The Spawn of Die Antwoord,

South Africa is home to Zef, one of the largest music scenes to quite literally explode overnight. But what is it? Technically the spawn of Die Antwoord and their ‘next level rap-rave’ music full of 90s ghetto attitude, Zef is a movement that has been taking off since 2010. The Spawn of Die Antwoord, Zef, is One of the Largest Music But ask someone what it means or Google it and you’ll get nowhere.

The origin of the word ‘Zef’ is unclear, but it seems leaders of the trend, Die Antwoord have transformed the Afrikaans slang word from meaning something tacky (think Granny’s ornaments lined neatly atop her mantlepiece) into something that means the ultimate style, being cooler than cool but not to be confused with trashy.

Die Antwoord, consists of tattooed MC Ninja, nymph-like bottle-blonde Yo- Landi Vi$$er and the enigmatic DJ HI-TEK. Their ingenious Dance music and brilliantly offensive Rap lyrics, which are a combination of both Afrikaans and English, has unsurprisingly sparked debate as to whether they’re for real; with people labelling them ‘conceptual art’. Collecting over 28 million hits on one track alone, Die Antwoord are clearly massive, yet Zef remains quietly unknown.

Die Antwoord aren’t alone in Zef world domination. Rhymester Jack Parow has also emerged from the scene. Parow, whose namesake derives from his hometown, has been titled the Afrikaans Eminem, who spits comical lyrics about life in South African slums. Merging chilled beats with quick-witted Afrikaans rap, the name of his most popular track ‘Cooler As Ekke’ (Cooler than Cool) itself describes the Zef legacy.

Clearly, Zef isn’t just about the sound of the music; the image and lifestyle is just as essential. And, if you look closely, artists have been cropping up all over the globe that incorporate elements of Zef.

Badass female rapper Kreayshawn whose dirty Hip-Hop beats united with her blaring attitude and proudness of origin screams Zef. Canadian wonder Grimes integrates elements of that effortlessly ‘cooler than cool’ belief that Zef instills. The Spawn of Die Antwoord, Zef, is One of the Largest Music To put it simply, although Zef music hasn’t emerged across the shores as of yet, the name itself has and artists are integrating Zef into their musical identity whether they’re aware of it or not.

Still no clearer? Zef isn’t necessarily supposed to be understood. Conceptual art, ingenious movement or just a bunch of lunatics? It doesn’t matter. It’s easy to think too hard about it but you could just go with it… Zef style.

By Bryony Curtis

Catch up with all the latest music news