Dumi Mkokstad Opens Up About Letting Go of His Soccer Dream to Follow a Higher Calling

Dumi Mkokstad may be one of South Africa’s most beloved gospel musicians, but behind his glowing success is a story of sacrifice, spiritual searching, and ultimately choosing purpose over personal ambition.

Now 33 years old, the award-winning singer first rose to prominence at just eight years old with the release of his debut album Uthando Olungaka. Over the last 25 years, he has become a staple in the gospel music scene. Yet, his path was almost very different.

“I released my very first album when I was eight,” he recalled. “My biggest highlight, so far, was winning a Crown Gospel Gold Award in 2013. That moment changed my life. It was the first time I was able to buy couches for my parents back at home. It also helped me to be intentional in building my career as a gospel singer.”

Born and raised in the Eastern Cape in a deeply Christian home, Mkokstad’s musical roots were cultivated early. “My dad is a pastor, and my mom is a pastor’s wife. Both my parents are quite musical. We used to sit at home and sing, which I’d say sparked and motivated my interest in music – those moments are my main influences.”

Despite this spiritual upbringing, Mkokstad experienced a period of disconnect from his faith. In his late teens, after relocating to Johannesburg, he found himself gradually drifting from the church. During this time, another passion began to emerge: soccer.

“I’d go for days without going to church, even though I knew it was a place I’d need to refill,” he admitted. “Soccer was the only thing I enjoyed and loved wholeheartedly. I was becoming a young soccer star, that’s what mattered then.”

His growing love for football, however, clashed with his commitments to gospel music. Gigs often conflicted with matches, and eventually, the tug-of-war left him on the outside of the team. Still, the dream lingered.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he gave soccer another shot. “I went to Royal AM, did trials, passed them, and I thought this was it,” he said. “However, I couldn’t fulfil my dream due to my age. It was tough for me to accept because soccer was my first love, but I embraced what had to be.”

While he may not have made it professionally in football, Mkokstad has remained close to the game. He continues to train weekly and lends his support to youth teams as a mentor and coach. “I don’t think I’ve accepted that I didn’t become a soccer star; every time I watch players playing, I look at them and say, ‘This is my dream’. But age is a huge factor.”

Despite the emotional weight of letting go of soccer, gospel music has provided Mkokstad with purpose and fulfillment. “What I love about being a gospel singer is that I get to serve people, unlike soccer, which is more of a hobby. What’s undeniable is that music chose me.”

He recently released his latest studio album UYesu yiNkosi, and is currently on a nationwide revival tour, continuing to share his message through music.

As a husband and father, Mkokstad takes his responsibilities seriously and finds strength in his spiritual routine. “I find it easy to maintain a decent life as a father and husband who is under the spotlight because of the music that I sing. When I write music, I fast and pray. It creates the intimacy that I need to have when making music.”

With his wife working and studying, Mkokstad remains devoted to balancing his family, faith, and music. “I just try to be the best version of myself that I can be to my wife and kids.”

Even though he never got to wear a professional jersey on the pitch, Dumi Mkokstad has found a greater calling in gospel music — one that continues to touch lives across South Africa and beyond.