LAGOS, NIGERIA — Popular Nigerian singer and performer, Kingsley Okonkwo, widely known by his stage name Kcee, has revealed that before making a name for himself in the music industry, he was on track to become a professional football player. However, the dream was cut short due to lack of sponsorship — a challenge that forced him to pivot to his second passion, music.
In a candid chat with podcaster Temisan Emmanuel on the latest episode of Tea With Tay, Kcee opened up about his early days on the football pitch, the difficult decision to walk away from the sport, and how that led him to discover his true purpose in music.
“The first time I travelled out of this country was because of football. I was playing for Julius Berger. I played for Puma FC. My first trip to South Africa was soccer-related. That was before music,” he said.
A Promising Football Career Cut Short
During the interview, Kcee detailed how his love for football began at an early age, eventually earning him a spot with notable Nigerian club Julius Berger FC and later with Puma FC in the 1990s — two sides that were part of the nation’s vibrant football scene at the time.
“I was a very young boy. This was in the mid-90s. I was a teenager then,” he recalled. “Jay Jay [Okocha] and Kanu were a set before me. After them, we would have been like the people to take over Super Eagles.”
The singer explained that he was part of a talented crop of young footballers expected to succeed Nigeria’s legendary 1996 Olympic gold-winning Super Eagles generation — a team that featured icons like Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu.
Despite his evident skill and passion for the game, Kcee said the lack of adequate support, structure, and sponsorship made it nearly impossible to push his career to the next level. Eventually, this led him to reconsider his path.
Turning to Music: A Second Love Becomes a Lifelong Journey
As the dream of professional football faded, Kcee turned to music — a passion that had been developing alongside his athletic pursuits.
“When I found out that it was difficult to take my football career to the next level, I picked up my next love, music. I was running both of them side by side,” he explained.
The turning point came when he participated in and won the inaugural edition of Star Quest, a now-defunct Nigerian talent show that served as a launching pad for many artists. The victory gave him exposure, financial incentive, and the clarity to finally choose music over football.
“In the course of that, I won Star Quest talent hunt and I started making money. So, I had to drop one for the other. That was why I quit football,” he said.
From Limpopo to Legacy
Today, Kcee is best known for his energetic stage performances and hit songs such as Limpopo, Pullover, and Ojapiano. As part of the now-defunct duo Kcee & Presh, and later as a solo artist under the Five Star Music label, Kcee has carved out a successful career in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.
His unique blend of pop, Afrobeat, and highlife influences has made him a household name across Africa, and he continues to remain relevant over two decades after he switched careers.
Kcee’s journey is a reminder of how talent and versatility, when paired with resilience, can create unexpected but rewarding paths.
A Story That Resonates with Many
Kcee’s revelation resonates with many young Nigerians, especially those who pursue careers in sports or the arts with little institutional or financial backing. His story echoes the experiences of countless athletes and creatives who are forced to abandon dreams not because of a lack of talent, but due to systemic obstacles.
The singer’s decision to speak openly about his football background also sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of his personal life and offers inspiration to young people navigating similar crossroads in their careers.
It also speaks to the growing conversation in Nigeria about the need for better infrastructure and support for youth across various disciplines — from sports and education to music and technology.
Balancing Fame with Purpose
Though now an established entertainer, Kcee continues to give back to his community and invest in upcoming talents. Through his Five Star Music imprint, he has contributed to the careers of several younger artists, while also using his platform to support humanitarian causes.
He remains close to his roots and often incorporates traditional Nigerian elements into his music, performances, and public persona.
In recent years, Kcee has also embraced his cultural heritage by experimenting with the Igbo flute and highlife rhythms, which has further endeared him to fans seeking a fusion of modern sound with indigenous authenticity.
Final Thoughts
While fans may know Kcee as the energetic star behind chart-topping hits and flamboyant fashion statements, his journey from aspiring footballer to music sensation is a compelling reminder of how life’s detours can lead to one’s true calling.
His story is not just about a career shift — it’s about adaptability, courage, and the power of passion.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Kcee reflected. “If football had worked out, maybe I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
For now, Kcee continues to dominate the airwaves, but his story remains rooted in a dream once lived on grassy fields — a dream that ultimately paved the way for a new kind of stardom.
