Queers, Aunties, and Hip Hop
In a realm often dominated by conformity, Pretoria-born Angie oeh emerges as a fearless and unapologetic force, reshaping the landscape of Afrikaans music with her provocative mumble rap. With her unique blend of explicit lyrics, South African flavor, and unfiltered authenticity, Angie oeh fearlessly challenges societal norms and stereotypes. Breaking barriers as the only female Afrikaans mumble rap artist, she fearlessly embraces controversy, pushes the boundaries of expression, and amplifies marginalized voices, contributing to a more inclusive music industry. With each track, Angie oeh ignites conversations, demanding respect and paving the way for change, proving that her music is a force to be reckoned with.
Describe your music in three words that are not “Sex in Afrikaans.”
Provocative, Sexy and Boujee
Your unique style of music blends elements of mumble rap with a distinctive South African flavor. Can you share some insights into the creative process behind your music? And what are your main sources of inspiration?
I'm always making music and when my creative juices take a pause I listen to artists like Post Malone, Asap Rocky, and Cardi B for inspiration. Taking time for yourself in an industry like this is vital. So I always allow myself to have bad days and also be proud and appreciative of the good days. When I make music I like focusing on the sound of my vocals for the shaping of the song rather than depending on the beat. I feel like Afrikaans songs in general depend on the beat and nothing special lyrically or vocals wise. I learn and grow every day and the way I do things also differs constantly. At the end of the day when something sounds good and connects with people in whichever way possible, you did something right.
What challenges have you faced (or are you facing) as a mumble rapper in a predominantly English-dominated music industry, and how have you overcome them (or are you still in the process of overcoming them)?
My music is a blend of Afrikaans and English. This is intentional because it's the way I speak in my day-to-day life and I love making music for everyone. I also love that my music attracts such a big diverse group of people. Being Afrikaans in a predominantly English-dominated music industry isn't something I even think about. My mindset at this stage is peaking in my career and I'll do everything possible to achieve that. The real problem is being a female Afrikaans rap artist in a predominantly male-dominated industry. The Afrikaans rap game is a sausage fest and I'd love to be a part of the change. The current is female!
Photograph by Fanus Beetge
The music industry has historically been male-dominated, but you're breaking through those barriers as a female mumble rapper. You’re the only Afrikaans mumble rap artist, in fact. How do you feel your music contributes to challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers within the industry?
Like I said in my previous answer, being a controversial female rap artist who raps about booties and not giving a fuck upsets the Afrikaans community. Afrikaans people have a hard time accepting change. It scares them and when they're scared they retaliate. But old ways won't open new doors and it's something people need to start accepting. I hope my music helps change the narrative of Afrikaans music and the way people think. I'm female and yes, I'm attracted to women and like rapping about it. Dig the music or don't. It doesn't change anything in my day to day.
You have been described as an "alternative queen" with "dirty rhymes." How do you see your music pushing boundaries and addressing taboo topics in South African society?
My music is provocative and explicit. I demand respect even if it's through a song that's about a big booty bitch. It's taboo when females say what they want and when they want but men get praised for the same thing. We need to get and keep the conversation going about things that need to change in this country. Traditional Afrikaans music, I feel in my PERSONAL opinion instills fear and nostalgia for white Afrikaners and this is why some of these people are stuck in 1994. Changing the way people think is something that's very important to me, even more so in my personal life.
South Africa has a complex and diverse history regarding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Many queer South Africans, particularly those outside of the major cities, continue to face some challenges, despite the fact that LGBTQ+ people officially enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ+ ones. How do you feel your music contributes to the ongoing conversation about queer representation and equality in the country? What are some ways you believe your platform can be used to address homophobia and contribute to creating a more inclusive society?
Initially being a spokesperson for the queer community was never something I thought about. I'm just a chick rapping about chicks with a temper when it comes to the rights of the LGBTQI+ community and females. I have this platform and we have voices that represent the LGBTQI+ community, but there won't ever be enough. I'm honored to be a part of this community and the change that's happening and that's going to happen.
