Moonchild Sanelly

Last updated

Moonchild Sanelly
Moonchild Sanelly sings on preview of MTV Down South 2019.png
Moonchild Sanelly on the preview of MTV Shuga Down South 2019
Background information
Birth nameSanelisiwe Twisha
Bornc.6 January 1985 (age 39)
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • dancer
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2006–present

Sanelisiwe Twisha (born c.6 January 1985), known professionally as Moonchild Sanelly [2] is a South African musician and dancer. She is known for her signature blue-coloured hair and her self-created music genre called "Future ghetto funk". [3] Originally from Port Elizabeth, the singer first came into limelight in the Durban poetry and music scene before relocating to Johannesburg, where she has continued her musical career.

Contents

Her music has reached audiences beyond South Africa's borders, playing in festivals such as SXSW in Austin, Texas [4] and Primavera Sound in Barcelona. [5] In August 2018, she went on a European tour with South African hip hop group Die Antwoord. [6]

Early life and education

Moonchild Sanelly was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She was born into a musical family, with her brother being a hip hop producer, her mother a jazz singer, and her cousins kwaito dancers. [7]

She moved to Durban in 2005 to study fashion at the Linea Fashion Design Academy and stayed there for six years. [8]

Career

In 2006, Sanelly started performing in shows at Durban University of Technology with a key focus in poetry and hip hop, although she did not actually call herself a poet for a long time until she noticed people's reactions. She featured regularly on a weekend show on Gagasi FM, called Poetry with King Siso. [9] In mid 2020, she signed a record deal with Transgressive Records. [10] In March 2015, she released her studio album Rabulapha! with Transgressive Records. [11] Rabulapha! earned her a nomination at the 22nd Annual South African Music Awards for Best Alternative Album. Red Bull discovered her music through an EP she was featured on with DJ Shimza, which was eventually a part of the Soul Candi album. [8] In 2019, Sanelly was featured on Beyoncé's The Lion King: The Gift album in the song "My Power" along with Busiswa and Nija. Towards the end of 2019, she dropped her 4 tracks mini album project titled Nude EP. [12] She made a notable contribution on Our Culture, first track off Zingah's 2020 album. [13]

In 2020, she was also featured on JazziDisciples album, 0303 in the song "Askies" [14] and later in "With Love to an Ex", from Gorillaz' seventh studio album Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez . [15] [16]

On 29 June 2021, her single "Yebo Teacher" was released. [17] She was scheduled to host the TV show Madness Method on BET. [18]

She made an announcement on Twitter of her feature on the FIFA 2022 soundtrack. [19] On 1 October 2021, she announced her single "Demon" with Sadnightdynamite. [20] The song was released on 4 October 2021, with accompanying music video. [21]

In February 2022, Sanelly began her career in adult entertainment. [22]

In late March 2022, she announced her second studio album Phases, which was scheduled to be released on June 10. [23]

In May 2022, her single "Cute", featuring British rapper Trillary Banks, was released. [24]

Her second studio album Phases was released on 10 June 2022. [25]

Artistry

Her music fuses elements of experimental electronic, afro-punk and edgy-pop with hints of her strong kwaito, hip hop and jazz background. [9]

Public image

Moonchild Sanelly on stage in 2018. Moonchild Sanelly in motion.jpg
Moonchild Sanelly on stage in 2018.

Moonchild Sanelly is seen as a sex figure and has never been scared to flaunt her body or speak about sex. She gives out sex advice on Valentine's Day through her social media accounts. [26] In an interview with Basha Uhuru, she called herself "the president of female orgasm". [27]

Business ventures

Moonchild Sanelly has her on own clothing label called Moonchild Cultwear. [28] She owns a Naked Club[ clarification needed ] and has made it clear that it is not a brothel. [29] [30]

Personal life

Sanelly is a mother to three daughters. She was a victim of rape twice in her life, with one having been committed by her uncle. [31]

Sanelly is Xhosa and uses Xhosa language in most of her songs.

Discography

Studio albums

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelly Khumalo</span> South African singer

Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo is a South African singer, actress, and television personality. Born in Vosloorus and later moved to Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, where she grew up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AKA (rapper)</span> South African rapper (1988–2023)

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (28 January 1988 – 10 February 2023), known professionally as AKA, was a South African rapper, record producer, and businessman. Born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, Forbes gained recognition after releasing his single "Victory Lap" from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2011). He was one of the most popular South African musicians of his era and the greatest selling South African hip hop artist of all-time.

