I've never considdered myself to be a blogger. But the article below inspired me to add my 2 cents worth, and comment on that which both inspires, and depresses me to no end. Of course I'm reffering to music, the music industry, bands and artists, live concerts, singles and albums, riffs, beats and all other do-hickeys that spring so freely from the only artform claimed to "calm the savage beast".
I need to make something clear right off the bat: I'm no expert. And by that I mean I have not been schooled in any way, shape or form in the art of writing, the music industry or anything else I'll mention in these posts.
That is not to say I don't have my 5 humanly senses, and (which will probably come up quite often) my Soul.
What I'm saying is that the comments made here have no reference other than my personal observations and insights. If you don't like it, SAY so. If you like it follow, subscribe, read, forward and engage me.
Now, with disclaimers out of the way I present to you, for your intellectual pleasure: The Lounge Critic's bog # 1: My Answer to Die Antwoord
In reply to the article posted on The Daily Maverick, dated 22 Oct 2010.
Here is the link: http://www.thedailymaverick.co.za/article/2010-10-22-die-antwoord-join-picasso-matisse-kandinsky-at-the-guggenheim
Now maybe I’m missing something here, but I don’t understand how these clowns can be featured in THE most reputable museum of modern art in the world?
Am I getting old here, am I a musical ‘snob’? Why are great artists, with great political and social influence not featured? I’m thinking of guys like The Who, The Clash, The Sex Pistols. Bands and Artists that lead the reform from contemporary, mainstream, easy-listening, radio-friendly garbage – to music that actually has meaning to millions of people and bears a weighty message (whatever that message may be).
Die Antwoord makes music for the sheep-like masses. Yes, it has what some consider to be “a kiff beat, my china”, but should we regard Die Antwoord as serious musicians, with a relevant message to broadcast to the world?
When I think of great artists who should appear in modern art museums, I think of Lennon. Now love him, or hate him, there is no disputing the fact that he created an anthem for his generation with “Imagine”. A voice for the people of the time who were fighting for fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives to come back home from a politically motivated war (that was being lost) in Vietnam. Think of Bob Dylan, NoFX, Buffalo Springfield, The Rolling Stones and closer to the "Modern Art" theme - System of a Down.
Closer to home, what about our innovators?
The ones that, despite the major adversity they faced, stood up and received international acclaim for the music they brought to the world. Mirriam Makeba, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the list can go on forever. How is it that genii like Paul Simon, Annie Lennox and Bono can see and appreciate the raw talent of such artists, but the biggest hottest thing from the South African music industry is a 3-piece trio that promotes (what I'd call) backwards living?
I leave you with the last verse of “Wat pomp?” – a small depiction of Ninja's lyrical prowess (judge for yourself):
“...Moenie vir my flippen tune nie, ek gaan vir my ma se.
K, toemaar los dit, if it doesnt fit, force it, thats my motto.
I'm not weird, you're weird
I rap like a sore thumb, whats up with you brother
I fit right in, like my cock in your mother.
So dont tell me Ive got no fire
Im running on the spot and Im so tired
Hair getting blown back by my blowdryer
Jou Naaier, jou naaier...”
K, toemaar los dit, if it doesnt fit, force it, thats my motto.
I'm not weird, you're weird
I rap like a sore thumb, whats up with you brother
I fit right in, like my cock in your mother.
So dont tell me Ive got no fire
Im running on the spot and Im so tired
Hair getting blown back by my blowdryer
Jou Naaier, jou naaier...”
Die Antwoord's website: http://www.dieantwoord.com/
