Music

Die Antwoord explains DJ Hi-Tek's use of the word 'faggot' in a companion video for their new single, "Fok Julle Naiiers"

by Tyler Munro

Released earlier today, the newest single from South Africa’s Die Antwoord (for “Fok Julle Naiiers”) is a sliding, rhythmic track that features, controversially, pretty liberal use of the word “faggot.”

In a surprising lucid video response, Antwoord’s Ninja has put out a companion video during which he explains (rather than excuses) the language in the song, noting that DJ Hi-Tek is gay himself and “taking the word back”. He goes into detail about the cultural differences between language in America versus the more colloquial Zef the band speaks in their native South Africa and, for the first time in a long time, almost breaks character completely.

It’s an unexpectedly down to earth video from a group that prides themselves on their own insanity and certainly an antithesis to the “Fok Julle Naiiers” video itself, which is, in typical Die Antwoord fashion, nuts. Watch the video up top and Ninja’s response down low.

FAGGOT from Die Antwoord on Vimeo.