Boitumelo Thulo, popularly known as Boity, is a South African television personality, rapper, actress, businesswoman and model. In 2019, Thulo was named as one of Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 for her contribution in the music and entertainment sector.

Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela, better known by her stage name Simmy, is a South African singer-songwriter.

Zonke Dikana, known simply as Zonke, is a South African singer-songwriter and record producer. Her rise to stardom came in 2011 following the release of her third album, Ina Ethe, which was certified double platinum and was nominated at the 18th South African Music Awards. In 2013, she recorded and released Give and Take Live, which was certified gold just two months after its release and earned her a place in the Channel O list of "Africa's Top 10 Female Singing Sensations". In September 2015, Zonke released Work of Heart, her fifth album, to critical acclaim with nominations in several categories at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards and 22nd South African Music Awards. She signed a record deal to Sony Music Entertainment in 2013. On 15 June 2018, she released L.O.V.E, her fifth studio album, with Sony.

Themba Sekowe, known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, Runtown, C4 Pedro, TRESOR, Kabza De Small, Era Istrefi, Mpura, Young Stunna and Killer Kau. He was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records prior to establishing his own record label, BlaqBoy Music.

Lesego Nkaiseng, better known as DJ Speedsta, is a South African DJ and TV personality from Johannesburg, South Africa. He is best known for his hit single, "Mayo".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shekhinah (singer)</span> South African pop musician

Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, known mononymously as Shekhinah, is a South African singer-songwriter, Shekhinah was among the Top 32 of M-Net's Season 7 of SA Idols in 2011 and among the Top 6 of Season 8 of SA Idols in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amanda Black</span> South African singer and songwriter

Amanda Benedicta Antony, known professionally as Amanda Black, is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Gcuwa her career began in 1999 at the age of 6 singing in church choirs. Amanda was a contestant on Idols South Africa season 11. Black relocated to Johannesburg in 2016 to pursue her career in music. She signed a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2016 and achieved recognition in same year following the release of her hit single "Amazulu", which was nominated for several music awards.

Jabulani Hadebe, known professionally as Sjava, is a South African singer, rapper, and actor. He began his acting career in 2005, starring in several drama series and films including uGugu no Andile (2009). He then rose to prominence on the drama series Zone 14, where he starred for three consecutive seasons, Isibaya and the second season of eHostela. Sjava ventured into the music industry and signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment. He gained mainstream popularity after he was featured on Miss Pru's acclaimed song "Ameni" in 2015.

<i>Rose Gold</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Shekhinah

Rose Gold is the debut studio album by South African singer-songwriter Shekhinah. It was released by Sony Music Entertainment Africa on October 6, 2017. Rose Gold was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa on January 24, 2018 and later certified platinum on August 31, 2018. The album features guest appearances from South African rapper, Rouge, Asali and Jamali band member, Mariechan. Production is handled by David Scott, DJ Maphorisa, Mae N. Maejor, Shekhinah and Luke Goliath.

Yamikani Janet Banda, professionally known under the alias of Lady Zamar, is a South African singer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nadia Nakai</span> South African rapper

Nadia Nakai Kandava, is a Zimbabwean-South African rapper and television personality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makhadzi</span> South African singer

Ndivhunzannyi Ralivhona(born 30 June 1996), known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer. Born and raised in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo, her career began at the age of 12 as dancer prior pursuing a music career as a singer, while she was attending school she signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released Muhwalo Uya Ndemela in 2015. She garnered local attention after her single "Tshanda Vhuya" released in 2017. Her eight studio album Matorokisi (2019), debuted at number two in South Africa.

Candy Tsa MandebeleMokwena is a South African singer, songwriter, actress. Born and raised in Limpopo, she began singing in her mother's community traditional group, Sekgapa, at the age of 14. Mandebele began her career in 1993 as a songwriter, prior to joining group Shaka Bundu Girls in 1995.

Amanda "Ami" Faku is a South African singer, performer and songwriter. Born and raised in the township of eZinyoka, Gqeberha. Faku rose to fame as a contestant on The Voice SA season 2 in 2017, prior getting recognition in the music industry.

Nomcebo Nothule Zikode she is a South African singer and songwriter. Born in Hammarsdale, Zikode was a backing singer for several years. She collaborated with DJ Ganyani on their hit single "Emazulwini" (2018).

JazziDisciples were an amapiano DJ and producer duo originating from South Africa. They were composed of two record producers known by their stage names Mr JazziQ and Josiah De Disciple.

