MENSDOM – ‘BONATUURLIK’ ALBUM INTERVIEW

July 31, 2025Interviews, Local Artists, New Album, New Music, New Music Video Comments (0)

MENSDOM – ‘BONATUURLIK’ ALBUM INTERVIEW

Amped & Unfiltered: Mensdom Ignite ‘Bonatuurlik’ in an Explosive Interview

Since bursting onto the scene in 2018, Mensdom has forged a reputation for searing guitar
riffs, thunderous rhythms and lyrics that cut straight to the heart. Now, with their debut
full‑length album ‘Bonatuurlik’ finally here – anchored by the singles ‘Skaapgenade’ and
‘Bid Vir My’ – which lit up radio airwaves and even kykNET NOU – Mensdom stands ready to
redefine what Afrikaans rock can be. In this conversation, we dig into the band’s creative
journey, the stories behind their sound, and the moments that have shaped them both
onstage and in the studio.

Photo By Rayden Van Den Berg

Q: Mensdom, since you stormed onto the scene in 2018, how has your shared vision
evolved – and was there a defining moment that truly crystallised your identity as a band?

Mensdom: I’d say the major shift from being a garage outfit to genuinely pursuing live gigs
happened in 2019, when we entered the ‘Rock Hard’ competition in Potchefstroom. It was our first proper venue show, and the response was incredible: a fantastic crowd and loads of
positive feedback. Ever since, we’ve aimed to capture that same energy in every
performance. Our identity isn’t fixed; it grows with us as individuals, and the influence of our
audiences plays a huge part in shaping what we do next.

Q: Linus, ‘Bid Vir My’ feels both vulnerable and anthemic – what personal experience or
artistic influence inspired its emotional core?

Mensdom (Linus / Vocals): It’s about a very close friend of ours whom I care for deeply. At
the time we were writing, seeing him struggle was tough. Every time we perform it, I feel like
I’m reaching out – telling him we’re here for him – and portraying to the audience how a friend
can be crying out for help, yet all their cries go unheard.

Q: David, your guitar riffs drive so much of Mensdom’s intensity – when you write, do you
usually start with a riff, a melody, lyrics … or something else entirely?

Mensdom (David / Guitar): It depends on the song. With tracks like ‘Bid Vir My’ and
‘Absoluut Perfek’, the lyrics and basic melody were already in place. I listen to the song’s feel
and tone, then craft guitar parts to enhance its mood and melody. For songs such as
‘Mis Jou Nie’ and ‘Verraai’, the process begins with me doodling riffs – jamming until
something clicks. From there, we write the melody and lyrics around the riff and often tweak
the guitar parts further to suit the words perfectly.

Q: Your music sits firmly within South Africa’s rich Afrikaans‑rock tradition, yet it sounds
strikingly fresh. How do you honour that heritage while pushing into new sonic territory?

Mensdom: We don’t really overthink it. We write music based on how we feel, and whatever
style emerges simply feels right. Our influences come mainly from classic rock, which
naturally shares some DNA with the Afrikaans‑rock tradition – primarily because those earlier
musicians were themselves inspired by international acts.

Q: With all the media hype – from interviews and press features to radio spins and
kykNET NOU video rotation – what feedback have you received from fans and critics about
‘Bonatuurlik’?

Mensdom: The feedback has been all over the map, yet overwhelmingly positive. Those who
enjoy the album absolutely love it, and that’s what matters most to us. It’s gratifying to know
our music resonates so deeply with some listeners; for those who aren’t into it, that’s
perfectly fine too.

Photo By Rayden Van Den Berg

Q: Dirk, as the bassist, you anchor the groove alongside Anthony – how do you balance
locking in with the drums while weaving around David’s guitar parts? Any standout bass
moments on ‘Bonatuurlik’?

Mensdom (Dirk / Bass): When I start crafting bass lines, I zone in on grooving with the
drums first, ignoring everything else. Once the core groove is set, I identify key song
sections where it needs to stand out and ensure it does. If necessary, I’ll ask Dave to tweak
his parts to lock in better, or I’ll adjust my lines to complement his riffs … wait – did someone
say vocals?

Q: The album closes on the powerful, two‑and‑a‑half‑minute track ‘Is Jy Okay’. What
statement were you making by choosing that song as the finale?

Mensdom: That final track has stirred up a bit of drama online for being a bit vulgar. In sharp
contrast to our other tunes, it tells the story of someone lashing out at you for no reason,
leaving you to ask, “F**k my, is jy okay?” It’s meant as a fun, hard‑hitting rock song, but it’s
amusing how some listeners take it literally, playing into the exact scenario we describe.

Q: Anthony, drumming in rock requires both thunder and nuance. As the newest member, is
there a particular track on ‘Bonatuurlik’ that pushed you technically or emotionally when
playing it live?

Mensdom (Anthony / Drums): Every song brings its own challenge. We range from ballads
to progressive rock, punk rock, hard rock and even pop rock. That variety keeps me on my
toes and fuels my creativity.

Q: Working with Wim Jansen van Rensburg at ConXion Studios must have been
eye‑opening – what’s the biggest lesson you learned in the studio that’s changed the way
you play live?

Mensdom: For us, it’s all about capturing the live vibe in the studio rather than vice versa.
We let our live performances dictate our studio approach, making sure that raw energy stays
intact.

From the first blistering chords of ‘Mis Jou Nie’ to the stirring final plea of ‘Is Jy Okay’,
Bonatuurlik stands as a testament to Mensdom’s unrelenting drive and emotional honesty.
Whether you’re an Afrikaans‑rock die‑hard or new to their thunderous sound, this album –
and the stories shared today – offer a window into a band that wears its heart on its sleeve
without ever compromising on intensity. As they prepare to hit stages across South Africa,
one thing is clear: Mensdom isn’t just making music – they’re leading a movement. Plug in,
turn up and witness their next chapter.