Stance is back with musician Moonchild Sanelley as we approach our 8th year on air! In Season 4, Chrystal Genesis explores the people, places, stories, and ideas shaping our creative world. And with that, we head to South Africa to hear about Full Moon, the upcoming album from Port Elizabeth-born, Jo’burg-based singer, dancer and businesswoman Moonchild Sanelly. Born Sanelisiwe Twisha, she was raised on dance routines and church choirs and has since created a sound that’s entirely her own, which she calls Future Ghetto Funk—an eclectic fusion of hip hop, punk rock, house, and dance-pop with South African gqom and kwaito. She has also collaborated with artists like Beyoncé, Self Esteem, Nile Rodgers, Ezra Collective, and Gorillaz. Chrystal sat down with her to discuss her third studio album, Full Moon, her patented teal Moonmop hairstyle, and the inspiration behind her new record's themes of sexuality, reclaiming power, motherhood, vulnerability and forgiveness.

After seven incredible years of Stance, with over 64 episodes exploring arts, culture, and current affairs, 8 impactful Stance Takes shows, the growth of Stance Studios, multiple awards, and over 30 live events around the world, we’re thrilled to bring you the final episode of Season 3. Stay tuned as we look forward to new beginnings in Season 4! In this show, Chrystal Genesis takes a look at creativity, storytelling, and the essence of being human through literature, music, history, and culture. Musician and producer Kamaal Williams joins us to talk about his latest album, Stings, his enduring faith, and the layered creative influences behind his music. Author LaToya Watkins discusses her new short story collection, Holler, Child, set in Texas, and how using method-style acting brings her closer to the characters she writes about. Artist and composer Cochemea reflects on his work with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and his album Vol. II Baca Sewa, which connects ancestry, memory, and improvisation. Musician and multi-instrumentalist Sinkane shares the inspirations behind his upcoming album, We Belong, which celebrates Black creativity and joy.

On this episode of Stance, we explore the question: what does it mean to be a Jewish person of color in America today? We speak with a range of voices from this growing demographic, spanning philosophy, pop culture, community organizing, and journalism. We also dive into music with jazz musician Enji, who shares insights on her mesmerizing new album, Ulaan. During a Sukkot celebration, members of the Jews of Color Initiative—Jade Groobman, Sarah Starks, and Riki Robinson—discuss their hopes, dreams, and their work in building stronger communities within Jewish spaces. Ilana Kaufman, CEO of the Jews of Color Initiative, explains the organization's mission to create professional, organizational, and communal spaces for Jews of Color. She highlights the importance of accurately capturing data about Jews of Color and empowering them to take on leadership roles. Writer Hanah Bloom tackles the model minority myth twice over in her essay on being a Japanese American Jew, published in Hey Alma, a contemporary online community. She reads from her essay and shares some of the responses it received. Professor Lewis R. Gordon, an expert in philosophy and global affairs, offers a window into the diverse history of Jewish peoples, recounting his experiences navigating between Jewish communities in Jamaica and the U.S. We conclude with journalist Robin Washington, Editor-at-Large for The Forward, who reflects on what it means to be a Black Jew in the wake of the tragic events of October 7. To end, we cover vocalist and composer Enji’s musical journey and the inspiration behind her third solo album, Ulaan. She talks about how blending jazz, contemporary folk, and the ancient Mongolian tradition

This show explores Harlem, one of New York City’s most historic and noteworthy places. Co-hosted by special guest, Vita, she joins her mum, Stance’s host and founder Chrystal Genesis to highlight some of their favourite places. As residents of the area, they visit a handful of their favourite spots, spanning film, food, and nature to uncover what continues to make Harlem one of the most distinctive pockets of NYC. Through independent filmmaking at Maysles Documentary Center, we chat with lead educator Art Jones about their one of a kind cinema space, filmmaking as a creative medium and the importance of community-first programming. At Sugar Hill Creamery we speak with co-founder Petrushka Bazin Larsen about founding Harlem’s only family owned ice cream store, the relationship between ice cream and Harlem’s community, and Vita gets to taste test a few of their seasonal flavors. Stance connects with The Brotherhood Sister Sol, a social justice organization empowering young people of color through community and environmental change. Chrystal and Vita visit their Green Youth Market and meet with senior manager, Nando Rodriguez, to find out how urban farming enriches the Harlem community. We end with music from New Yorker, Cameroonian American musician and songwriter, Vagabon, on her new record Sorry I Haven’t Called exploring joy after grief.

How do we tap into sources of hope, compassion and humanity during such turbulent times? This episode of Stance explores this question through the lenses of philosophy, poetry, and music. Professor Lewis R. Gordon is a philosopher, musician, and historian whose areas of focus include existentialism, Africana philosophy, social and political theory, theories of race, and philosophies of liberation and education. He speaks with us about compassion, politics and power during periods of uncertainty and upheaval. Poet, writer and multidisciplinary artist, Fariha Róisín shares her latest poetry collection, Survival Takes A Wild Imagination, and reflects on hope, humanity, and imagining new futures. Soul artist, singer-songwriter and lawyer, Danielle Ponder introduces to us her compelling debut album, Some Of Us Are Brave, an anthem of resilience and hope.

We’re back from our summer break to bring you a special show celebrating seminal funk-punk dance band, ESG. Join us on this immersive musical journey through New York City exploring the 70’s and 80’s, following ESG and their unique sound and story. Starting in the South Bronx, sisters, Valerie, Renee, Deborah, and Marie Scroggins formed ESG with Tito Libran in the late 70’s. They went on to perform across the world and record dozens of records influencing artists across genres, with their music being sampled over 500 times. The band’s body of work is rooted in New York City’s eclectic music scene, which spans Latin groove, hip-hop, rock, funk and more. In conversation with Chrystal Genesis, the band’s lead vocalist, guitarist and co-founder Renee Scroggins, shares her perspective on ESG’s origins, era-defining sound, and future. We find out more about the band’s new documentary “Are You Serious?” and plans for their farewell tour. Stance hears from Carol Cooper, a journalist, professor and cultural critic,  who was there to document ESG hitting New York City’s vibrant music scene for the first time. They both discuss the city’s booming creativity and crumbling economy, as well as what made 70-80’s NYC so original.