The lead singer of Die Antwoord is known as Yo-landi Visser. She's easy to recognize and hard to forget thanks to her alien hairstyle, white eyebrows, and ability to combine a cute little voice with an aggressive rap. Many interesting facts remain behind the scenes, and they will be discussed in the article.
Origin and childhood
The biography of the lead singer of Die Antwoord does not begin in the most rosy way. The girl does not know her biological parents. Presumably, the mother was white and the father was black. As the girl herself suspects, her mother could have been forced by close relatives to abandon the child due to racial conflicts within the country.
The girl was taken in by a religious family - a priest and a housewife. Yolandi had an older brother who was also adopted. She was always oppressed by the strict principles of her family and the conservative environment of the provincial town of Port Alfred, in which she spent her childhood. The child grew up problematic and wayward. St Dominic's Catholic School for Girls failed to tame her difficult character. At the age of 16, Yolandi became involved in a school fight, which resulted in her expulsion.
The beginning of a musical journey
The difficult teenager was sent to study at the Praetorian boarding school, a 9-hour drive from home. Here the atmosphere was more creative, the peers were more advanced. She admits that at the boarding school she finally found like-minded people and felt free.
Our heroine’s classmate was interested in experimenting with the music creation program FL-studio. As one of them, he recorded a composition with the voice of Yolandi, which was positively received and distributed by his classmates. So, at the age of 16, the future star first tried herself as a participant in a creative project. But the girl did not take this experiment seriously and did not make further musical plans.
Meet the Ninja
After finishing school at 18, Yolandi and her adoptive parents moved to the more developed Cape Town to find some work. Like most of her peers, she often went to clubs. In one of them, Yolandi soon met a young guy named Watkin Tudor Jones. Then he rapped in a local group, and now he is known as Ninja. This acquaintance became a fateful event for the young people.
At first they just hung out together. Ninja was impressed by the girl’s unusual voice and saw the potential for creating interesting joint compositions. The future soloist of Die Antwoord did not understand music at all and did not believe in her capabilities in this direction. But she was interested in what Ninja was doing. He promised to educate the girl about hip-hop and teach her everything. Yolandi became the rapper's personal assistant and participated in some recordings. Gradually, an understanding of musical culture, the ability to control one’s voice and read rap appeared.
Birth of a daughter
Soon the girl became pregnant. In 2004, she gave birth to a girl named Sistine. The young parents tried to start a more serious relationship for the sake of the child. However, it didn’t work out. Both realized that marriage would not end and decided to remain friends. However, both parents are actively involved in raising a child from the very beginning.
For some time after the birth of the child, Yolandi fell out of her usual way of life and was engaged in education. While all her friends were out partying and smoking weed, she was forced to learn how to be a responsible mom. The girl admits that at some moments it was offensive, but it was worth it. And as her daughter grew up, creative plans matured in the young mother’s head.
The birth of Die antwoord and the soloist style
After the collapse of another group in which Ninja read, in 2007 Yolandi invited him to create a joint one. A mutual friend known as DJ Hi-Tek was hired as a DJ for the team. Experiments and searches for style did not last long. Almost immediately the direction of the group was determined - zef-rap (the more common name is rap-rave). The lead singer of Die Antwoord characterizes it as the music of scum who have no money, but have style.
It was necessary to create a memorable image for each participant. Yolandi then was a typical pretty young blonde from the Britney Spears category. Fateful changes occurred in 2009. The group was filming their first video, and the girl did not want to agree with the image of a cutie that the director saw in her. The ninja said, "Well, let's just do it!" and shaved off her temples. This is how the famous frontwoman hairstyle was born. She admits that she then felt extraordinary energy and inspiration from how much her external appearance reflected her internal state. Since then, only Ninja touches the singer’s hair.
In the photo of the lead singer of Die antwoord, her hairstyle is amazing.
Actor career
David Fincher invited the performer to star in his film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” She categorically refused to negotiate, despite statements from others that it was unforgivable to miss such an opportunity. Yolandi justified her choice by saying that she wanted to devote herself entirely to music, to do what she knows how and how she feels. Be true to yourself, even if it is wrong from the point of view of commercial success. In addition, filming would practically take away at least a year of life, which was an unaffordable luxury, given the need to achieve musical goals and raise a child.
However, it can still be seen on the big screen. In 2014, he and Ninja played themselves in the film Chappie. There are several possible reasons for agreeing to filming. Influenced by Ninja, who was always more ambitious. Director Blomkamp's South African heritage probably also inspired loyalty to the proposal. But the most important factor, most likely, was the absence of the need to transform into another character on screen, the opportunity to remain yourself. Be that as it may, participation in the film had a good effect on the recognition of the musicians.
