Work

Enter the imperceptible: Reading Die Antwoord

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Die Antwoord (The Answer), a Zef-rap outfit from South Africa, have been criticised for their appropriation of cultural signifiers in their lyrics and the images which come to fore in their music videos. This paper investigates how the band uses culture as a “found object” and albeit problematically, subverts static conceptions regarding South African life. I read Die Antwoord’s performance as an embrace of simulation (via Jean Baudrillard) which destabilises myths regarding authenticity. Die Antwoord’s lack of authenticity is investigated in relation to hip hop as well as the creation of a Zef counter-culture. Drawing specifically from “Fatty Boom Boom”, the analysis centres on how the band satirises exoticised myths surrounding South African life.

Source: Cogent Arts and Humanities

DOI: 10.1080/23311983.2015.1064246

Author: Sonja Smit

Institution: Rhodes University

Language: English

Topic: Music History and Culture

Subfield: Music

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,165

Funder: Rhodes University