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Words and their meanings clearly hold many differences for communities in South Africa's diverse multi cultural Rainbow Nation.

For example, The lead vocalist of South African rap group, Die Antwoord, says the band’s latest angst song shouldn’t offend people with its ‘faggot’ lyrics… because the words are spoken by DJ Hi-Tek, who is gay himself.

The song 'Fok Julle Naaiers' from the band’s new album Ten$ion contains the lyric: "DJ Hi-Tek will fuck you in the ass / you can’t touch me faggot / you’re not man enough."

"Our manager Tony in LA was a little concerned that some of the words we use in the video would upset some people in the USA – especially DJ Hi-Tek’s use of the word ‘faggot’," explains Die Antwoord’s lead vocalist Ninja in a video which seeks to preempts any controversy which may be created.

"DJ Hi-Tek is gay," he explains as if this would make the use of the words OK, "so there you go, now you all know."

Ninja adds: "Hi-Tek says the word faggot doesn’t hold any power over him. Hi-Tek says faggot all the time. He’s taken that word and made it his bitch. Just to be fucken’ clear – Die Antwoord are not homophobic. Some of my tightest homies are gay, like for instance DJ Hi-Tek, who happens to be one of my best friends in the entire universe."

Ninja carries on by saying that some people in America are very sensitive to certain words, but South Africans take a more relaxed view. We've got news for you Ninja! There ARE South Africans who take offense.

Because of the controversial lyrics the band has now split from its record label Interscope Records, and must release their latest album independently.

However... Do you think the lyrics of this song equals hate speech regardless of who sings or raps it?

Ninja's explanation:

The Song