SA Artist Moonchild Sanelly champions LGBTQIA+ visibility through Spotify GLOW

Spotify has announced Moonchild Sanelly as the GLOW artist for March, celebrating her bold expression, diverse voice, and role in amplifying the cultural impact of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The streaming giant’s GLOW programme amplifies LGBTQIA+ artists through a dedicated hub and curated playlists, with Moonchild as a standout feature. Her high-energy performances and unapologetic approach to sexuality perfectly reflect GLOW’s commitment to bold expression, diverse voices, and recognising the cultural impact of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Speaking about representation in the music industry and how the GLOW programme contributes to it, Moonchild Sanelly said: “Music is a universal language that has no barrier because of connection and feeling. If I am using my platform, my privilege and my spotlight to shine a light in spaces where kids don’t feel ‘normal’ because of the spaces they are in, or where they don’t know who they are yet, when you look at me, you should know exactly what time it is. We are bright, we are queer and everything is possible.”

The songbird also stated that being a Spotify GLOW ambassador allows her to contribute to her audience by making louder representations. ''My existence is representation, so if I am the face where we need it the most, I am definitely the girl.''

Moonchild Sanelly emphasised that music has the power to drive positive change and boost visibility for LGBTQIA+ creators, allowing her to reshape narratives, inspire progress, and create meaningful transformation.

“As a musician, music makes me feel like I'm in the right house because I have the power to change the narrative, influence better movement and create change. As a musician, I am like a politician, I can use my platform, my shine and all my access to make positive change, therefore, I am the White House,” she said.

She also shared a dramatic moment during a performance at Constitution Hill when her period unexpectedly started while she was wearing a nude, see-through costume. Despite the situation, she managed to finish her entire set, showcasing her resilience and commitment to her performance.

“The fact that the show must go on! I was at Constitution Hill, my period came and I was wearing a nude, see-through costume. That moment for me - before you could say ‘the show must go on’ - was the show going on! Even though there was no security and people were jumping over fences because they sexualised my existence, I still finished my full set with blood in between my thighs, in a see-through costume, while dancing upside down. 

“That moment meant something because I had a decision to make and blood was never going to be the reason I die,” she added.

Moonchild Sanelly also encouraged aspiring LGBTQIA+ artists to embrace their true selves and not let fear hold them back. She urged them to teach others, stay authentic, and reminded them that there’s no expiry date on their dreams. 

She emphasised the importance of being loved and rejected for who they truly are so that when they enter their era, they won't have to question why people are around them.

“Rather be loved and rejected for who you are, so that when you are in your era, you won’t question why people are around you because you were never trying to play someone that already exists. There is only you - one you - everybody else is taken. Don’t stop.”

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za