Rising Zimbabwean pop artist and London-based creative Ananya returns with her poignant new single “Happy,” a heartfelt track released to align with World Mental Health Day.
Known for weaving emotional depth into her music, Ananya’s latest release continues her mission to advocate for mental health awareness through her art and her non-profit, The Nani Wellness Project.
Written by Ananya and produced in collaboration with Josh Berry (Honeymoan, Internet Girl), “Happy” is an ambient acoustic pop masterpiece that explores the duality of happiness. Beneath its soft melodies lies a powerful message about the vulnerability and hidden struggles often concealed by outward smiles. Drawing from her personal experiences, Ananya urges listeners to embrace their healing journeys and acknowledge the complex emotions that shape their lives.
“Happy is about the uncertainty and vulnerability of human connection—the delicate balance between joy and sadness,” says Ananya. “I want to remind people that behind every smile, there may be untold stories of struggle, and that’s okay. Healing is a journey worth celebrating.”
The music video for “Happy” was filmed along the scenic coastline of Scarborough, Cape Town, with award-winning South African filmmaker Dirk Van Niekerk. Set against a breathtaking sunrise of purple-pink skies, the video juxtaposes moments of raw vulnerability with a serene backdrop, reflecting the tension between surface-level contentment and genuine happiness.
Ananya’s passion for mental health advocacy extends beyond her music. In 2022, she co-founded The Nani Wellness Project to address the mental health crisis in Zimbabwe. This online platform offers virtual therapy sessions and mental health resources, targeting young people in a country where such services are scarce. With “Happy,” Ananya hopes to amplify this mission and bring global attention to the urgent need for mental health support.
With “Happy” as her latest offering, Ananya invites us to join her in embracing the full spectrum of human emotions. Through her music and her unwavering advocacy, she continues to inspire listeners to find strength in vulnerability and celebrate the small victories on their mental health journeys.
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