Die Antwoord spark outrage

OUTSPOKEN musician Ntsiki Mazwai wants to take the band Die Antwoord to the SA Human Rights Commission over what he says is their disrespectful depiction of a sacred Xhosa ritual.

The artwork of the group’s latest album shows Ninja wearing a traditional blanket and hat usually used in the Xhosa circumcision ceremony.

Even though the group’s album artwork was released in September, it resurfaced on social media on Monday and sparked outrage.

Mazwai was one of the people to voice her anger over the group’s depiction of the culture.

She said she was appalled by the group’s decision to use the traditional outfit to promote their music.

“That is not his [Ninja’s] culture. He’s not Xhosa and has no right to parade around pretending he is,” Mazwai said. “He cannot do as he pleases with our culture.

“This is serious and we should take the band to the Human Rights Commission for exploiting our culture.”

The circumcision ceremony was a very sacred one that should not be mocked or made light of, she said.

“Ninja is being disrespectful and is not representing South Africa or its cultures to the world like he probably thinks he does‚” Mazwai said.

Attempts to get the band to comment were unsuccessful.