By Mupiri Matthias
Windhoek, August 8 – The vibrant and diverse creative landscape of Namibia has given birth to yet another remarkable talent in the form of Theodor Johannes, popularly known as NamcelebKing. Hailing from the town of Ruacana, this 24-year-old artist has emerged as a beacon of perseverance and artistic versatility, leaving an indelible mark on both the music and photography scenes.
From a young age, Theodor displayed a natural affinity for writing, and as he progressed through his academic journey, his skills only flourished. During his years in grades 5 to 7, he began crafting his own creations in the classroom, a humble start to what would become a brilliant artistic trajectory. However, the dream of a music career seemed distant as he struggled to find the means to produce and record his music.
Unwavering in his determination, NamcelebKing’s dedication eventually bore fruit when he crossed paths with Blue D. Together, they birthed “Aikongo,” a collaborative effort featuring Poxlam Pohamba, and the inception of the Celeb Movement. Subsequently, NamcelebKing and Poxlam chose individual paths, each pursuing solo ventures.
The year 2018 marked a critical juncture in NamcelebKing’s musical journey when a computer crash struck their production efforts, stalling the release of their anticipated album ‘Massive Aggressive.’ Amidst this setback, personal tragedy struck as he grappled with the loss of his mother, casting a shadow on his academic performance and leading to the failure of grade 10. Simultaneously, his DJ gigs dwindled, leaving him at a crossroads.
Amidst this uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerged through the advice of a female friend who owned a Canon 450D camera. Supported by his sister, Theodor ventured into photography with no prior knowledge of the craft. Through relentless self-education via online tutorials, he mastered the art of capturing moments and weaving stories through his lens.
The lack of a computer did not deter his determination. Despite challenges, Theodor found ways to edit photos using his phone. He candidly shared, “Life in Oshakati wasn’t easy for me since I didn’t have a laptop or computer to edit, but I figured out a way to edit using Lightroom, an app on my phone. Even though it was slow, I always made sure I had enough money to get to Ongwediva Bennies Park to try and get clients.”
The year 2019 heralded a pivotal shift as NamcelebKing relocated to Windhoek, where he found lodging with his uncle’s family in Goreangab. Collaborating with his photography-enthusiast cousin, he immersed himself in refining his photographic prowess. Armed with a laptop and Photoshop, Theodor continued his journey of self-improvement, eventually garnering opportunities to collaborate with esteemed media companies such as Reggie Films, Kassi Media Group, and more.
While photography claimed a significant share of his focus, music remained an enduring passion. Despite the hurdles, he produced unreleased hits like the music video “Formula” and the motivational track “Inolila.” Notably, he adeptly balanced his love for music with his burgeoning photography career, often finding inspiration for lyrics during his photography sessions.
As his star ascended, NamcelebKing embraced his role as a mentor, sharing his editing and retouching expertise. His collaboration with Namibian Instagram influencers on intricate photography projects exemplifies his commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Reflecting on his journey, NamcelebKing offered inspiring words: “I want to encourage a Namibian kid—and everyone—to never give up on their ambitions and abilities, even if they didn’t go to college like me. Keep practicing and learning, and don’t forget to share your knowledge with others.”
Namceleb King’s story is a testament to the resilience required to pursue one’s dreams against all odds. His story serves as an embodiment of strength and determination and a source of inspiration for all who dare to chase their passions.
For those interested in engaging NamcelebKing’s musical or photographic talents, he can be found on Instagram at @namcelebKing and @lens_cam_portrait. Enquiries can also be made via email or phone at +264816564770. ~Namibia Daily News
