Gospel star Dumi Mkokstad admits that he is under pressure to achieve the success of his runaway hit Mbize with his new offering, Ukhona uThixo.
The 25-year-old from Pietermaritzburg is already a veteran of 16 years in the game.
His career highlights include winning song of the year with Mbize at the Crown Gospel Music Awards in 2013.
His song Getsemane was named the gospel classic of all time at last year's Crowns.
Mkokstad, whose real name is Mdumiseni Nzimande, spent the past two years hard at work in the studio with Mxolisi Mhlongo and Shadrack Ndlhovu producing Ukhona uThixo.
"There is pressure to top my last album. I have been getting calls from radio and so far the album is doing well," he says.
"I have been praying to God that my album won't be a one-hit wonder."
Mkokstad says his message is that God is present and that's the reason he sings gospel.
A month after its release, the album has peaked at number four on the Musica national charts, behind Joyous Celebration, Unathi (not the Idols judge, but an Afro-pop male singer) and Andile ka Majola.
"Whether I will release another album again in four years will depend on the success of this album."
This is the first time that he has written his own music for an entire album.
Mkokstad got into the industry in 1999 when he was just nine. His debut album, Uthando Lungaka, was released a year later.
Outside of music, Mkokstad is a sociable young man who enjoys travelling and PlayStation.
He spends most of his time reading spiritual books because he "is trying to build my spiritual life so I need to set my mind on the things of God".
mashotol@sowetan.co.za
Mkokstad seeks new hit
Gospel star Dumi Mkokstad admits that he is under pressure to achieve the success of his runaway hit Mbize with his new offering, Ukhona uThixo.
The 25-year-old from Pietermaritzburg is already a veteran of 16 years in the game.
His career highlights include winning song of the year with Mbize at the Crown Gospel Music Awards in 2013.
His song Getsemane was named the gospel classic of all time at last year's Crowns.
Mkokstad, whose real name is Mdumiseni Nzimande, spent the past two years hard at work in the studio with Mxolisi Mhlongo and Shadrack Ndlhovu producing Ukhona uThixo.
"There is pressure to top my last album. I have been getting calls from radio and so far the album is doing well," he says.
"I have been praying to God that my album won't be a one-hit wonder."
Mkokstad says his message is that God is present and that's the reason he sings gospel.
A month after its release, the album has peaked at number four on the Musica national charts, behind Joyous Celebration, Unathi (not the Idols judge, but an Afro-pop male singer) and Andile ka Majola.
"Whether I will release another album again in four years will depend on the success of this album."
This is the first time that he has written his own music for an entire album.
Mkokstad got into the industry in 1999 when he was just nine. His debut album, Uthando Lungaka, was released a year later.
Outside of music, Mkokstad is a sociable young man who enjoys travelling and PlayStation.
He spends most of his time reading spiritual books because he "is trying to build my spiritual life so I need to set my mind on the things of God".
mashotol@sowetan.co.za