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Ananya is no stranger to emotional depth. With her latest single “Falling,” the Zimbabwean-born, London-based artist delivers a compelling blend of vulnerability and polished pop production. The track, written during a sleepless, rain-soaked night in the pandemic, explores the tension between emotional restraint and the need to let go—what she describes as “dancing through your own emotional chaos.”
In conversation with Phoebe Nadorp for SCOOPE, Ananya reflects on the personal origins of the song, the universal resonance it found with listeners, and how her multicultural upbringing continues to shape her sound. From her early success with i woke up one night to the introspective vision behind her upcoming EP, Ananya offers a candid look into her evolving artistry and the stories that drive her music.
P: Your new single “Falling” deals with love, timing, and emotional restraint, when did this song start taking shape for you? Are you speaking from personal experience here?
A: The bones of Falling were written during the pandemic. I was trying so hard to keep my feelings under wraps, but the song became a way of letting them spill out without actually saying them out loud. One of those nights I couldn’t sleep.. it was late, it was raining, and I still had so much left unsaid. I sat on my bed with my guitar and the bedside lamp on, and I just let it happen. The song really wrote itself.
P: You’ve described it as “dancing through your own emotional chaos.” Can you unpack that further for us?
A: I think there comes a point where you have to face a situation head on. It might feel uncomfortable, but moving through it means you carry the weight while still choosing how to let it out. With Falling, I wanted to capture that push and pull between holding it all together and letting yourself fold a little. It’s messy, it’s complicated, but it’s also human. Sometimes the only way through is to move with your emotions, not against them :’)
P: This track blends ‘sleek, danceable production’ with very raw lyricism. Did you find it challenging to balance that vulnerability with the more bubbly, upbeat ‘pop-star’ energy of the track’s production?
A: It definitely was a balance, but that’s what made it exciting. The lyrics came from such a vulnerable place, and I wanted to hold onto that honesty. At the same time, pairing it with the more bubbly production just felt right, because that’s exactly how it felt living through those emotions.
P: You first performed “Falling” during a Glamour Magazine South Africa livestream in the pandemic. You described the love you received from the track as being ‘unexpected’, why do you think so many people can easily connect with the sentiment in “Falling”?
A: The feelings behind Falling are so universal. I think so many people have lived through that space of carrying emotions that aren’t ready to be received, and in turn you try to hide them. I wasn’t expecting the love because it began as such a private moment for me, but I think that honesty is exactly what people connected with.
On artistry and growth
P: Do you write with a specific visual or idea in mind or do you let the sound lead you in the process?
A: More than a visual or idea, I usually start with how I’m feeling or something I need to say. A lot of the time it’s tied to something I’m emotionally connected to, and from there the sound leads me. The process is always evolving though.
P: Growing up in Zimbabwe and now being based in London, how do those two worlds shape your sound?
A: My childhood in Zimbabwe taught me to notice the little details and pour emotion into everything I do, while life in London pushes me to be ambitious, precise, and experimental with my music.
P: Are there particular Zimbabwean musical elements or storytelling you find yourself carrying into your work?
A: The storytelling definitely finds its way into my writing no matter what, and so much of it comes from the memories I carry with me from home. I’m still just waiting for the right track to bring in a mbira!
P: “Falling” gives us just a taste of your 2026 EP. How would you describe the overall vision for that project?
A: I’m still deep in my writing, but overall, I’m inspired by reflecting on where I’ve been and where I’m going.
P: Your debut EP i woke up one night was a monumental success for you as an artist. How is this next EP building on from that?
A: i woke up one night was such an important chapter for me, a necessary space to process all the life changes that come with growing up and finding your feet. Looking ahead, I feel more anchored and mature.. more pensive, reflective, and intentional in both my music and myself.
Fun!
P: If someone was listening to “Falling” for the very first time, describe the best place or situation you would want them to listen to it in.
A: When your crush finally gives you attention lol😂. Another perfect moment is late at night, when you can’t sleep because your emotions have nowhere to go
P: Three words to describe ‘Ananya’.
A: Emotive, Creative, Introspective
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