Unveiling “Emotions”: An Exclusive Interview with Ananya

Blend together a fierce spirit, a touch of wanderlust, and a deep connection to her roots, and you get Ananya. Raised in Zimbabwe before finding her musical home in London, the pop starlet has always been driven by a passion for self-expression and creativity. Her new single, “Emotions,” reflects this journey, exploring the bittersweet process of moving on from a difficult relationship with a powerful anthem of healing and empowerment.

Crafted with award-winning producer Ramera Abraham, “Emotions” combines catchy pop hooks with deeply personal lyrics, showcasing Ananya’s ability to transform raw feelings into relatable, uplifting music. Her sound, influenced by Taylor Swift and Lorde, captures both the struggle and triumph of emotional growth, marking a compelling evolution from her critically acclaimed debut EP.

In addition to her musical prowess, Ananya’s dedication to mental health advocacy through The Nani Wellness Project highlights her commitment to fostering positive change. As she continues to navigate her artistic and personal journey, Ananya invites listeners to experience the resonant story of resilience and self-discovery that defines her latest work.

Congratulations on the release of “Emotions”! What inspired you to write a song that delves so deeply into emotional healing and empowerment?

Thank you! Real-life and the harsh truth about healing were the driving forces behind writing “Emotions.” I’ve found that the journey of healing is never straightforward, and when you dive into the details, you realize it’s more complex than expected. Even when you think you’ve moved on, feelings can resurface no matter how many oceans you’ve crossed for them not to 😉 Embracing this and being honest about it helped me in my own healing journey, and then “Emotions” was born.

How did the collaboration with Ramera Abraham shape the final sound of “Emotions”? What was it like working with such a renowned vocal producer?

Working with Ramera is always a dream, and I feel incredibly grateful to know her. She creates such a special and supportive environment in the studio, where I feel completely safe to express myself—whether it’s crying, singing, talking, or writing. Her talent is undeniable, and I’m always looking forward to our next session. 

“Emotions” is described as a powerful anthem of healing and liberation. Can you share a bit about the personal journey or specific experiences that influenced the song’s lyrics and message?

Coming to terms with the fact that we’re only human, and that healing from painful experiences takes time, played a big role in shaping the lyrics and message of the song. There’s always that part of me saying, “Seriously, it’s not worth your time, you know it! Don’t give it another thought.” And then you hear the same advice from everyone  (with the best intentions!). But when you’re hurt or confused, it’s not always easy to just snap your fingers and move on. Learning to be patient with the healing process has taught me so much.

Your debut EP, i woke up one night, received a lot of praise and amassed a significant number of plays. How do you feel “Emotions” builds upon or differs from the themes explored in your debut EP?

In terms of production, “bad for you” and “Emotions” are definitely connected—they inspired each other. “Emotions” feels like it’s gently closing that chapter. i woke up one night expressed a mix of anger, regret, acceptance, and empowerment. “Emotions” showed up at the end of the road and to me, stands as a symbol of recognizing that no matter the past and the oceans crossed, we’re in a better place now. 

How has your Zimbabwean heritage and experience living in London influenced your music and the themes you explore in your work?

My Zimbabwean heritage always pokes its head through the door to remind me about resilience, positivity, and the ability to adapt in unexpected situations. It’s helped me embrace challenges, speak about them openly, and keep moving forward. Living in London, with its constant energy and city buzz, adds a new layer of inspiration every day, pushing me to keep writing and exploring every creative outlet I can find.

Your music draws influences from artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Gracie Abrams. Can you discuss how these influences manifest in “Emotions” and how you blend them with your unique style?

Their vulnerability and dedication to telling the truth will always be an inspiration to me. Their courage and way of expression serve as a guide whenever I feel confronted with the truth. Their strength has made an impact on me, and now, being honest about things that once seemed daunting, like healing, doesn’t feel so bad anymore.

What was the vision behind the music video, and how does it complement the themes of the song?

With the music video, the goal was to really capture the feeling of finally saying “bye bye” to the ups and downs of a painful situation from the past. It’s like going through so many versions of yourself, still grappling with reflection, but reaching the point where you’re ready to let it go now. Almost like you’re dressing up to kick off and welcome this new chapter. I think the video complements the song perfectly, reflecting that emotional journey.

You’ve recently co-founded The Nani Wellness Project to address mental health issues in Zimbabwe. What impact do you hope to achieve through this initiative?

Most importantly, we hope this contributes to making mental health support more accessible to anyone in need. Everyone has things they need to talk about, and access to that help should be available to all. We also hope it sparks a larger conversation about the importance of feeling okay with getting things off your chest.

Given your background in music and fashion, how do you integrate these two creative outlets in your work? 

I feel fortunate to be passionate about two things that are so closely connected. I’m grateful that I can use fashion as a visual extension of my music. Both are powerful forms of expression without words, and whenever I need a break from one, I can always lean on the other to keep my creativity flowing.

Your previous success included opening for Hombres G at Starlite Festival and releasing chart-topping singles. How do these experiences influence your approach to new music and live performances?

It always feels surreal to realize that anyone is listening to me at all. Experiences like these are incredibly motivating, but they also provide a great opportunity to reflect on what’s been accomplished and what can be improved. I feel like I’m learning something new every day in this industry.

What do you want people to remember your music for?

I hope it offers the same thing music has always given me—something to connect to and resonate with. Thank you for listening <3