Moonchild Sanelly

Extravagant South African Art Pop Explosion

With her multifaceted musical explorations, flamboyant costumes, and collaborations with Damon Albarn, Gorillaz, and African Express, South African artist Moonchild Sanelly has always done things her own way. Growing up in Port Elizabeth with a hip-hop-producing brother and a mother who let her participate in dance competitions, Sanelisiwe Twisha's passion for music was kindled early. Moving to Durban in 2005 to study fashion, she immersed herself in the local scene before moving to Johannesburg, where she wrote for reggae bands and freestyled with rappers.

She eventually created a unique fusion she describes as futuristic ghetto-funk, with a live show featuring extravagant outfits she designs herself. Initially a star at home, she later gained a global audience, performing at festivals like SXSW, Primavera, Glastonbury, and Boardmasters.

Following her debut album Rabulpha!, which put her on the world map, she signed with Transgressive Records in 2020. She released the diverse EP Nüdes before Phases, an album that navigates sharp turns between amapiano, gqom, grime, pop, house, and R&B, showcasing her voice on more subdued material. Moonchild Sanelly remains a uniquely diverse artist. She will perform for the first time in Stavanger at Tou on October 31st!