“Moonchild Sanelly on the track? Left turn alert”. Such was the reaction to her feature on Self Esteem’s ‘Big Man’ in the PBs WhatsApp group. Having now had the pleasure of listening to Full Moon, I’m no longer convinced this feature was as out there as was imagined. Sure, if we delve deep into the lyrics, there is quite a difference – Moonchild Sanelly is far more sexualy explicit than Self Esteem – as funny, but far more filthy. But in terms of big themes, there’s a whole lot more in common between these two than you may expect. Pleasure, in its many forms, especially for those who have shared experience with either artist, will be a big one to note for anyone listening.
Why do I make this point? Ok you got me. I like to bring a comparison into a review to help convince anyone reading that the album in question is worth listening to and enjoying. And yes, this time, I got a little desperate.
Why? Because I was stumped at coming up with anyone to liken Moonchild Sanelly to. She describes her music as self-created genre ‘future ghetto funk’ and as far as I’m aware, she’s the only artist doing this. She’s pretty damn unique which is no mean feat in today’s oversaturated music world. So it had to come down to themes and purpose – which is why, as another woman presenting her true life experience, I landed on Self Esteem (plus not missing the chance to gently ridicule my fellow editor’s astonishment). I’m not saying if you like Self Esteem’s music, you’ll love Full Moon, but if you appreciate what she says and does, then Moonchild Sanelly could be an artist for you too.
With me so far? Good. I’m ready then to overcome your next possible objection. The ubiquitous mentions of ‘booty’ could be an easy point to dismiss her lyrics. In the context of Full Moon, booty is really a byword for loving yourself, your body and symbol of female empowerment “if I had a big big booty I’d fuck up the world / oh I do and I already am”. Too right.
The album goes hard from the very first note. ‘Scrambled Eggs’ as an opener allows you no space to warm up, with beats and bass hitting you the moment you hit play. I recommend an Olympic level warm up before you begin. Get stretching now. There is a space for a quieter, more thoughtful and reflective side of Moonchild too. Songs like ‘Falling’ deal with the trapping of success – the more you have, the more you have to lose and the more people to disappoint. Sanelly deals with this with her trademark spirit. She’s grateful for what she has and the chances she’s had to build a life for herself and her family, recognising that could all be taken away, but fiercely holding on to it in the face of adversity (along with a sneaky middle finger to those who threaten it). And there is loads more to unpack in this album too in songs like ‘In My Kitchen’, ‘Do My Dance’ and ‘Boom’ but I don’t have the space here to do it all justice.
On the whole though, Full Moon, is bags and bags of fun. Technically the single was out in 2024, but appearing on a 2025 album, ‘Tequila’ is already competing for catchiest song you’ll hear all year.
Full Moon is by no means her first album, yet it has felt like a debut of sorts. A debut into, what I will loosely term, the ‘western’ popular music market. The build up and release has had the feel of an emerging new artist, not one who has been around for several years and is already hugely popular in other parts of the world, notably her home country of South Africa. It’s her third album, but the trajectory of some excited noises on radio, an EP, a tour schedule across excellent albeit small venues has more of the hallmarks of someone just starting out. So maybe not a reinvention, but perhaps a realigning of musical priorities with a new market in mind? I don’t have the answer, and this is based on little more than feeling on my part – but nothing about it is bad. I’m excited that someone who has a huge international profile, the sound and confidence to go with it, and who with an established performing reputation is playing at a venue I can hop on the bus to at 8pm and not have to push past 2000 people to get a good view. It’s a brilliant combination and we’re fortunate to be able to take this opportunity – it may well be the last time we get this lucky.
Words by James Spearing
Picky Bastards 
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