After much back-and-forth about the possible break up of South African rave-rappers Die Antwoord, we finally got the answer we didn’t want to hear — they would release a 5th album and “disappear” in 2017.
The shockingly weird, yet utterly delightful duo has fulfilled their own prophecy, and this is a look at the beginning of the end. Die Antwoord just announced their 5th and final album The Book of Zef is coming, and their leading single “Love Drug” will drop May 5.
And, they’re not fucking around with this break up thing. As Ninja told Exclaim!, they are set to disband upon the last album release. “Die Antwoord dies on that day,” he said.
For nearly a decade, Yolandi Visser, Ninja, and their DJ “God” have captured fans with dark, twisted lyrics, addictive beats, and vulgar, but charming attitudes. The Book of Zef seems like an appropriate title to perfectly sum up their legacy, as Die Antwoord attributes much of their musical and visual style to zef culture — blending modern and trashy, cool and outdated.
We can expect “Love Drug” to set the pace for the final album, and ultimately, the bittersweet end of Die Antwoord.