Could Die Antwoord be the answer for South African music?
While I mentioned the local “zef-rap” crew in a previous blog and spoke of their meteoric rise to internet stardom basically over night, it seems their legend has grown even more in the past few weeks.
Die Antwoord has just been signed to a US record label!
Seriously folks!
Ok first off we have to congratulate these guys. While their music for many of us is absolute swill, you cannot deny that it is an achievement for a little South African rap crew to be signed in the States.
The question we have to now ask is how long and how far, will their influence last?
Will they become a bizarre one hit wonder that merely takes advantage of their “originality” and shock factor and after that slip into music obscurity?
I suppose only time can tell in this regard, but for now it seems like Die Antwoord has gained a foothold in the US music scene.
So Die Antwoord record deal may be short lived? I’m beginning to wonder actually!
I have to say that it is pretty shocking that after all of our attempts, by various “real” South African bands/groups to try and make an impact on the overseas market, that it is none other than Die Antwoord who would break the ice. Ok, ok, so they may not be the first. Seether of course is probably the band that has done the best over in the States and they still have a large following. While Seether has the potential to endure, I’m not so sure that Die Antwoord has the power to become a lasting element in the music scene.
Their music is more of a novelty item and 9/10 people that I speak to can’t stand their music. It’s one of those funny things to laugh about…and then forget.
We have to wonder how well they will be received in the States. I sit possible that the American people will feel a stronger connection with the antics and strangeness of Die Antwoord, even more than South Africans themselves. I wouldn’t think so initially, because we as South Africans know the “taal” and their background. However consider the American south and their poorer communities. They actually have quite a bit in common with the mentality of the zef-rap crew. Well, of course you can’t laugh at something that you don’t understand and don’t realize is an absolute joke. Ignorance = bliss.
Die Antwoord record deal comes as a shock and yes we can debate the impact that they will have on the American public. However is Die Antwoord the type of role models and “vision of South Africa” that we want the rest of the world to associate ourselves with? Hell no, in my opinion!!!!
While the congrats is still in order for Die Antwoord record deal, I still say we should try and let foreigners know to take this group with a pinch…nay, bucket of salt.
Duncs.
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