In a powerful confluence of art and advocacy, rising Pop sensation, singer/songwriter, fashion creative, and mental-health activist, Ananya, releases her latest single, ‘Happy’, with accompanying visuals coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month. Known for her introspective songwriting and genre-bending soundscapes, Ananya brings listeners on a journey through the complexities of surface emotions and the hidden struggles we often mask behind a smile.
‘Happy‘ is a nostalgic, ambient pop track that captures the duality of emotions—genuine joy intertwined with the lingering uncertainties of happiness. The song, produced in collaboration with Josh Berry, takes listeners through the raw, often messy feelings that arise when happiness is not quite as it seems. It was inspired by a period of introspection where Ananya found herself caught between the desire for clarity and the complexity of emotions that cannot be easily unravelled.
The accompanying music video, directed by Dirk Van Niekerk and filmed against the serene backdrop of Scarborough, Cape Town, visually echoes these themes. As the sun rises over the milky purple-pink sky, Ananya takes viewers on a drive that symbolises the pursuit of authentic happiness. The video captures fleeting moments of joy, uncertainty, and the vulnerable space where surface emotions dissolve, revealing what lies beneath. The simplicity of the visuals—featuring Ananya driving a vintage car named Primrose—draws viewers into the honest emotions that align perfectly with the song’s lyrics.
“We wanted to capture that feeling of trying to go somewhere emotionally but never quite arriving,” Ananya shares. “There’s this persistence in the repetition of the same feeling, and sometimes, it’s about acknowledging that things are not always as they appear on the surface.”
True to her commitment to mental health, Ananya aims to use the release of ‘Happy’ as more than just a musical experience. In line with her advocacy work through The Nani Wellness Project, her non-profit organisation dedicated to providing free mental healthcare services in Zimbabwe, she plans to direct proceeds from the music video to support this cause. This initiative is close to her heart, as it aligns with her ongoing efforts to uplift communities through mental health awareness and support.
Ananya’s artistic journey has always been about authenticity and storytelling. Raised in Harare and influenced by the strong women in her life, she finds solace in exploring themes of personal growth, heartbreak, and empowerment through her music. Her new single ‘Happy’ is no exception, as it merges her acoustic roots with an upbeat twist, offering fans a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
With her growing global fan base, Ananya’s release of ‘Happy’ during Mental Health Awareness Month is a call to reflect on the emotional truths we often hide and the importance of seeking help and support.
