Die Antwoord
Die Antwoord is a South African hip hop group formed in Cape Town in 2008. The group consists of rappers Ninja (real name Watkin Tudor Jones) and Yolandi Visser (real name Anri du Toit), along with producer God (formerly DJ Hi-Tek). Known for their provocative style and visually striking music videos, Die Antwoord blends elements of rap, rave, and performance art, heavily influenced by the South African counterculture movement known as Zef. Before forming Die Antwoord, both Ninja and Yolandi were involved in other music and art projects. Ninja had a history in several South African hip hop and rap acts, while Yolandi worked with him on various collaborations. The group gained international attention in 2010 with the release of their debut album "$O$" and the viral success of their music video "Enter the Ninja." Their unique aesthetic, combining exaggerated characters, gritty visuals, and satirical lyrics, quickly garnered a cult following. Die Antwoord went on to release multiple albums including "Ten$Ion" (2012), "Donker Mag" (2014), "Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid" (2016), and "House of Zef" (2020). They also made an appearance in the 2015 science fiction film "Chappie," directed by Neill Blomkamp, in which they played versions of themselves. While the group has achieved global fame, they have also been the subject of controversy, with critics debating their use of cultural imagery and their often provocative performances. Despite this, Die Antwoord remains one of South Africa’s most recognizable and unconventional musical exports.