Photograph by Jaco S. Venter
Your lyrics are known for their bold and unapologetic nature. How do you find the courage to express yourself so openly, especially when addressing topics that are often considered controversial?
I grew up in a very Afrikaans household and came out as a gay female when I was sixteen. high school kids get nasty sometimes and this desensitized me to anything I might face now or in the future. Nothing fazes me. I'm riding this wave all the way to the top and if my music upsets you, the problem might be you.
Your music often addresses social issues, challenges stereotypes, and, at times, highlights diverse and unconventional relationship dynamics—for instance, in “Sex in Afrikaans” you seem to celebrate “tannies” (a title of respect used to refer to an elderly woman, lit. “aunties”) among all women. How do you feel your songs about relationships with mature women contribute to broader discussions on love, age, and sexuality?
(Laughter) I love aunties. I love older women. Not taking away from any of the younger girls. It's just my personal preference. "Tannies" love me just as much as I love them. I had a very traumatic childhood and was chased away by my mother's lover almost every other day. I moved out and into the homes of my mates where I spent a lot of time with moms, not in a weird way. This made me appreciate older women in more ways than one.
Have you encountered any unique challenges or resistance due to the explicit representation of multiple relationships in your music? How do you handle them?
I face resistance and challenges every day. But rapping about multiple relationships hasn't really been a problem for anyone. I handle everything with strut and style.
Photograph by Jaco S. Venter
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians, particularly those from marginalized communities, who are trying to make their mark in the music industry?
Never give up, be patient. Art takes time and if anyone could they would. Always be open to learning and sharing. Write down everything, a song, a phrase from a movie you liked, a caption, everything! Put in the hours, put down the app, and make the thing!
At the end of 2021, you released your debut single “Dis Jou Wyfie” and you recorded it on your smartphone. It quickly went viral on TikTok. That’s a huge accomplishment for an artist! How does it feel to be acknowledged for your work?
It feels amazing. Working so hard on something and putting it out there for the world to judge isn't easy or comfortable. Ego, in this industry, is a big thing. Being confident in your music and brand is also a big thing. When people vibe and appreciate the art and work you put in, it's flipping dope.
Was it always your plan to become a full-time artist? How is your relationship with being on the rise now? And what changed since your official debut in 2021?
Yes, I always knew rapping and making music is what I want to do for the rest of my natural life. I started making English music straight out of school in 2017. The noise was too loud and I knew something had to change. That's when I made "Dis jou wyfie" my first Afrikaans song. After that, it blew up and nothing's been the same since. I was built for this.
Photograph by Wayde Flowerday
The first half of 2023 is now gone. What projects do you have planned for the second half of the year? Are there any collaborations on the horizon?
I started this year with a collaboration with Biggy in a song called "Die Way Sy" and also another massive collab with Van Pletzen and Loufi in "Die lewe is n lied" where I wrote the melody and chorus as well as my verse. After that I dropped my first single for 2023 titled "Te Sexy" and there's also a new song on the way called "Vet Diamante" plus more singles throughout the year and possibly another collab with Jack Parow. I'm also working to get my clothing brand Oeh Merchandise online in this year and my own strain of marijuana called "OEH".
Let’s talk about your stylish tattoos. I know you have countless of them! Are you planning to get new ones next?
Definitely! I love the way tattoos look, regardless of being a rapper. My first tattoo was the smiley on my face when I was eighteen. I did this for motivation. I had to make this "rap thing" work because getting a nine to five in South Africa with face tattoos probably isn't easy.
This is not a question, but a kind request. Make me a playlist of 10 tunes you're obsessed with right now!
Chemical - Post Malone
Fuck sleep - A$AP Rocky
Die lewe is n lied - Angie oeh, Van Pletzen, Loufi
Bietjie lit Bietjie faded - Biggy
Nail tech - Jack Harlow
Wake Up in the Sky - Bruno Mars
Greece - Drake
Juicy - Doja Cat
Toxic - Britney Spears
Gasoline - The Weeknd
Follow Angie on social media, check out her music, and see what else she’s got going on by following this link
Showcase and social share photographs by Andre Badenhorst
Special thanks to Angie oeh manager Louise Crouse for facilitating this interview
