From South Africa to Beyoncé: Moonchild Sanelly’s global rise

In a recent interview with HYFIN’s Element for our podcast HYFINated Conversations, South African artist Moonchild Sanelly opened up about her musical journey, creative process, and the development of her unique genre “future ghetto funk.” The conversation revealed how her family background, personal experiences, and artistic vision have shaped her distinctive sound and image.

Musical Roots and Genre Creation

Growing up in a household filled with diverse musical influences, Moonchild’s sound emerged organically from her environment. Her mother was a jazz singer, her brother a hip-hop producer, and her cousins were dancers, exposing her to multiple genres from an early age.

“Because of my family there’s genres I could not escape,” Moonchild explained. “My brother being a hip hop producer… And my mom, she played a lot of jazz.”

These influences coalesced into what she calls “future ghetto funk,” a genre that has existed for 18 years. She describes it as a seamless blend of her musical heritage:

“Future ghetto funk being my genre, the ghetto part comes from my hip hop and Kwaito,, because Kwaito is South African hip hop…The funk part because my mom played jazz.”

The “future” element came later when she discovered electronic music, completing the unique sonic recipe that defines her work.

Authentic Expression and Artistic Identity

Moonchild’s artistic journey accelerated after she left home at 19. During what she calls her “hustle stages,” she gained recognition in Durban’s music scene. She received formative advice from South African music legend Brenda Fassie, who told her, “Please, whatever you choose to do, never let them change you.”

This encouragement reinforced Moonchild’s commitment to authenticity. She embraces being different, describing herself as a “black sheep” who changes narratives by seeing the world through different eyes.

“I don’t want you to have my soup and say, ‘Hmm, that’s an onion. Hmm, that’s a carrot.’ It must be a dish. And the dish is the future,” she said, explaining how her various influences blend into something entirely new.

Balancing Childlike Joy with Mature Themes

One of Moonchild’s most distinctive characteristics is her ability to combine adult themes with childlike exuberance. When asked about this duality, she admitted it wasn’t calculated:

“I have no idea. I have no idea. It wasn’t a plan. It’s just how I choose to express, it’s how I express.”

She describes her aesthetic as “Snow White turns 21 and the seven dwarfs become her strippers,” embracing both innocence and maturity simultaneously. This approach allows her music to connect with diverse audiences while maintaining her authentic voice.

Career Milestones and Global Collaborations

Moonchild has collaborated with several international stars, including Beyoncé, Diplo, and the Gorillaz. She recounted how Beyoncé’s team discovered her music, leading to a collaboration that fulfilled a goal she had written down early in her career.

“I wrote it down when I clocked Beyonce, when I wrote it down for my lifetime in music. I clocked her in my first 10. I wrote it down knowing that everything is possible,” she said. “When it happened, it’s just certified just to everyone else what I believe – everything is possible.”

Her approach to networking and collaboration is refreshingly open. Rather than viewing the industry competitively, she says, “I don’t operate with keeping a slice because I bake my own cake. I don’t have to fight for a slice, so I’m very open.”

Personal Growth Through Relationships

The interview revealed how Moonchild’s personal relationships have influenced her art. She spent four years single after leaving a toxic relationship, using that time for self-reflection and healing.

“My last relationship… I would look at my room and some, what the f*** did I get myself into?” she recalled. Despite the difficulties, she stayed in the relationship while completing her album to write from authentic experience.

“I know I’m in a f****d up relationship right now, but I’m writing from the experience point of view, I don’t wanna write from the observer’s point of view. So let me finish the album, then I’ll be done with the relationship,” she remembered telling her manager.

Now, with characteristic humor, she says she’s “dating for content” to gather material that can help others navigate relationships.

Artistic Vision and Future Collaborations

Moonchild’s videos feature bright colors and playful imagery that contrast with her mature themes. When developing concepts, she and her team return to their initial visual impressions when first hearing her music.

Looking ahead, she expressed interest in collaborating with artists who share her values, particularly those who empower women. She mentioned Doja Cat, Missy Elliott, and others as potential collaborators, noting they’re “from the same tribe when it comes to what we speak about.”

Throughout the interview, Moonchild Sanelly demonstrated why she’s become an influential voice in global music – combining fearless authenticity with joyful expression to create a sound and image entirely her own.