If you caught Neill Blomkamp's Chappie over the weekend you may be puzzling over the identity of two of its three mad-haired antagonists. Ninja and Yo-Landi Visser are better known as South African rap duo Die Antwoord. With song titles including 'XPEN$IV $H1T' and 'Girl I Want 2 Eat U', not to mention music videos full of twisted imagery, they're an acquired taste. But those who are into Yolandi and Ninja are really into them. Jack Black, Marilyn Manson and Dita Von Teese all cameo in the music video for 'Ugly Boy'.
Blomkamp is such a fan that he initially tried to cast Ninja in the lead role in Elysium. With the director finally getting to work with them on Chappie, we asked him to pick the Die Antwoord videos he considers essential...
'Enter The Ninja' (2009)
“This is the first video of theirs I was exposed to. I suppose I’m into music that’s out on the edge a little bit. Die Antwoord really are interesting artists, and much more than just a rap band. After watching 'Enter The Ninja', I needed to know what the hell was going on and who they were.”
'Zef Side' (2010)
“I like the track a lot, but also this has the quasi-biographical intro that I really like. It gives a slice of Yolandi and Ninja’s history.”
'Fatty Boom Boom' (2012)
“This video has great Johannesburg vibes. I love the suit the drummer is wearing. Check out the behind-the-scenes video too.”
'Die Antwoord Investigate The Afrikan Demon Tokoloshe' (2012)
“I’m a huge fan of the Tokoloshe, so I love this video. In Zulu South Africa it’s an asshole of a spirit that terrorises people. I grew up hearing a lot about it. My xhosa nanny put her bed up on bricks, to keep away from the Tokoloshe at night.”