Sanele Tresure Sithole, known professionally as Sun-El Musician, is a South African disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Mooi River, he attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal but dropped out to pursue a career in music. His debut studio album Africa to the World (2018), which was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Musical careerBirth nameKabelo Petrus MothaBorn27 November 1992
Mpumalanga, South AfricaGenres

References

  1. Moshoeshoe, Nkamoheleng (14 June 2022). "Moonchild Sanelly becomes herself in multitudes, Phases album release". bubblegumclub.co.za. Bubblegum Club. Retrieved 10 August 2022. She flows between various — even seemingly contrasting — musical genres like R&B, Pop, Amapiano, Grime, Gqom and House
  2. "32-year-old Moonchild survives malaria scare". dailysun. 12 October 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  3. Marunya, Kundai (8 September 2018). "SA act to headline Shoko Festival". The Herald. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  4. Darangwa, Shingai (26 February 2016). "5 hot African artists to look forward to at SXSW in Texas this year". Live SA. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  5. OkayAfrica (8 June 2016). "Soaking in the African Acts at Primavera Sound Festival". Okayafrica. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  6. Mathaba, Nosipho (13 July 2018). "Moonchild heads for Europe". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  7. Staff Reporter (14 December 2014). "Singer Moonchild Sanelly reaches for the stars". Mail & Guardian.
  8. 1 2 Nkoyana, Ayanda (19 February 2018). "As I long as I can remember. I grew up around music – Moonchild Sanelly". W24 Celebs. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  9. 1 2 Ferreira, Jonathan (13 July 2017). "In Studio: Moonchild Sanelly". Red Bull. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  10. Ntsinde, Mandisa (26 June 2020). "Moonchild Sanelly Signs To Transgressive Records, Releases "Bashiri"". Zkhiphani.
  11. "Rabulapha! Moonchild Sanelly". Apple Music. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  12. "Moonchild Sanelly Nude EP". iminathi. 6 December 2019. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  13. Jabulani, John (2 May 2020). "Zingah features Moonchild Sanelly In "Our Culture"". Ubetoo. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  14. "Moonchild Sanelly Inspires Body Positivity while Promoting New Single Ft JazziDisciples "Askies"". SA Music Mag. April 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  15. Jabulani, John (26 October 2020). "Gorillaz enlists Moonchild for "With Love To An Ex"". Ubetoo. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  16. "Moonchild Sanelly Features On Gorillaz's 'With Love To An Ex' | Hype Magazine". Hype Magazine. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  17. "Moonchild Sanelly releases new single, Yebo Teacher | JustNje". JustNje. 30 June 2021.
  18. "Moonchild Sanelly to host new show". Sowetan LIVE. 28 July 2021.
  19. Adejoy (21 September 2021). "Moonchild Sanelly is featured on the FIFA 2022 soundtrack". Fakaza News. South Africa: Fakaza News.
  20. Bukola (1 October 2021). "Moonchild to drop new single, 'Demon' | Fakaza News". South Africa: Fakaza News.
  21. Shumba, Ano (6 October 2021). "Watch Moonchild Sanelly and Sad Night Dynamite's Demon video | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  22. "Moonchild Is Officially Entering Adult Entertainment - ZAlebs". ZAlebs. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  23. ""Moonchild Sanelly Announces New Album 'Phases' Out June 10 / New Single "Strip Club" Out Now - SA Music Magazine". SA Music Magazine. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  24. Shumba, Ano (11 May 2022). "SA: Moonchild Sanelly features British rapper Trillary Banks in new single | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  25. "Moonchild Sanelly Releases Her Sophomore Album, 'Phases'". The Native Mag. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  26. Zeeman, Kyle (13 February 2018). "Moonchild on stardom, sex and having a stalker". Tshisa Live. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  27. Jason, Stefanie (27 June 2018). "Moonchild Sanelly Q&A – Sex positivity, singing in Xhonglish and Die Antwoord". Basha Uhuru. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  28. Mathebula, Kwanele (9 March 2018). "5 minutes with Moonchild Sanelly". Bona. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  29. Kekana, Chrizelda (15 November 2018). "Moonchild on naked club: It's not a brothel. There's no exchange of money for sex". Tshisa Live. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  30. Khuzwayo, Charles (12 November 2018). "Moonchild Sanelly insists her Naked Club will not be a brothel". IOL. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  31. Mphande, Joy (10 May 2018). "Things you didn't know about Moonchild Sanelly". Zalebs. Retrieved 5 February 2019.