From Fireside Tears to ‘I Am The Door’: VDKei Crazyboy’s Rise

There is something deeply spiritual about the journey of Fidelis Pataka, better known as VDKei Crazyboy, in the music circle.

The artist and self-made producer says his story begins in the mahangu fields of Okaku Etilahi at Ondonga, and tears shed in village smoke.

Now his voice booms through speakers across Namibia with the release of his recent project titled ‘I Am The Door’, a 17-track collaboration album with artist Proof Nana.

“Before music, there was pain. And before the spotlight, there was prayer,” VDKei says, adding that he does not romanticise his upbringing but honours it.“My musical path was kind of sad, but I’m grateful for the hardships I went through.”

He says he has a story to tell – not just to his future children, but to any other individual going through tough times.

Raised by his mother in central-northern Namibia, VDKei describes himself as “a regular, talented village boy who was lost, depressed and confused.”

He says during the day, he worked in the mahangu fields and helped his mother in her shebeen. At night, he fought silent battles.

“I cried around the fire in the smoke so my mother wouldn’t notice me asking God to make a way for me,” he reveals to The Weekender.

“That’s when I got a call to move to Tsumeb for greener pastures, a move I would say changed everything,” he says.

BIRTH OF “CRAZYBOY”

The singer says the name VDKei Crazyboy was given to him by hikwa star Sunny Boy during a studio session at Ongwediva.

“He stepped into my small studio by then, and said I’m crazy,” VDKei says. “And it’s true – I’m crazy when it comes to those black and white keys. I can’t play 100%, but when I play, you will smile and get in the mood instantly.”

He says his studio sessions quickly became known for their vibrant energy and quality sound. As a self-made producer and music engineer, VDKei says he built his reputation not just as an artist, but as a creator of soundscapes where other musicians felt free.

Among his popular works are collaborations with Exit Rockaz on songs such as ‘Plans’ and ‘Fear Does Not Exist’, as well as ‘Oshike Ano?’ featuring Sunny Boy and Tre VDK.

“I always create that good vibe for my clients to be free and enjoy their session,” he says. “They’re always happy, and that’s exactly why I’m VDKei Crazyboy today.”

REAL RECOGNITION

Tsumeb was where VDKei met Proof Nana, born Jacob Haihambo, an afro-fusion, afrobeat and hip-hop singer.

“When I met Proof Nana, it was mutual – real recognised real. We immediately recognised each other as talented musicians, and if we put our brains together, we might just come up with a masterpiece.”

The artists say they are not a duo, but two solo artists with undeniable chemistry.

“What made us work on an album together was the rhythm between us,” VDKei explains.

“We understood what we wanted to achieve on a song from scratch, created the choruses, and decided whose verse comes first or last. It was the chemistry in the first encounter.”

Proof Nana agrees that balance has been key. “We are able to work together as a team because our decisions come from both parties respectively, and we always go the honest way,” he says.

Inside the studio, VDKei takes the lead as producer by mixing and mastering, while Proof Nana plays a crucial co-producer role, fine-tuning the creative direction.

RECLAIMING THE NAMIBIAN SOUND

Their new album, ‘I Am The Door’, draws its title from John 10:9 – a biblical verse symbolising faith and purpose.

The duo says the project blends soul, afro, spiritual elements and contemporary Namibian influences across 17 “non-skippable” songs.

“Our sound is honestly unique,” Proof Nana says. “We leave it to the audience to listen and tell us what they think. We went in full mode on this album. You will hear the clean Namibian sound that we don’t really hear anymore.”

Proof Nana believes local music has drifted too far from its roots. “We left our culture and became followers of what others are doing. Our music lost its flavour. What we did was try to bring that back. Go listen to this album, I’m sure you will have a thing or two to say.”

VDKei adds: “Expect nothing but joyful tunes. This album is very special to us because we put so much sweat into it – technically, lyrically and mentally.

“Unity, forgiveness, love, passion, hard work and dedication. Never forget to involve God in your decision-making.”

INSPIRED BY GIANTS

Like many Namibian artists of his generation, VDKei says he was inspired by The Dogg while growing up.

“I think everybody knows that. But there are others – Exit taught me how to handle interviews, Mushe, Sunny Boy, Gazza, Bullet Ya Kaoko. I’ve worked with many of them, and they all inspired me in different ways.”

Internationally, VDKei draws inspiration from actor Idris Elba.

“May God bless Idris Elba. If I act in a film one day, it will be because of this guy.”

BREAKOUT MOMENT

The two artists say being called breakout artists is already a milestone for them.

“Our biggest breakthrough moment right now is being in the local media, recognising our talents as breakout artists of the month,” VDKei says.

They say there have been no major challenges in their collaboration.

“We are positive and looking forward to performing at as many shows as possible. Our prayer is for God to give us strength to give this to the people the way they deserve,” they say, asking to be remembered for their humanity.

‘I Am The Door’ is available on YouTube via @vdkeicrazyboy and as a hard-copy CD for N$200 at Tsumeb, with distribution to other towns being planned.

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