Ep.66: Introducing South African musician and dancer Moonchild Sanelly

South African artist Moonchild Sanelly shares the stories behind her upcoming album, Full Moon. The Jo’burg-based singer, songwriter, dancer, and businesswoman is celebrated for her self-coined genre, Future Ghetto Funk—a bold blend of hip hop, punk rock, house, and dance-pop, infused with South African sounds like gqom and kwaito. Raised in Port Elizabeth, she moved to Durban to study fashion, where she became immersed in the city’s poetry and underground music scene before heading to Johannesburg to pursue music full-time.

Since her debut album, Rabulapha!, Moonchild’s star has only risen, with collaborations alongside Beyoncé, Gorillaz, and Diplo gaining her global recognition. Her second album, Phases, offered listeners a glimpse into the different facets of her artistry, while her new record, Full Moon, dives deep into themes of sexuality, reclaiming power, motherhood, vulnerability, and forgiveness.

Music Used In This Podcast:

Scrambled Eggs by Moonchild Sanelly with thanks to Transgressive Records

Do My Dance by Moonchild Sanelly with thanks to Transgressive Records

Big Booty by Moonchild Sanelly with thanks to Transgressive Records

Gwara Gwara by Moonchild Sanelly with thanks to Transgressive Records

Demon by Moonchild Sanelly & Sad Night Dynamite with thanks to Transgressive Records

With Love To An Ex by Gorillaz featuring Moonchild Sanelly with thanks to Parlophone Records

Big Man by Moonchild Sanelly and Self Esteem with thanks to Polydor Records

Front Page Image: Moonchild Sanelly by Grace Pickering