Die Antwoord DJ Leon Botha has died a day after his 26th birthday. Botha, more commonly known within the music world as DJ Solarize passed away from a rare disease know as Progeria. Leon was diagnosed with the disease at the tender age of 4 and was most well know for his appearance in the Die Antwoord hit single Enter The Ninja, which has over 12 000 000 views on YouTube alone, Worldwide! Leon’s rare disease is one which caused him to age prematurely, similar to that of the World famous movie, called Banjamin Button.
Photo by: Matthew Jordaan
Botha was born in Cape Town and never left his roots, as he also happened to die in this wonderful City. Leon touched the hearts of many in the art & music worlds, as his talents as an artist were recognised by many top galleries and painters. MC and social activist Emile Jansen said Botha touched everyone involved in art and hip hop. “He had extremely intelligent views. We learned a lot from his perspective. But we knew at some stage we’d have to face him not being with us any longer. His death is a loss to young people. But the work of any artist, including Leon’s, will continue to live on.” – IOL
Leon Botha, Who Am I campaign with famous artist, Gordon Clark.
I was lucky enough to meet this extraordinary man a few years back next door to my old work place, The Bang Bang Club. He was being interviewed at an art gallery, about his work he compiled named Who Am I? The campaign was a way for Leon to visually represent his condition, as well as a number of struggles he faced every day! R.I.P Leon, Cape Town will never forget you, a true Ninjah!
One of my favourite pieces of the Who Am I campaign, in collaboration with Gordon Clark.
