Gospel Star Dumi Mkokstad Urges KZN Artists To Raise Their Standards

Gospel singer Dumi Mkokstad has ignited a lively debate after publicly urging KwaZulu-Natal artists to step up their game. Speaking in a Facebook Live session on Thursday, the award-winning musician shared his disappointment with the current state of creativity and visibility in the province’s music industry.

Dumi Mkokstad explained that what prompted him to speak out was watching a passionate TikTok artist who reminded him of the hunger and drive he felt was missing in KZN.

“When you are looking for artists, people usually start in KZN because we are working hard and excelling in every department, in every genre. It’s sad now. I was thinking of what happened to some of the most amazing artists we have in KZN. I was just concerned. I wonder what we need to do to bring back what we had,” he said.

The Role of Government and Comfort in Stagnation

Dumi Mkokstad suggested that government support, while helpful, may have unintentionally contributed to complacency among artists.

“As much as our government helped us a lot, it affected us to a certain level because the drive and hunger we had when we didn’t have another option was no longer there and that has affected KZN music,” Dumi Mkokstad explained.

He added that once-prominent artists in the region no longer dominate charts or release fresh music. Instead, he says, many rely on past hits when performing at events. “Our artists in KZN are no longer visible, we don’t see them.

“Artists who would usually be making sales and topping charts, but we bump into them at events and they can only sing their old songs. We should try to focus on our craft.”

A Call for Creativity and Unity Among KZN Musicians

Dumi also revealed that he is part of a WhatsApp group with several KZN artists, but noted that while members are active in conversation, they are less active in producing new and inspiring music.

“I’m going to be honest. It offends me as someone who loves your music, as someone who cares about KZN music I would have loved to see. What I said was out of love and love for KZN music,” he said.

Despite criticism, Mkokstad clarified that his comments were not meant to tear anyone down but to inspire a revival of creativity and ambition in the province. “I apologise to those who have been offended by what I said. It was coming from a good place. I did not want to speak negatively or low of anyone.

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“I wanted to encourage us, as good singers of KZN, to pull up our socks in the music space. Let’s be honest, it’s no longer the same. Let’s work harder, let’s try to be more creative with our music and bring young artists who are coming up.”

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