Moonchild Sanelly, a South African musical powerhouse, is a vibrant and multifaceted artist whose career has blossomed alongside her iconic “Moon Mop” hairstyle. More than just a singer, Sanelly is a mother, poet, fashion designer, and a force of nature on stage, renowned for her electrifying performances, including ten sets at Glastonbury Festival. Her collaborations with renowned artists like Damon Albarn of Gorillaz and Blur, Beyoncé, and British rising star Self Esteem, highlight her versatility and the global appeal of her unique sound. Her music is a fusion of South African genres like Kwaito, Amapiano, and Gqom, blended with house, hip-hop, and jazz influences, resulting in what she calls “future ghetto funk.” This genre-bending approach is a testament to her creative freedom and her refusal to be confined by traditional musical boundaries.
Sanelly’s latest album, “Full Moon,” represents a significant milestone in her career, marking a point of arrival and self-discovery. The album’s title symbolizes the culmination of her various artistic phases, bringing together all facets of her personality and artistry into a cohesive whole. “Full Moon” showcases Sanelly’s vulnerability and her willingness to explore deeper emotional themes, while maintaining the infectious energy and dancefloor-ready beats that characterize her music. The album is a testament to her growth as an artist and her embrace of her full potential. Tracks like “Scrambled Eggs,” an ode to her favorite food, and “Big Booty,” a celebration of self-love and body positivity, reflect Sanelly’s playful spirit and her ability to find inspiration in everyday life. The sexually charged “Gwara Gwara,” featured on the soundtrack of EA Sports’ FC25 game, embodies her flirtatious nature and her assertive rejection of unwanted advances.
Sanelly’s musical journey began in a family steeped in musical tradition. Growing up surrounded by gospel, jazz, and hip-hop, she developed a deep appreciation for diverse musical styles. While her family offered a supportive environment, Sanelly’s desire to stand out and forge her own path led her away from the collective nature of gospel groups. Instead, she embraced her individuality and pursued a career that allowed her unique voice to shine. Her early foray into fashion design, running her own clothing line, helped build her profile and paved the way for her music career to take off. Music, however, remains her primary focus and the driving force in her life.
Balancing her demanding career with motherhood, Sanelly navigates the challenges of being a provider for her three daughters. She recognizes the importance of her support system, allowing her to manage the demands of her career and family life. Sanelly is also a passionate advocate for the burgeoning South African music scene, which is experiencing a surge in global recognition. The accessibility of online platforms has empowered young artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect with audiences worldwide. Sanelly believes this has contributed to the vibrant and evolving nature of South African music, which offers a diverse range of sounds and experiences. The energetic dance moves, the infectious rhythms, and the blend of mellow and explosive energy create a unique and captivating musical landscape.
The creation of “Full Moon” took Sanelly on a global journey, recording in Malawi, Sweden, and London. During her time in Malawi and Sweden, she found solace and inspiration in fishing, a hobby that allows her to reconnect with nature and clear her mind. The contrasting urban environment of London offered a different kind of inspiration, fueling her creativity in a bustling city setting. While she hasn’t had the opportunity to fish in the UK yet, she expresses a strong desire to experience the tranquility of angling in a new environment. Sanelly’s connection to the UK is particularly significant, as she grew up listening to British pop music. Her warm reception in the UK has cemented her sense of belonging and solidified her place in the international music scene.
Sanelly’s collaborations with artists like Damon Albarn, Self Esteem, and Ezra Collective are a natural extension of her open-minded and collaborative approach to music. She views these partnerships as opportunities for creative exchange and mutual learning, rather than simply appropriating different cultural styles. Her willingness to explore new sounds and connect with other artists is a driving force behind her artistic evolution. This philosophy resonates with Damon Albarn, who has championed Sanelly’s work ethic, her music, and her artistic vision. Their collaborations on projects like Africa Express and Gorillaz have showcased Sanelly’s talent to a wider audience and solidified her reputation as a dynamic and innovative artist. Her appearance on the Gorillaz album “Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez” was a particularly poignant moment for Sanelly, as she had previously used a Gorillaz album as the soundtrack for her first fashion show after school. This full-circle moment highlights the power of music to connect and inspire across different creative fields. With a UK headline tour on the horizon, Moonchild Sanelly is poised to continue her ascent as a global music star, sharing her infectious energy and unique sound with the world. Her journey, from the vibrant streets of Johannesburg to international stages, is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her refusal to be defined by limitations.
