Moonchild Sanelly

Moonchild Sanelly explores amapiano, ‘South Africa’s sound of freedom’ with Dazed. Image via Twitter @Moonsanelly

Moonchild Sanelly explores ‘SA’s Sound of Freedom’ in short film [watch]

‘The new hip-hop’: Moonchild Sanelly takes Dazed Digital around the streets of Katlehong to dive deeper into how amapiano has impacted South Africa.

Moonchild Sanelly

Moonchild Sanelly explores amapiano, ‘South Africa’s sound of freedom’ with Dazed. Image via Twitter @Moonsanelly

South Africa has seen the amapiano genre grow to exponential heights over the last two years. The world has become more interested in how amapiano has become one of South Africa’s leading genres.

Eclectic musician Moonchild Sanelly takes Dazed around the country to explore what they have dubbed “South Africa’s Sound of Freedom”. 

ALSO READ: Amapiano pioneer: DJ Stokie is Soweto’s Superman in new doccie [watch]

MOONCHILD SANELLY EXPLORES ‘SOUTH AFRICA’S SOUND OF FREEDOM

Directed by Nadezna Radcore and Mahlatse Nare, Amapiano, South Africa’s Sound of Freedom follows Moonchild Sanelly as she dives deeper into the popular genre. 

The amapiano genre was originally founded in the east of Johannesburg. Amapiano pioneers, such as Kabza De Small and MFR Souls, played a big role in where the genre is today. 

Moonchild Sanelly met up with producer and DJ Neo Makate and the two discuss the origins of amapiano in the short film. Makate seconded that the commercial amapiano sound started in the east of Johannesburg. 

HOW THE YOUTH FEELS ABOUT AMAPIANO

Rascoe Kaos noted that amapiano has become such an important part of our society, that it’s involved in political issues. He referenced Lady Du’s uZuma Yi Star

“The way I see it, amapiano is the new hip-hop right now. You can see the way it’s going. People are already talking politics.” 

Rapper Tee Jay who introduced Rascoe Kaos to amapiano said: “We grew up in a disadvantaged background some of us. I’m glad that out there, there’s a kid who’s able to get [amapiano] gigs. Who’s able to feed his own family, he’s a breadwinner now.”

Tee Jay also mentioned that amapiano has helped him put food on the table for his own family. 

ALSO READ: Meneer Cee: Who is this Afrikaans amapiano sensation? [watch]

SIR TRILL’S AMAPIANO JOURNEY

Amapiano vocalist Sir Trill was also featured in the short film. Sir Trill has been featured on some of the biggest amapiano tracks this year including DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU’s Banyana and De Mthuda’s John Wick

“[Amapiano] means so much to me because it changed my life. I was doing the other genre but it was a bit slow this one… I kinda came in and changed everything. Today I’m supporting my family. I’m able to bring everybody that I trust, that I believe in to come in with me.”

“I’m actually a rapper but I chose to switch sides and it worked.”

Amapiano, South Africa’s Sound of Freedom is the first short film of Dazed’s new video series titled Youth Uncovered. The series is set to explore youth culture around the world.

WATCH THE SHORT FILM HERE: