By Gregory Crofton
Jon Day, best known for his music video work, spent five years making a documentary on Die Antwoord, the viciously good South African cheetahs of art rap.
Roger Ballen, a photographer whose had a massive influence rap duo, served as art director for the film.
Together they’ve assembled a touching love story. Yes, believe it. Watch through the end of the credits and you’ll see its romantic finale.
“ZEF: The Story of DIE ANTWOORD” is beautifully made — Ballen’s mark on the film is obvious — and fun to watch despite that this group’s music is distasteful to many, in particular the people of South Africa.
Not to me. I love their catalog of music, which I was officially introduced to by the doc. I think a lot of people in the U.S. either don’t know about Die Antwoord or only have encountered Ninja, one-third of the band, in a VICE animated story from 2017. It recounts his visit to Kanye West’s house where he met Travis Scott and they all ate banana pudding made by Kim Kardashian.
In more recent years, Die Antwoord (which means “the answer” in Afrikaans) have been kicked off a few tours for rumored sexist and aggressive behavior. They’ve also been accused of abuse by their “adopted” son, a charge they refute in the doc.
“ZEF: The Story of DIE ANTWOORD” is streaming now on Prime. Watch the trailer below.