There might not be a more photogenic band on the planet right now. Die Antwoord come wrapped in prison jumpsuits, costume contact lenses, Halloween masks, ridiculous tattoos and hoodies. When not throwing their entire bodies to the crowd, the trio at least offers their middle fingers. The South African crew is as fascinating and funny as it is twisted and aggressive.
This is a visual band. You need to watch them more than play them. Frontman Ninja is the alter ego of performance artist Watkin Tudor Jones, a rapper and comedic actor who has been embodying this character for so long, the lines between act and artist have blurred. The maniacal pixie Yolandi likely draws more attention, however. The group's videos collect millions of views. The two leads were cast in Neill Blomkamp's upcoming film Chappie, alongside Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver. What might have seemed like a one-hit-wonder gimmick has grown into a franchise.
Die Antwoord hit Chicago the day its third album, Donker Mag, dropped. The hip-hop crew performed some new cuts from the record—the singles "Pitbull Terrier" and "Cookie Thumper," as well as, er, "Raging Zef Boner." When watching the three leap about the stage, it's hard not to wear the expression of the guy in slide number six. The guy in the Pikachu outfit.
