Anri du Toit, known professionally as Yolandi Visser (stylized as ¥o-Landi Vi$$er), is a South African rapper and singer. She is the female vocalist in the rap-rave group Die Antwoord, alongside her partner in the group, Ninja (Watkin Tudor Jones).
Early Life
- Adoption: Adopted by Reverend Ben du Toit and his wife. She had an adoptive older brother, Leon, who died in 2015.
- Childhood: Felt out of place growing up, describing herself as ‘a little punk’ who often got into fistfights.
- Education: Attended Menlopark High School, a boarding school where she thrived among other creative individuals.
Career
The Constructus Corporation
- Formation: Invited by Watkin Tudor Jones to contribute vocals for The Constructus Corporation.
- Album: Released “The Ziggurat” in 2003 under the alias Anica the Snuffling.
MaxNormal.TV
- Role: Member of the hip-hop group, playing Max Normal’s personal assistant.
- Stage Name: Yolandi Visser.
- Notable Work: Debut album “Good Morning South Africa” (2008) and the DVD “Goeie Morge Zuid Afrika” (2008).
Die Antwoord
- Formation: Co-founded the rap-rave group Die Antwoord with Watkin Tudor Jones and producer HITEK5000.
- Stage Persona: Known for her distinctive bleach-blonde mullet and her stage name ¥o-Landi Vi$$er.
- Albums:
- “$O$” (2009) – Debut album that gained international attention with the video “Enter the Ninja.”
- “TEN$ION” (2012) – Released through their independent label Zef Recordz after leaving Interscope Records.
- “Donker Mag” (2014)
- “Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid” (2016)
- “House of Zef” (2020)
- Film: Appeared as herself in the 2015 film “Chappie” directed by Neill Blomkamp.
Controversies
- 2012 Video Incident: In 2019, a video from 2012 surfaced showing Visser and Jones involved in an altercation with Andy Butler, accompanied by homophobic abuse.
- Abuse Allegations: In April 2022, her adopted son Gabriel “Tokkie” du Preez accused Visser and Jones of abuse, which they denied.
Personal Life
- Children:
- Daughter Sixteen, born in 2005, with Watkin Tudor Jones.
- Adopted/fostered three children, including Gabriel “Tokkie” du Preez.
Discography
The Constructus Corporation
- “The Ziggurat” (2003)
MaxNormal.TV
- “Good Morning South Africa” (2008)
Die Antwoord
- “$O$” (2009)
- “TEN$ION” (2012)
- “Donker Mag” (2014)
- “Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid” (2016)
- “House of Zef” (2020)
Filmography
- “Goeie More Zuid Africa DVD” (2008)
- “Tokoloshe” (2011)
- “Umshimi Wam” (2011)
- “Chappie” (2015) – Features songs “Baby’s On Fire,” “Ugly Boy,” “Cookie Thumper,” and “Enter the Ninja.”
Conclusion
Anri du Toit, widely known as Yolandi Visser, has made a significant impact in the music world as the female vocalist of Die Antwoord. Her journey from an adopted child who felt out of place to a prominent figure in the South African counterculture movement is marked by her distinct style and bold persona. Through various musical projects, including The Constructus Corporation and MaxNormal.TV, and eventually forming Die Antwoord, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional music and performance art.
Despite her success and influence, Visser’s career has not been without controversy. Incidents such as the 2012 altercation and subsequent abuse allegations have cast shadows over her public image. Nonetheless, her contributions to music and her unique artistic vision have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Visser’s personal life, including her role as a mother and her adoption of children, adds another dimension to her public persona, illustrating her multifaceted character. As she continues to evolve both personally and professionally, Yolandi Visser remains a compelling and influential figure in contemporary music.
