In a world where the spotlight often blinds us to the struggles beneath the surface, one artist stands out not just for her fascinating melodies, but for her unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy. In her debut EP, “I Woke Up One Night,” Ananya takes her dreams and creates lyrics that have listeners mesmerized. Her music and wellness app, The Nani Wellness Project, serves as a refuge for those grappling with their inner demons, offering solace and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. Continue reading to learn more about Ananya.

Where are you based?
London

What inspired you to pursue a career as a singer?
Recognizing how much music has guided me through my life, but also understanding how much creating music meant to me is what inspired me initially. The idea that anyone might connect with my music or find comfort in it will always be a reminder of why I am pursuing this career.

Could you share a bit about your journey in discovering your unique vocal style?
Maintaining an open mind, learning instruments, and exploring a wide range of genres to identify your authentic inspirations.

Congratulations on the launch of your debut EP “i woke up one night.” What is the story behind this EP?
My creative process is often quite diverse, but it primarily revolves around nocturnal contemplation, dreaming, and journaling. Being a night owl, I often find myself at my guitar or piano. Gaining inspiration from my dreams was intriguing because it introduced a subtle barrier between myself and the character I was portraying.

Recorded between Cape Town and London, the creative process for this EP was an incredibly fun and entirely new experience for me. Returning to Cape Town allowed me to work with so many talented individuals.

Your single “i’m too nice” is a fun song. Can you tell us more about the song? What message do you hope to send?
‘i’m too nice’ explores the idea of being the bigger person towards a bully. It highlights taking accountability and wishing you could say what you want to. Ultimately, the message of the song is to let go and not hold onto anger.

“gone (forever)” and “bad for you” are also playful. Can you tell us the story behind these songs? Are these songs about the same person?
Both 'gone (forever)' and 'bad for you' drew inspiration from dreams. With 'bad for you,' I woke up from a dream that revealed a truth previously unknown to me. With my stomach in knots, I recognized it was time to remove myself from a situation I no longer belonged.

In the dream that inspired 'gone (forever),' I dreamed of a version of myself that felt so empowered by. She effortlessly departed from the “bad for you” situation and did so with remarkable strength. I often think of her when I need some extra motivation.

Have there been any significant challenges you've faced as a singer, and how did you overcome them?
There are always challenges, but it’s the whole process of being an artist. I learn every day. Sometimes I overcome them and sometimes I have to swim through them. It’s different in every environment I guess, there’s a lot to learn. Whenever I encounter a roadblock or need to overcome a challenge, I turn to creating music. That's my solution.

What advice would you give to aspiring singers?
Find the beat of your own drum and trust your intuition.

We love the message behind the non-profit you co-founded, The Nani Wellness Project. Can you tell us more about your organization and why you started it?
Mental health is a really important priority for me. During my teenage and young adult years, I’ve struggled with my own mental struggles and found guidance in admirable role models who emphasized the acceptability of seeking help. Speaking openly about mental health struggles is not only honest and truthful; I also believe that by openly discussing our experiences, we can help others feel less alone.

It is amazing to hear that your non-profit plans on releasing an app soon. Could you tell us more about it?
Returning home, we noticed that mental healthcare is often restricted, reaching only a limited number of individuals. The creation of Nani aimed to offer cost-free mental healthcare to Zimbabweans.

In recent years, mental health has been the topic of many debates. Why do you feel it is critical to address mental health?
Having access to mental healthcare is a basic human right. When it comes to explaining mental health, I compare it to addressing an accidental cut while cooking. Our immediate response involves cleaning the wound, applying a band-aid, and taking steps to alleviate the pain. To continue preparing a meal, we often ensure the cut is okay so we can return to normal. Why don't we apply the same immediate care to our minds and thoughts?

What do you hope to achieve with your non-profit?
An accessible, supportive environment that allows people to openly discuss their mental health.

What advice would you give someone struggling with mental health?
Social media is often a highlight reel showcasing the best moments in people's lives. It's crucial to recognize that posts rarely capture the lows that we experience.

It's a testament to strength when someone seeks help or strives to overcome challenges. Opening up about struggles is incredibly courageous.

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
By creating and spending time with people I love.

What is your motto in life?
This is something I’m figuring out each day, but today it’s “your attitude determines your altitude”.

To learn more about Ananya, please follow the links below:
Instagram: @ananyamakesmusic
TikTok: @ananyamakesmusic
Facebook: @ananyamakesmusic