Hot on the heels of her splashy pop single “Emotions,” London-bred, Zimbabwe-born pop sensation Ananya returns with a bold new single, “All That Glitters Isn’t Gold.” The track is a radical departure from her previous high-energy sound, but it plunges headfirst into betrayal, self-discovery, and emotional growth. With a stark piano riff escalating into a blistering chorus, Ananya uncovers the naked emotion of dealing with harsh realities. A true storyteller, Ananya‘s music is not just melodies—it’s the questioning of the self, both in herself and in her work with The Nani Wellness Project, an organization that combats the mental health crisis in Zimbabwe. In this interview, we discuss the writing of “All That Glitters Isn’t Gold,” the emotional depth of her songcraft, and how she navigates a high-speed industry while staying grounded in her truth.
“All That Glitters Isn’t Gold” is such a deeply emotional track. Can you walk us through the process of writing and producing it? How did the song evolve from its initial piano melody to the final version we hear today?
I wrote this on a plane, so the moment I got home, I ran to my piano and played back my messy mid-flight voice memo. Even though it was hard to decipher, I picked up where I left off, and the melody flowed like it was writing itself. Initially, it was raw and intimate, almost like an honest confession. But working with Patch Boshell brought it to life in a whole new way, building a sound that only deepened the meaning and emotion behind the lyrics.
You’ve described the song as a reflection on disillusionment, broken trust, and reclaiming one’s worth. Can you tell us more about the personal experiences or moments that influenced this track?
In simple terms, this song is about that gut-punch moment when you realize you’ve overlooked red flags for too long… Writing it felt like drawing back lost boundaries and capturing the moment you let go of making excuses and start seeing things clearly.
Your music often explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and emotional vulnerability. How do you find strength in sharing such personal stories through your art?
Songwriting kind of feels like opening a window; it allows me to let out emotions and welcome clarity or a new outlook. I believe there’s strength in honesty, and I’ve found that the more personal I get, the more people connect. If my experience resonates with someone else, then the vulnerability feels worth it.
The song has an interesting structure with a build-up that crashes into silence. How did you decide on this arrangement, and what does it represent to you in terms of the emotional journey of the song?
The structure felt right for the story the song tells. That sudden silence almost mirrors the moment of realization and the weight of everything hitting at once. It’s like the rush of emotions building up, and then, in accepting reality, there’s nothing more to say.
You’ve received praise from the likes of MTV, Rolling Stone Africa, and iHeartRadio. How do you handle such recognition while staying true to your artistic vision and personal experiences?
It’s always surreal to receive that kind of recognition, and I’m so grateful for it. I’ve found myself remembering the reason I make music in the first place—to tell honest stories and connect, and in some way try to be what music has always been for me. I think as long as I stay true to that, everything else is a really cool bonus.
Your music and public persona radiate a sense of strength, particularly in the face of vulnerability. What role does emotional honesty play in your artistry, and how do you maintain balance in a fast-paced industry?
I feel that emotional honesty is the core of everything I create. The most powerful songs come from a real place, and so I try to stay true to that even when it’s uncomfortable. As for balance, I remind myself why I resonated with music and why I feel passionate about making it; music is about connection, not pressure. Keeping that in mind helps me stay grounded.
If you weren’t a musician, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
I would’ve loved to be a lawyer, but being realistic, I’d be a painter or graphic designer.
What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found inspiration for a song?
Definitely on a plane! It’s the first time it’s happened to me with “All That Glitters Isn’t Gold.”
You co-founded The Nani Wellness Project to address the mental health crisis in Zimbabwe. How does your advocacy work influence your music and your creative process?
They’re deeply connected because both are about honesty, connection, and healing. Writing helps me process emotions, just like The Nani Wellness Project aims to create space for important conversations. Knowing how much music has helped me through my own struggles, I hope my songs can offer even a fraction of that comfort to others.
Looking ahead, you’re preparing for your second project. How would you say your sound, themes, and storytelling have evolved since your debut EP i woke up one night, and what can listeners expect from your upcoming work?
I think my new music feels more refined but somehow emotionally raw in a different way. ‘I woke up one night’ was really introspective, almost like a dream diary, while my next project feels more grounded in reality. It’s still personal, but almost looking at everything with deeper understanding (they say it comes with age.) I’ve been exploring themes of love, self-acceptance, and growth, and sonically, I’ve been experimenting with richer textures and bolder choices. Listeners can expect something more mature but just as honest <3.
