Wednesday 2 May 2012

Die Antwoord...huh?




Die Antwoord. “What the fuck?” is the general question I could not escape as I began my research into what they describe as their Zef culture. The rap-rave, this South African group produces gives me a feeling of immense discomfort and unease. The images of Ninja (Watkin Tudor Jones), Yolandi Visser (born Andri du Toit) and DJ Hi-Tek, choose to portray of themselves are moving. I mean this only in the most disturbing fashion.

Die Antwoord are self proclaimed ambassadors of the Zef culture. Roughly translated to English this would mean ‘common’. However, people seem proud to claim their ‘Zefness’. I get the impression that it is considered cool to be Zef. That impression isn’t enough to sway me into wanting to be dirty, wear cheap jewellery or talk like a “doos” though.

The group appears to have this persistant need to be gangster and alternative. It all comes across as a bit fake or staged to me though. Watkin Tudor Jones is quite a classy name for somebody who gives off a white trash image, has been involved in numerous alternative, groups. Some think his persona is brilliant. I consider it weak. Anybody can put on an Afrikaans accent, swear a lot and walk like they’ve got a bad knee and clutch their crotch. I guess he does it really well though, I mean look where he is today. It might seem a bit fake yet intimidating at the same time. He’s the kind of person you could expect to invite you over for lunch and upon your arrival chloroform you. When eventually awake you might find a couple of your appendages staring back at you. Reading over some of his interactions however, he seems like quite a humble guy. He realises the fleeting capabilities of every moment and therefore embraces each and every one. I never thought I’d say it at the beginning of this article but that’s something every one of us can learn from him.

Yolandi, now that’s another story altogether. Upon first impression she seems like a sweet enough, timid girl. After watching some of their videos your perception will be completely warped. It’s as if she’s using her body as a marketing tool for the group. Something that is some-what disturbing, along with the ear piercing  sounds that escape her mouth from time to time. She comes across as somebody who has endured immense hardships in her life, hopefully that is merely the persona she is portraying.

It all makes me wonder what these guys are like on a day to day basis. Are they just normal people like you and I. Although what defines normal is rather vague. The scariest thing to have come across my mind while researching and writing this piece is, what if it’s not an act. What if they are really like this. I stand in no position to judge them. It’s just weird to think that they could possibly come from such disturbed backgrounds. All places that I’ve never seen or imagined I guess but they are without a doubt out there
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There music is challenging. They are not afraid to say what they think and feel, at times portraying deep meaning within their lyrics. A song like Never Le Nkimise 1, the lyrics which can be found on their website, addresses the corruption in South Africa and the malaise felt toward the government. Their art could be viewed as revolutionary by means of evoking a strong emotion in the viewer. Often one of discomfort, well at least in my case. Their music videos at times a collage of indistinguishable figures or else disturbing imagery that appears to have been very carefully set up. According to Watkins a lot of their art is influenced by the art of children and the criminally insane.  Of course it is. "They don't have that hard barrier between their conscious and subconscious minds, the creativity and fluid consciousness inspires me," he says.

What they have done though has been effective. They are name recognised worldwide for their unconventional music and style. While it is questionable whether or not it is all merely a façade, it is one that is memorable nonetheless. Their music video “I fink you freaky” is something that will stick with me for a long time. What seems like a sort of dark aura about them makes me apprehensive to allow their music to penetrate my social boundaries. It is probably the same thing that makes me curious about them. It’s certainly part of the reason for their massive fan base.

It is possible that there is a deep rooted meaning behind their music, style and image. Their portrayal of the Afrikaans and Coloured lower-middle class is haunting. To me they are a group with many untold stories. Some of which I feel I might be too scared to hear. Nevertheless they are helping to put South Africa on the artistic map of the world with their unconventional style. That is something I believe all aspiring South African artists should be grateful for. And yes, a little freaked out by too. 

Check out their newest music video "I fink you freeky" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uee_mcxvrw

2 comments:

  1. While that without a doubt this group has broken new ground in the music world with their gutral personas it needs to be remembered that they in fact do have a rather formidable fan base.Evidently this group is, for a large group of people, 'Die Antwoord' when it comes to personal taste in music. People like them and by doing so support their antics. I don't think its so shocking that a music group took eccentic and blew it up I think its somewhat disarming that SO MANY people support them..... And they turned down the offer to open the Lady Gaga BTW MonsterBall 3.0 in november (allegedly)... So maybe they have a few nuts and bolts missing but ppl like them and that's the weirdest part. Where is popculture going?

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  2. I think their fan base is as a result of them in fact being very talented. You're right, they have identified a gap in the music industry and made the most of every opportunity that they were afforded. They are very clever in their marketing strategies, exploring the avenue of making short films. Which in my opinion is a very untapped market that holds immense potential. As for where is popculture going? People want to see new things, different things. So much has already be done and redone. They are crossing a line. Maybe so is popular culture?

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