London-Based Zimbabwean Pop Starlet Ananya Unveils Her New EP “i woke up one night”
“i woke up one night” is the excellent debut EP from London-based Zimbabwean musician, designer, and creative Ananya. The EP takes listeners on an enthralling journey into the deep pathways and mysteries of Ananya’s inner thoughts, drawing inspiration from her dreams, nightmares, and mental health journey. Ananya’s artistry flawlessly blends introspection and musicality to create an evocative project that showcases her most mature and contemplative self. “i woke up one night” isn’t just an EP; it's an invitation to Ananya’s world, with the pop sensation beckoning us to join her as she navigates the ever-shifting waters of her mind. And in doing so, we might just discover fragments of our own stories that are mirrored in her emotive verses, soulful symphonies, and heartfelt melodies.
Opening with the hazy guitar driven power pop offering ‘bad for you’, Ananya immediately sweeps us into the tempest of a startling revelation and an unexpected truth that she encountered in a nightmare. Like a phoenix rising, the track encapsulates Ananya's empowered transformation, epitomizing the strength one can glean from confronting painful truths head-on. This theme of self-discovery and assertiveness is carried further on ‘i’m too nice’, a candid exploration of those moments when we yearn to stand tall against bullies, yet grapple with the paradox of wanting to protect their feelings. Here, we see Ananya emphasizing the idea of taking responsibility and the desire to express what you truly feel.
Dreams and reality intertwine on ‘gone (forever)’, a soaring pop composition that was inspired by Ananya’s own vivid dream imagery. This infectious track distils the experience of seeking inner strength and boldly embracing self-worth, echoing the universal sentiment of discerning when it's time to move on from a relationship in which you’ve been giving more than you’ve been receiving. Meanwhile, the evocative slow burner ‘moon’ sees Ananya unpacking the intricate and complex emotions of longing and helplessness, as she focuses on the emotional tumult of unreciprocated gestures, being unable to fulfil someone’s wishes, and the heart-wrenching reality of apologies that were sadly never offered.
The EP takes a reflective pause with ‘october’, a melancholic meander through past regrets. Acting as a mirror, this song, Ananya’s personal favourite on the project, captures the tortuous act of revisiting bygone moments with newfound clarity. As we delve deeper, ‘macy gray’ stands out as a poignant ode to memory and inspiration. Through this heartfelt ballad, Ananya seamlessly intertwines personal heartbreak with universal experiences of nostalgia and bittersweet recollection. The journey culminates with ‘I feel so new’, inspired by a harrowing dream-vision of a future gone awry. This track, however, isn't about despair; it's a triumphant anthem to reinvention and the indomitable human spirit, with Ananya reminding us of the boundless capacity to reshape our destinies, irrespective of past trials.
Zimbabwe-born Ananya, now based in London, is not just an artist and musician, but also a budding fashion designer and creative. From a young age, she dived deep into music, immersing herself in her mother’s diverse music collection, and learning to play the piano, guitar, and drums. Influenced by artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Joni Mitchell, her eclectic pop sound stands out uniquely. At the core of her artistic pursuits lies a profound connection to her personal experiences and the emotional depth they elicit. Her design philosophy, musical compositions, and overall creative expression all find their roots in the intricate tapestry of her life, resulting in work that resonates deeply with her audience.
Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, Ananya released three chart-topping singles in Zimbabwe, and got to open for Hombres G at Spain's Starlite Festival last year. More recently, Ananya co-founded The Nani Wellness Project to address the mental health crisis in Zimbabwe, underscoring her dedication and commitment to advocating for better mental health and wellbeing. Central to her story are the influential women in her life who have imparted values of self-acceptance, creative inspiration, and unyielding support. True to the essence of her name, which means ‘unique’, Ananya’s music is a seamlessly woven tapestry of musical innovation, personal growth, and uplifting empowerment.