Children
In addition to her own daughter Sistine, the lead singer of Die Antwoord has an adopted son, Tokki. She adopted a boy from a poor family that could not provide him with decent maintenance and education. Yolandi met him wandering the streets of Joburg and at first she simply picked up Tokki on weekends. But she soon realized that this was not a solution, that the promising boy would get lost in the slums. And she took him completely under her wing.
Yolandi admits that it was very difficult for her as a child, she felt like a stranger and unnecessary to anyone. She has an almost family connection with street children; they evoke special sympathy.
Despite the provocative image, according to eyewitnesses, the singer is an exemplary and caring mother. To spend more time with their daughter, parents take her on tour and to shoot music videos. The baby even took part in some of them.
Many will be interested:
- Many people don’t know the actual name of the lead singer of Die antwoord - Henri du Toit. She chose this stage name because she simply fell in love with the popular South African name Yolandi. She says that in her life she knew more than 30 girls with that name. And since the group works in the Zef culture, this name fits in perfectly. The soloist calls it a pleasant bonus for herself that her name begins with YO!
- The girl was born on December 1, 1984. According to her zodiac sign she is Sagittarius, and according to the eastern horoscope she is Rat. And now you can calculate how old the lead singer of Die antwoord is!
- Yolandi is a very petite girl. Height - 1.55 cm, weight - 45 kg. Approximate parameters: 79-53-81. The singer is not predisposed to be overweight, but due to a busy touring schedule, her weight is constantly decreasing.
- Favorite musicians: NIrvana, Nine Inch Nails, Cypress Hill, Aphex Twin, Marylin Manson, Eminem.
- The band's name, Die Antwoord, means "The Answer". In recent interviews, the soloist expressed the idea of changing the name to the more understandable “ZEF” in honor of the street culture they represent.
- In 2013, Yolandi moved to Los Angeles. Due to its great popularity in South Africa, it rarely appears without protection.
- Poorly informed people believe that Yolandi and Ninja are married. Fans have long dreamed that they would still be together. But there is absolutely no information about the personal life of the lead singer of Die Antwoord. However, Ninja is now officially married. And Yolandi has repeatedly asserted that they have long been connected only by music.
| There once was a little girl | Once upon a time there was a little girl |
| Who had a crush on a bad, bad boy | Who was in love with a bad, bad boy. |
| But when that bad boy got out of prison | But when that bad boy got out of jail |
| That little girl's ass was in big, big trouble! | That little girl's butt was in big, big trouble! |
| Anies languished in prison. | |
| ‘ken sy my nommer?’ xha! | Does she know my number? No! |
| Boy what's your number? | Boy, what's your number? |
| 26? 27? Or are you 28? | |
| Throw damn devilish gang signs in the air | Put your hands up and show the devil's signs |
| Start giving it up for little evil me | Show them for the sake of the little devil, that is, me. |
| My fingers are green "cause I"m a mean dope fiend | My fingers are green because I'm a drug addict |
| I"m wicked like mad D.O.G | I'm as angry as a mad dog. |
| Fresh like a little dark G.O.D | I'm as bold as a petty dark deity. |
| Yo-Landi ViSSer got the hypest flow | Yolandi Visser has the most exciting style |
| Start talking in tongues whenever I get stoned | I start speaking other languages when it blows my mind, |
| Motherfucking minds get blown | And everyone's fucking brains explode. |
| Every time I rap into the microphone | Every time I rap on the mic |
| My zef accent is very foreign | My African accent is unusual for them. |
| When I speak overseas they go: I beg your pardon? | When I communicate abroad, I am asked to repeat it again. |
| You can't get me like Eric Cartman | You can't force me, I'm like Eric Cartman. |
| Naughty little kitty go meow | Naughty little pussy, don't meow here. |
| Yes daddy, I"m a big girl now | Yes daddy, I'm already a big girl. |
| This little devil make your dick go wow | This little devil is lifting your d*ck, wow! |
| Chea boy! Yo-Landi ViSSer is hot stuff | Yes, boy! Yolandi Visser is hot. |
| Daai bra anies hy"s n fokken gangsta | |
| Haai, daai bra anies hy lam innie mang ja | Crap! Anies is languishing in prison. |
| ‘ken sy my nommer?’ xha! | Does she know my number? No! |
| Boy what's your number? | Boy, what's your number? |
