Moneoa Moshesh-Sowazi, known simply as Moneoa, is a South African singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She gained widespread recognition with her hit songs “Is’Bhanxa” and “Pretty Disaster,” and has also made a name for herself as an actress, notably starring in the film “Back of the Moon.” Her music blends Afro-pop and neo-soul, making her a standout artist in South Africa’s entertainment industry.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Moneoa Moshesh-Sowazi |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Eastern Cape (born in Mthatha), raised in Durban |
| Partner | Phiwe Maphanga (former relationship) |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actress, dancer |
| Net Worth | $100,000 – $1,000,000 (estimated) |
Early Life and Education
Born on November 6, 1989, in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Moneoa was raised by her single mother in Durban.
She comes from a family that experienced both success and hardship; her grandmother was the first self-made female millionaire in Mthatha, but the family later faced financial difficulties due to poor investments.
From a young age, Moneoa showed a strong passion for performing arts, initially focusing on dance and modeling to support her family.
Career
Moneoa began her career focused on dance but soon shifted to singing. Her debut album, “Coming from Going to” (2012), marked her entrance into the music scene and earned her award nominations. She followed this with the albums “Ndim Lo” (2014) and “Ziphi Inkomo” (2018), releasing several hit singles and collaborating with other South African artists.
Her music is characterized by soulful vocals and a fusion of Afro-pop with neo-soul.
In addition to music, she has appeared on various South African television shows as herself and in acting roles, and she starred as the lead character in the film “Back of the Moon” (2019).
Personal Life
Moneoa has faced significant personal challenges. She was in a relationship with businessman Phiwe Maphanga between 2017 and 2018, which ended amid allegations of abuse and financial difficulties.
The legal and personal disputes affected her career and finances. She has a sister named Pale and has not publicly declared having children.
Moneoa Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is between $100,000 and $1 million, accumulated through her music, acting, and performances. The financial strain from her relationship with her ex-partner notably impacted her finances.
Moneoa Moshesh’s discography consists of the following studio albums:
- Coming from Going to (2012)
- Ndim Lo (2014)
- Ndim Lo (Super Deluxe) (White) (2014)
- Ziphi Inkomo (2018)
Filmography
Television:
- Appeared as herself or performed in shows including “The Bantu Hour,” “Clash of the Choirs South Africa,” “The Remix SA,” “Karektas,” “Zaziwa,” and “Zabalza.”
- Had acting roles in “Rhythm City” and “The Road.”
Film:
- Starred as Eve Msomi in “Back of the Moon” (2019), her notable film role.
Awards and Nominations
Moneoa earned several nominations including:
- Five nominations at the 2014 World Music Awards for categories such as Best Song, Best Video, and Best Female Artist.
- Multiple Metro FM Music Awards nominations for her albums and singles.
- Channel O Music Awards nominations for her debut album.
