Although the saying "Sleep, Eat, Rave, Repeat" is terribly generic, this how the members of South-African rap-rave group, Die Antwoord, truly live. Having released three albums since 2008, $O$,Ten$ion and most recently Donker Mag, Die Antwoord's name has seemingly become widespread and is well known enough to perform at Reading Festival as well as selling out the O2 Academy Brixton both in 2014 and (now) 2015 in the UK. The rap-rave group is formed of a trio consisting of Yolandi Vi$$er and Ninja on lyrics and DJ Hi Tek, who does as the name suggests and drops the beat. They are most prominently known for their outrageous "Zef-Style" (which is defined by Yolandi as "you're poor but you're fancy") and bringing a witty pastiche of art, music and costume, which ultimately leaves many wondering whether they're a parody of a band. Regardless, the group are currently embarking on their "Fuck da World Tour" hot off the heels of their most recently released (critically acclaimed) album Donker Mag and one shouldn't expect any less than a night of epic showmanship, Ninja's naked bottom and a small Yolandi jumping full force around the stage.
The Brixton Academy was as usual on top form for a gig venue and on arrival was jam packed with the most diverse fan base I have ever experienced, which was both refreshing and exposed just how many different people truly enjoy the group. Moreover, despite being stuck in the cloak- room queue for over half an hour we still secured a spot in the second row.
Before Die Antwoord came on the crowd was greeted by a lone man (DJ Jackmaster) and a mixing deck. Behind him stood a black, ambiguous curtain discreetly hiding the the main staging. It has been said that it is "the element of surprise" that is crucial for Jackmaster's set. His mixing of beats and bassy tunes flowed from his fingertips and he seemed to instinctively know what sounds go where and what the audience wanted to hear. Which ultimately formed an enjoyable show, regardless of feeling as though the bass drop may make your brain explode- referring to Saturday Night Live digital short which is how I imagine the crowd looked during his performance. If dance music with a few twists is your thang then check out Jackmaster's music, it's also worth checking out the video I was referring to in order to know what to expect from his performance.
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| O2 Academy Brixton |
Once Jackmaster had left the stage the lights went down leaving the crowd cheering in suspense and draped in UV lights. The curtain dropped to reveal a stage covered in Die Antwoord's classic, black and white drawings, followed by smoke pouring out of the seams. A projection was then played of the much loved friend of the trio Leon Botha, who sadly died in 2011, as a tribute to him from the band. DJ Hi Tek then entered the stage in his typical warped face mask and took his place at the decks; opening the show, in complete contrast to the touching projection, with "DJ Hi Tek will fuck you in the ass". Word of advice: don't bring your parents. Instantaneously followed by Yolandi and Ninja covered in neon orange tracksuits. They began the performance with the hit
Fok Julle Naaires, catalysing the synthesis of people to echo the crude lyrics as well as a unified crowd bob. The trio went on to perform the twenty song set list, comprised of crowd pleasing hits, such as:
Baby's on Fire,
Wat Kyk Jy?,
Ugly Boy and
Fatty Boom Boom (as well as others).
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| Blurry with excitement- Die Antwoord. |
Whilst blasting through the set list here are some things from Die Antwoord you should expect: 1) nudity- although they may enter the stage fully dressed soon enough you are guaranteed to see DJ Hi Tek's bare chest, Yolandi in booty shorts and crop top and Ninja in the notorious Pink Flyod boxers (and if you're lucky a view of his bare bottom). 2) Epic dances- as well as having two of their own dancers (Tarryn TNT and Lafayette Bless) Die Antwoord also perform choreographed dance rountines throughout. 3) Stage Diving- whilst Yolandi bounces across the stage, delivering high pitched and speedy lyrics, Ninja dives into the arms of screaming fans. Not only that but he was attentive to all sides of the stage, making sure that even the edges got a touch of Ninjie.
Whether you're a fan or not , whether you understand them or not, it safe to stay Die Antwoord know how to perform. It was a performance which immersed the crowd into the most ridiculous, outlandish world, in the best way possible. What with the rave visuals and "is it real?" factor it is easy to see that their fans fink they're freeky and they're liked a lot.
Video mentioned above:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCawU6BE8P8
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