The world is full of talented musicians, many of which stand out for their fashion sense, their political agenda or purely because they create ground-breaking material. Die Antwoord aren't any of these, as such, They are, however, one of the most bizarre and creative acts I have seen in a long time; and once you get over the laughs and realise that they aren't a joke- you get to see that they are really trying to make something completely different from the norm. And, they are.
The South African trio are more of a cultural and artistic project than a hip-hop group, in my opinion. The act have already released an EP free of charge on their website and had their music video become a viral internet smash. Plus, they just appeared at LED festival in the UK last weekend, among other European dates. Plus, they are really getting great popularity, even making the radio playlists of some big radio stations.
Their style is very creepy. "Ninja", the frontman and rapper, plays a unbalanced, violent man, filled with energy, thoughts and emotion, with a great respect for his heritage. In real life he, after "he lied and cheated his way through high school", went to live in the highly poor Alexandra Township to smoke "zol" (Cannabis) with the "rastas". He spend a number of years living down by the river in the township purely smoking and eating boiled cabbage. In "Enter the Ninja", their music video, he can be seen in a dark, damp and dirty room with his mind- later spitting out fast spoken words and holding no mercy telling listeners. Cue the entry of progeria suffer, Leon Botha for some hard hitting shots, some freely wandering rats and Yo-Landi Vi$$er in a schoolgirl uniform singing. There, and there only is the video. But, the music to go along with it is highly, highly catchy. On first initial listen, it's drivel- but towards the end, you're captivated by the group. Then you listen and watch again, you then visit the website and listen more, you learn more, you rinse and, you repeat. They may have a very offensive and alternative style of publicity and presence, but it all adds to the artistic nature. Their website claims that Ninja and Yo-Landi had "a baby by accident" and they are just good friends, because he thinks "chicks are f*cking complicated", however it's just part of the act. They have a baby, are married and the child is starting school. This proves that you should enjoy their music and artsy offbeat ways by all means- but don't read too much into them.
They even played with the electronic mastermind, Aphex Twin, at last weeks festival.
They even released a video talking about themselves and their interests musicially. But this made many of their Cape Town friends dislike them, as speaking about musical interests and lives is somewhat a taboo. It may have upset their mates in the business, but it certainly makes for mindboggling viewing for us.
Die Antwoord won't set the world alight. They probably won't explode and become a worldwide sensation, but they will captivate your senses. Check them out, go see them live, enjoy them- do as you will- just don't take them too seriously.
