Sanelisiwe Twisha, professionally known as Moonchild Sanelly, is a renowned South African musician and dancer who stands out with her distinctive blue hair and her unique music genre known as "Future ghetto punk." Originally hailing from Port Elizabeth, she initially made her mark in Durban's vibrant poetry and music scene before making Johannesburg her musical home. With her unapologetic style, outspokenness, and remarkable music career, Moonchild Sanelly has carved out her unique path in the industry.
Her music has transcended South Africa's borders, gracing stages at international festivals such as SXSW in Austin, Texas, and Primavera Sound in Barcelona. In August 2018, she embarked on a European tour alongside the South African hip-hop group, Die Antwoord.
Moonchild Sanelly's dominance in the South African music landscape can be attributed to her rich musical background, encompassing kwaito, hip-hop, and jazz influences. Her family played a pivotal role in shaping her musical journey, with a brother who's a hip-hop musician, a mother with a singing talent, and cousins who are skilled kwaito dancers. This upbringing influenced her music career, particularly her distinctive kwaito sound. Moonchild Sanelly also has a history of performing at shows organized by her mother.
Early Life and Education
Moonchild Sanelly, born on November 20, 1987, in Port Elizabeth, a coastal city in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, and also raised in the same city, comes from a family deeply rooted in music. Her brother was a hip-hop producer, her mother had a talent for jazz singing, and her cousins were skilled kwaito dancers. Growing up in such a musical environment, it's no wonder she developed a passion for music.
Unfortunately, her childhood was marked by trauma, including experiencing sexual assault on two separate occasions, with one of the perpetrators being her own uncle.
Moonchild Sanelly completed her primary and secondary education in Port Elizabeth before she moved to Durban in 2005. During her time in Durban, she had the opportunity to study fashion at the Linea Fashion Design Academy, where she spent six years. This fashion education would later play a significant role in her brand. It was also during this period that she embarked on her music career.
Career
Moonchild Sanelly's journey into the music world began with poetry, earning her recognition in Durban. She soon shifted her focus to music, blending experimental electronic elements with Afro-punk and edgy pop. Her extensive background in kwaito, hip-hop, and jazz has been instrumental in establishing her dominance in the South African music industry.
In 2006, her performances at the Durban University of Technology encompassed poetry and hip hop, even though she didn't initially identify as a poet. Her work on the weekend show "Poetry with King Siso" on Gagasi FM marked her poetic endeavors.
Moonchild's collaboration with DJ Shimza on an EP piqued the interest of Red Bull, leading to a longstanding partnership. She performed at the Red Bull Music Festival and achieved a significant milestone in 2018 when she appeared at Spain's Sound Festival Primavera. Following this achievement, she was offered the opportunity to open for Die Antwood during their European Tour, with the support of her fans. In 2019, Moonchild Sanelly graced the stages of the Shoko Festival in Zimbabwe and Coachella.
Her career reached new heights in 2019 when she featured on Beyoncé's album "The Lion King: The Gift," contributing to the song "My Power" alongside Busiswa and Nija. Later in the year, she released her four-track mini-album "Nude EP." She continued to make significant contributions to the music scene, collaborating with artists like Zingah and JazziDisciples. In 2021, she released her single "Yebo Teacher" and announced her involvement in the FIFA 2022 soundtrack.
However, it's worth noting that in February 2022, Moonchild Sanelly ventured into the world of adult entertainment. She then unveiled her second studio album, "Phases," set for release on June 10, 2022. In May 2022, she dropped her single "Cute," featuring British rapper Trillary Banks. The album "Phases" was officially released on June 10, 2022.
Moonchild Sanelly's journey into the music world began with poetry, earning her recognition in Durban. She soon shifted her focus to music, blending experimental electronic elements with Afro-punk and edgy pop. Her extensive background in kwaito, hip-hop, and jazz has been instrumental in establishing her dominance in the South African music industry.
In 2006, her performances at the Durban University of Technology encompassed poetry and hip hop, even though she didn't initially identify as a poet. Her work on the weekend show "Poetry with King Siso" on Gagasi FM marked her poetic endeavors.
Moonchild's collaboration with DJ Shimza on an EP piqued the interest of Red Bull, leading to a longstanding partnership. She performed at the Red Bull Music Festival and achieved a significant milestone in 2018 when she appeared at Spain's Sound Festival Primavera. Following this achievement, she was offered the opportunity to open for Die Antwood during their European Tour, with the support of her fans. In 2019, Moonchild Sanelly graced the stages of the Shoko Festival in Zimbabwe and Coachella.