| Twee ses? Twee sewe? Of is jy n ag bra? | 26? 27? Or are you 28? |
| Daai bra anies hy droom innie mang ja | This guy is Anies, he dreams in jail. |
| Van my punani, ja jys lekker jas bra | Dreams about my pussy, yes he is a horny rude guy. |
| Vinger in jou hol in, nxa! Haal uit die ganja | Finger in the ass, great! Get out the weed you've been hiding |
| Ja pakkie zol in! Klap it soos n rasta | I'll roll a joint, light it, and get hooked like a Rastafarian. |
| I rhyme tight! Tight! Tight! Tight! | I rhyme cool! Tight! Tight! Strong! |
| Spark mosh-pit shit "cause I rhyme so hype | I rhyme aggressively and thereby incite conflicts. |
| Put me in front of someone I don't like | Show me someone who doesn't like me. |
| I go punch! Kick! Bite! Fight! | I'll push! I'll hit! I'll bite you! I'll start a fight! |
| I"m kray-kray like O.D.B. | I'm as mad as a Dirty Old Bastard. |
| Yo-landi Down Wit" O.P.P. | Yolandi Visser is crazy about O.P.P. |
| I smell lovely "cause I don"t eat meat | I smell nice because I don't eat meat. |
| Too much bubbly den I go pee-pee | After drinking a lot of champagne I start pee-pee |
| Look out here come little evil me | Look and you will see my dark side. |
| I got a itchy little need for speed | The need for speed is my passion. |
| Rap on the beat like a hi-speed chase song | I rap like I'm driving away from the cops. |
| I gooi rooi! No motherfucking breaks on | I'm going to red! No fucking brakes. |
| All these pop songs sound like the same song | All these pop songs sound the same. |
| I burn them! Yeah, motherfucker flame on! | I'll burn them! Yes, motherfucker, everything will burn! |
| Bow down to her motherfucking majesty | Bow before her fucking majesty. |
| No rapper out there as bad as me! | There is no rapper more crazy than me! |
| Sny jou koekie! | |
| Sny-sny jou snoekie cookie! | |
| Cut it, cut it, hey kitty kitty kitty! | Cut it, cut it, hello pussy, pussy, pussy! |
| Sny jou koekie! | Cut your little pie. |
| Sny-sny jou snoekie cookie! | Cut, cut your little pie. |
| Cut it, cut it, hey kitty kitty kitty! | Cut it, cut it, hello pussy, pussy, pussy! |
| Cut it, cut it, hey kitty kitty kitty! | Cut it, cut it, hello pussy, pussy, pussy! |
| Daai bra anies hy"s n fokken gam bra | This Anies guy, this fucking ghetto guy. |
| Haai! Daai anies hy lam innie mang ja | Anies is languishing in prison. |
| ‘ken sy my nommer?’ xha! | Does she know my number? No! |
| Boy what's your number? | Boy, what's your number? |
| Twee ses? Twee sewe? Of is jy n ag bra? | 26? 27? Or are you 28? |
| Daai bra anies hy"s a fokken gangsta | This Anies guy, he's a fucking gangster. |
| Daai bra anies hy"s vars uitie mang ja | This guy Anies, he just got out of prison. |
| Wys hom punani, waars jou cookie thumper? | I show him my pussy, why didn’t your dick get up? |
| Gee hom punani, maar hy soekie bum bra! | I give him pussy, but he wants boom-boom. |
| Daai bra anies hy"s a fokken rou bra | This guy Anies, he's a fucking lover of dangerous sex. |
| Ek blom met anies lekker oppie sofa | I'm relaxing with Anies on the couch. |
| He love yo-landi coz I"m blonde all over | He loves Yolandi because I'm blonde all over. |
| Maar yoh! Daai anies hy hou van my boude! | But damn it! This guy is Anies, he really loves boom-boom! |
History of creation
Prior to their collaboration, Ninja, Yo-Landi Vi$$er and DJ Hi-Tek were also involved in music and searching for their true selves.Watkin Tudor Jones, aka Ninja, previously had many pseudonyms and collaborated with a whole string of colleagues from different musical directions, although hip-hop was always in the first place for him. Jones is the initiator of the creation of the group; he also considers all previous projects to be experiments and childishness, and only “Die Antwoord” is real creativity and a serious matter.
Yo-Landi Vi$$ (Yolandi Visser, birth name Henri Du Toit) began breaking into show business at the age of 16. The meeting with Ninja's future husband allowed us to take a qualitative step forward in terms of creativity. Ninja was delighted with her unusual vocals and proposed cooperation.
The date of birth of Die Antwoord, which means “answer” in Afrikaans (a mixture of Dutch and English, which is native to 6 million Africans, including residents of South Africa), is considered to be 2008, although before this project Ninja and Yolandi were together worked on the project “The Constructus Corporation”, then founded the group “Max Normal TV”. Ninja had even more musical experience - in his youth he rapped in the group “The Original Evergreens”, famous for the song “Puff The Magik”.
