Die Antwoord at Scala
14 November 2010 – Tonight I photographed Die Antwoord playing a really packed out Scala and I was excited for this because I have been following their projects for years but had not yet seen them performing as Die Antwoord.
The venue was perfect and the crowd ready to party with many people dressed up in self-made “ZEF” gear. It seemed as though all the hype on these guys had been building up for so long and the time had come for them to prove themselves but as soon as the lights dimmed and the music started they proved that they actually have nothing to prove. There is no other band that I have ever worked with or seen in all my years shooting music that I can even remotely compare to what these guys do and they do it really well. Ninja is a leader for sure and Yo-Landi uses every ounce of energy in her little body to support what he is doing by running around the stage, jumping and throwing out vocals.
This was an amazing show, one that London could not in anyway have been prepared for. Everyone had a great time and that is what live music is all about. Die Antwoord isn’t just a hype that is here for a few days, they have thought about this all for way too long and Ninja is way too talented an artist to just let this opportunity to slip by, they are going to be around for a while and I think that it’s all only going to get bigger, weirder and better.
I can’t wait.
For me one of the coolest things that has happened, thanks to these guys, is that since they exploded no one has asked me about apartheid when they hear I am a South African but instead question me as to whether I know of the “Ninja”.
The pit was small and tight with not much space to move around but these are a few shots that I managed to shoot. Their album has just dropped so make sure to check these guys out and support what they are doing because it’s different and about time. Either way you will hear about them sooner or later.
NB: PLEASE DO NOT USE ANY OF THESE PHOTOGRAPHS WITHOUT OBTAINING PERMISSION FROM THE BAND AND MYSELF BEFOREHAND. RESPECT BOTH OUR ART.
jurre fok Marcus, these pictures are already all up in the interweb lanie, hahaha, so bummed I missed this show!
Love the pics. Was also there and I think you have really captured the experience. Love these guys! Shame about some of the real Zefs there on the night. Overall awesome night!
Great show. Awesome pics. Gina – I agree about it being a shame about the assholes in there – comes with the territory. Some people just don’t get it do they!?!
Amazing pics my friend yet again!