Her career reached new heights in 2019 when she featured on Beyoncé's album "The Lion King: The Gift," contributing to the song "My Power" alongside Busiswa and Nija. Later in the year, she released her four-track mini-album "Nude EP." She continued to make significant contributions to the music scene, collaborating with artists like Zingah and JazziDisciples. In 2021, she released her single "Yebo Teacher" and announced her involvement in the FIFA 2022 soundtrack.
However, it's worth noting that in February 2022, Moonchild Sanelly ventured into the world of adult entertainment. She then unveiled her second studio album, "Phases," set for release on June 10, 2022. In May 2022, she dropped her single "Cute," featuring British rapper Trillary Banks. The album "Phases" was officially released on June 10, 2022.
Sanelly’s Business Ventures
Moonchild Sanelly's professional pursuits extend beyond her music and dance career, showcasing her versatility. She effectively combines her academic background with her passions. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Moonchild is an entrepreneur who has founded her clothing label, Moonchild Cultwear. This venture reflects her ability to utilize the knowledge she gained during her years of studying fashion.
Notably, Moonchild Sanelly sparked curiosity and conversation with the launch of the Moonchild Sanelly nude club. This endeavor faced scrutiny, and she took to the internet to address concerns. She emphasized that it is not a brothel and there is no transactional sex involved. Moonchild stressed that security was a top priority, journalists were not allowed, and the nude club was envisioned as a space where individuals could embrace their sexuality in a comfortable and safe environment.
Public Life
Moonchild Sanelly is unapologetically confident about her body and is known for not shying away from showcasing her physique or openly discussing matters related to sex. She leverages her social media presence to provide advice, particularly on occasions like Valentine's Day.
Much like several other prominent South African female celebrities who appreciate the value of body positivity, Moonchild Sanelly embraces her identity as a sensual figure. She frequently uses her platform on social media to share insights and advice concerning intimate matters.
During an interview with Basha Uhuru, she humorously referred to herself as "the president of female orgasm," reflecting her candid and empowering approach to discussing female sexuality.
On January 8, 2021, she posted an illustrated image of herself wearing a white see-through gown, revealing her blue bikini underneath and a blue viper seems to be crawling out of her private region. The image sparked positive responses from her followers and fellow celebrities, with likes from figures such as Pearl Thusi.
Private Life
Moonchild Sanelly is a mother to three daughters. Currently, she is in a relationship with Oarabile, a copywriter and musician who also happens to be the mother of three daughters.
Due to her busy work schedule, Moonchild does not live with her children, and they currently reside with their paternal grandmother. Nevertheless, she makes efforts to visit them occasionally in Port Elizabeth. Her eldest daughter, Wafika Twisha, often referred to as Artemis Wafika or Artemis the Goddess, is nine years old. She is already demonstrating her musical talent as a songwriter and rapper and aspires to follow in her mother's footsteps. She is actively training in a dance and music school.
Moonchild Sanelly has amassed over a decade of experience in the music industry and is rapidly gaining international recognition. She takes pride in her unique brand and her Xhosa heritage. Known for her remarkable lyrical skills and electrifying live performances, Moonchild Sanelly is not only a successful artist but also a businesswoman with her clothing label. Her role as a mother of three is just one aspect of her dynamic life.
It's noteworthy that Moonchild Sanelly often incorporates the Xhosa language into her music, adding to her distinctive identity and connecting with her cultural roots.
Songs
Studio albums
Rabulapha! (2015)
Nudes (2020)
Phases (2022)
In addition to her work on albums and collaborations with DJ Maphorisa, Moonchild Sanelly has released several solo songs. Some of her notable single tracks include:
"Weh Mameh" - 2018
"F-Boyz" - 2017
"Guestlist" - 2016
"Buthi Madlisa" - 2016
"Down Low" - 2018
"Fox with That" - 2016
"Okabani" - 2016
"Skweez" - African Icon Vol 1
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonchild_Sanelly
https://thenation.co.za/bio/moonchild-sanelly-biography/
https://creebhills.com/2023/04/moonchild-sanelly-biography-age-net-worth
https://briefly.co.za/29323-moonchild-sanelly-biography-age-daughter-songs-pictures-south-african-news.html
https://www.thecityceleb.com/biography/celebrity/musician/moonchild-sanelly-biography-songs-net-worth-age-partner-natural-hair-daughter-instagram-house-twins-boyfriend/