The third member of Die Antwoord is officially DJ Hi-Tek (also called Bit-Boxmonster). However, his identity is shrouded in secrecy: he does not appear in the videos and does not appear as a media person. In all the group's videos, his face is hidden by a mask. However, in the end, fans figured out what the DJ of their favorite band looked like, and were very surprised by the discrepancy between his stage and real images.
Before DJ Hi-Tek, Leon Botha, a creatively gifted young man with progeria, performed with Die Antwoord. Patients with this disease age an order of magnitude faster, and few of them live to be 13. Leon lived to be 26, remembered not only as a DJ, but also as an artist and musician. He appears in Die Antwoord's video for the song "Enter The Ninja".
The main stages of creativity
The musicians released their first album in 2010. The “$O$” disc was posted online for free download. The song “Enter the Ninja” especially attracted the attention of the public, for which a spectacular video was shot. Listeners were delighted with the dark video sequence, Yolandi's unusual accent and the appearance of the soloists.Die Antwoord – Enter The Ninja
The demand for the team has increased sharply, as has the interest in their personalities. Ninja and Yolandi began to be called the progenitors of the new Zef-Rap style, close to rave and hip-hop, but with its own distinctive features. In Afrikaans, "zef" means "ordinary, dirty, boring."
Zef is when you are poor, but fashionable and sexy. You don't have money, but you have style.
From the first days of its existence, the band members played up their African origins. In addition to English, the group's lyrics also use languages characteristic of South Africans - Zulu and Xhosa. The lyrics for the song "Evil Boy" were written by Xhosa musician Wanga. The song touches on the topic of circumcision, traditional for this people: the lyrical hero abandoned this ritual and remained an “evil boy” for the rest of his life.Die Antwoord – I Fink U Freeky
After the success of the album, which debuted at number 37 on the UK national album chart, Interscope Records signed a contract with the group, but the collaboration was short-lived. The producers insisted on softening the provocative image of the group, in particular, on reworking the lyrics of the song “Fok Julle Naaiers” (the name alone in Afrikaans sounds unprintable - it can be translated into English as “Fuck You Fuckers”). The musicians were categorically against interference in the creative process and in 2011 broke off relations with the label.
That same year, the musicians went on tour in support of the re-released album and also presented new songs at concerts. In 2012 they released their second album, Ten$ion. He was accompanied by a number of concerts abroad, mostly in Europe. By the way, during the band’s concert in St. Petersburg in 2013, the guys from “Little Big” performed as their opening act - for them it was the first concert in their lives.
Between the albums Donker Mag (2014) and Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid (2016), Die Antwoord starred in the feature film Chappie (2015) by fellow countryman Neill Blomkamp. They played the main roles - essentially themselves. Their heroes take custody of a lost intelligent robot and save it from its previous owners.
In 2017, Sistine, daughter of Yolandi and Ninja, starred alongside Jack Black in the short film Tommy Can't Sleep. Visser acted as director along with the team's longtime friend Roger Ballen, who helped them during the preparation for the filming of the first video.
Die Antwoord – Tommy Can't Sleep
Collaborations with other artists
- "Wat Pomp" (feat. Jack Parow)
- "Wie Maak Die Jol Vol" (feat. Knoffel Bruin, Isaac Mutant, Jaak Paarl and Scallywag)
- "My Best Friend" (feat. The Flying Dutchman aka Ne0SA)
- "Doos Dronk" (feat. Jack Parow and Fokofpolisiekar)
- "Rat Trap 666" (feat. DJ Muggs)
- "Shit Just Got Real" (feat. Sen Dog)
- "Gucci Coochie" (feat. Dita Von Teese)
- "Wings on My Penis" (feat. Lil Tommy Terror)
- "U Like Boobies?" (feat. Lil Tommy Terror)
- "Rats Rule" (feat. Jack Black)
Scandals
The eccentrics from Die Antwoord constantly find themselves in some controversial stories. They flaunt their poverty, post what the public considers questionable photos on Instagram, and attract attention in every possible way. 
So, in 2012, the group released a video for “Fatty Boom Boom”, where the central part of the plot is occupied by a rather evil parody of Lady Gaga. They had previously spoken negatively about her work, but now they launched a frontal attack. But the singer ignored the attack. Three years later, Yolandi repeated her attempt to drag the American singer into a showdown, posting a collage of her and her photos online, hinting at imitation of the style. But even that time, Gaga refrained from commenting.
Ninja and Yolandi take issues of identity very seriously. They jealously ensure that no one even indirectly tries to copy their appearance or simply be like them. In 2016, after the release of Suicide Squad, the artists criticized director David Ayer, who allegedly adopted some elements of the group's style. They even referred to confirmation of this from the outside
