South African DJ known as Kasi Mlungu has ignited criticism over her appropriation of Black South African culture. (@TheDuchAz/Twitter)
A white South African DJ has ignited outrage on Twitter after she proclaimed to be a Black person trapped in white skin.
In a series of tweets, Anita Ronge, known as DJ DuchAz, posted in beginning in late January, went public about her rejection for not being Afrikaans enough or African enough. Ronge shared several photos of herself embracing African aesthetics, proclaiming she is a Kasi Mlungu or white township person. (Townships are areas in South Africa where nonwhite residents live.)
In other words, Ronge identifies more as a “Black person trapped in white skin” and has shown that in her tweets. In one post, the DJ questions why white locals are uncomfortable with her and a separate tweet features a photo of her making traditional South African beer.
I get rejected for not being "black enough" and being "too black" to be white… I'm #KasiMlungu & I'm proud. pic.twitter.com/DzEM9Cgwc1
— DJ Kasi DuchAz (@KasiDuchAz) January 23, 2017
I dont undrstnd y mlungus r so uncomfortable wit my presence. I cn jst laugh at ya'll& Ngizozi munyela iICE yam #StopRacism #WCWKasiMlungu pic.twitter.com/oFzG1l3Ufg
— DJ Kasi DuchAz (@KasiDuchAz) February 8, 2017
I had to swop my green tea for Mqombothi this morning after #KasiMlungu 😥
📷: @fizzdesigns
👚: @pearlndzalamaravele pic.twitter.com/9QMB6IOJAd— DJ Kasi DuchAz (@KasiDuchAz) February 9, 2017
Ronge received some criticism when she shared the photos, including responses from a Twitter user questioning how Black she really is.
@TheDuchAz Since you are black, what is this, what does it do and which church wears this uniform? ? pic.twitter.com/VVxRvcY9z9
— Moleke (@Poelo_) February 8, 2017
@TheDuchAz Oh and what type of material is used to make the sole of these shoes? pic.twitter.com/pT1eQCMPp9
— Moleke (@Poelo_) February 8, 2017
Others poked fun at the entertainer.
@TheDuchAz pic.twitter.com/QM02EuB2mX
— Sentimental Thug (@ZintleSinazo) February 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/FisoMsimang/status/829259791256129536
That #kasiMlungu reminds me of that transracial dude on Atlanta 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/SMXPxFMVH5
— Dolce & Gwababa (@Steve_Somebody) February 8, 2017
Some reactions were more intellectual.
@TheDuchAz how beautiful it must be for our cultures to be a performative tool. a choice you can escape. oh the audacity of privilege ??
— anathi (@anathiamantlane) February 8, 2017
While speaking about her origins to Jacaranda FM Monday, Feb. 13, Ronge said she feels “united with African culture, at the end of the day you can choose who you want to be. I grew up Afrikaans but always loved African culture and I used to be mocked by white schoolmates for that.”
Ronge added she didn’t nickname herself Kasi Mlungu, but it was given to her by show promoters before she DJed in a township early in her career and she was advised to stick with it.
On Wednesday, Feb. 15, Ronge went on air with Radio 702 to discuss her image and explained she didn’t understand why race should define people. She also said she didn’t think her whiteness afforded her privilege.
“I don’t feel like I’m getting the privilege for being any skin color,” Ronge said. “I have worked myself to death to get to the point where I am in my DJ career. It’s not because of anything but hard work. Everyone in the entertainment industry knows that. You need to put in the work for you to get the result.”
The interview did not go over well with listeners.
Here is a Stop Nonsense fence @Eusebius #KasiMlungu pic.twitter.com/DJ1Xje8r5Z
— Vuyi (@vuyi_g) February 20, 2017
@TheDuchAz "Not a lot of people embrace African culture anymore" ?!?!?!?!?! NO!!! You CANNOT say shit like that! #KasiMlungu
— Kirsten/Waker Whitfield (@KirstenWhiff) February 15, 2017
There are many black DJs that are good & #KasiMlungu must realise that privilege is opening doors for her. Let's not pretend here! @Radio702
— Zanele ka Madiba (@MissMadiba) February 15, 2017
Safe to say I've never experienced this concern. Instead I'm harassed and humiliated by BM just for simply BEING a black woman #KasiMlungu
— Buhle-bethu Qatyana (@anaytaq) February 16, 2017
Some came to Ronge’s defense, though.
https://twitter.com/CallMeVoto/status/831873975236063236
@Moflavadj @LeratoKganyago Let #KasiMlungu live her life just like black ppl bleach their skin trying 2 b white,its all ok#TheDriveonmetro
— Andile Sikhakhane (@okaSikhakhane) February 16, 2017
