Still riding high on the acclaim and early success of her excellent debut EP i woke up one night, which has amassed over half a million plays online, and garnered rave reviews from fans and critics alike, including Wonderland, DIY Magazine, EQUATE, and Notion Magazine, among others, London-based Zimbabwean musician, designer, and creative ANANYA is proud to begin 2024 with her brand new single titled ‘MACY GRAY’, as featured in PureMzine. Released on January 26 via Platoon, Ananya’s ‘macy gray’ is a poignant and emotionally resonant pop ballad that reflects on the complexities of good memories amidst heartbreak.
On ‘macy gray’, Ananya masterfully weaves her personal heartbreak with universal experiences of nostalgia and bittersweet reflection, transforming vulnerability into a source of unwavering strength. This song emerged from a moment of deep introspection at her piano in Zimbabwe, a setting where Ananya found herself pondering a compelling question: Can a single cherished memory outshine an array of painful ones? This inner conflict, a heartrending representation of her path towards closure, merges seamlessly with the inspiration she draws from Macy Gray’s iconic music. The result is ‘macy gray,’ a song that embodies a contemplative journey of acceptance and emotional resolution.
While Ananya’s emotive vocal performance is a highlight throughout ‘macy gray’, it is her reflective and introspective songwriting that takes centre stage here. Conveying a sense of contemplation and internal struggle related to experiences and memories associated with a past relationship, the lyrics reflect Ananya’s journey of self-awareness, acknowledging the struggle between wishing to see the good in someone while also confronting the reality of the situation. The visualizer for ‘macy gray’ mirrors the song’s introspective nature. It captures Ananya in a contemplative state/pensive mood, lost in her thoughts – a physical manifestation of the inner conversations that inspired the track.
As well as being a poignant exploration of heartbreak and the delicate balance of cherishing the good amidst the bad in someone, ‘macy gray’ also stands out as heartfelt tribute to the legendary Macy Gray, who has been a significant wellspring of inspiration for Ananya since her childhood. This homage is delicately woven into the fabric of the song, particularly in the chorus, where Ananya subtly nods to Gray’s iconic track ‘I Try’. Through the lyrics, “No matter how hard I try, these are the things I try not to remember you by,” Ananya skilfully intertwines her narrative with a respectful acknowledgment of Gray’s impact on her life and artistry – a gesture stems from a deeply personal connection with Gray’s music.
ABOUT ANANYA
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.
Her excellent debut EP i woke up one night 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.
CONNECT WITH ANANYA: Instagram – Facebook – Tiktok
MEDIA & PRESS: Please direct all inquiries to Ayo Adepoju: [email protected]
