew this was beyond just singing. However, I believe some of those moments are very personal and sacred so that I will share them in detail at the right time. But one thing I am certain of is that this journey is divinely orchestrated, and I am walking in obedience to what God has called me to do.
With your kind of music, how do you balance creativity with staying true to your message?
God is the ultimate Creator, and everything He has made reflects excellence, beauty and intentionality. When I look at creation—humans, nature and everything around us—I am constantly inspired. That reminds me that creativity itself comes from God, so there is no conflict between creativity and staying true to my message. For me, God is the template. My worship and music can never be casual because I am representing Him. Every note, lyric and sound must align with His Word.
So, while I explore creativity, the foundation remains the message of Christ. That is what keeps everything balanced.
What challenges have you faced as a gospel artist, and how have you overcome them?
One of the major challenges I have faced as an independent gospel artist is finance. Excellence costs a lot, and I am very particular about quality—it’s either I do it excellently, or I don’t do it at all. In this part of the world, getting the best hands for production, visuals and promotion requires significant investment. But I have learned to trust God as my source. I have also learned to be patient, strategic and resourceful. Instead of compromising on quality, I take my time, plan properly and trust that God will provide what is needed at every stage.
Beyond music, who is Pelumi Deborah?
Beyond music, Pelumi Deborah is first and foremost, a child of God. That is my identity before anything else. I am also someone who loves creativity in different forms, especially fashion. I am a fashion enthusiast, and I enjoy expressing myself through style. In fact, I have a clothing line that will be unveiled soon, which is something I am really excited about.
So, beyond being a gospel artist, I am also a creative individual with a passion for impacting lives in different ways.
How do you handle criticism or comparison in the music industry?
I see criticism as something that can be very valuable, especially when it comes from a genuine and constructive place. No one knows everything, and growth requires learning, so I am always open to feedback that helps me improve.
However, when it comes to comparison, I don’t entertain it. I strongly believe that everyone has a unique assignment and journey. I am still unfolding what God has called me to be, and comparing myself to others would only distract me from my purpose. My focus is to stay in my lane and grow into everything God has designed me to be.
As a unique brand, what would you love to be remembered for?
I would love to be remembered as someone who was a true vessel for God—a channel that led people to Christ.
More than the music, I want my life and my sound to bring healing, comfort, encouragement and even deliverance to people. I want my voice to be a reminder that God is real, present and able to transform lives. If people can encounter God through my ministry, then I know I have fulfilled my purpose.
