Fashion meets music with Ananya
Ananya | Image: Supplied
A girl of our very own heart; A beauty routine that involves sleep – check, not letting a burning house get between us and anything Jacquemus – check, reading our horoscope daily – check check check! We get to know rising music star, Ananya, a little better off the back of her new single release titled Marble Eyes.
We’ve just heard your new single Marble Eyes and we’ll definitely be adding it to our playlist. What is the song about and what inspired it?
Thank you! I’m usually inspired by real life experiences and write when I feel emotion towards those experiences. The song is about the strong energy this particular pair of marble eyes have, their mysterious behaviour, and not feeling confident enough to interact with a past whirlwind relationship due to fear of falling back into it.
Ananya | Image: Supplied
What was your “aha” moment when you knew that you wanted to pursue music as a career?
From a young age, any opportunity to perform musically was exciting. I believe more than anything that my childhood encouraged my passion, and I continue to look back and feel grateful towards that.
Where did your love for fashion come from and what has it been like studying fashion in New York?
Dressing up was a huge part of my happiness growing up and not much has changed as a young adult. My mom’s wardrobe was like a fountain of fluff and colour and glitter… always glitter. New York is bursting with design flow; its daily energy is incomparable. Keeping the foundation of my love for fashion close to me, I’m able to take inspiration from New York’s loud, buzzing and motivating spirit.
The phrase “Fashion Meets Music” is a popular one. How are you currently integrating the two?
Fortunately, I strongly believe in that phrase, and integrating the two almost comes naturally. Fashion is used as a form of expression, a security blanket and even as a tool to create a loud and memorable visual. Music speaks to us in a different way. It helps in dealing with emotion and is there for us whenever we need. Studying fashion design and creating music continues to teach me more about the connection between the two. Using fashion to support my music and my message is a great way in integrating them.
Ananya | Image: Supplied
Can you share more about your childhood and growing up in Zimbabwe?
Absolutely! I had a warm and wholesome upbringing. Zimbabwe has an incredible uniqueness, an inexplicable resilience and a deep drumming heartbeat. A big part of who I am is owed to my childhood in my beautiful home country.
You’ve been to South Africa a few times, what are your fondest memories of here?
My fondest memory was attending the FIFA World Cup final in 2010 and screeching with excitement when the late former president, Mr Nelson Mandela, came onto the field waving. He’s a great inspiration to me, and so my heart was in, the exhilaration! And the eruption of the crowd was something I have never ever experienced so that was super special. Another fond memory was visiting any music stores and being allowed to pick a CD (this would take longer than the family had hoped). And how could I forget making my own pizza at Seven’s in Fourways… looking forward to coming back to South Africa in the near future.
Your house is on fire and you can only pick 3 fashion items. What would you take?
Straight cut denim jeans, mom’s vintage full length coat, and anything Jacquemus.
Ananya | Image: Supplied
Describe your daily beauty routine.
A natural look is always my go to. In the morning I use a face cleanser, apply moisturiser and then my favourite lip mask. Other than that, sleep is essential and is my favourite part of the beauty routine.
Name 5 things most people would be surprised to know about you.
1. Anything chocolate for breakfast is my idea of a great start to the day.
2. I’m a night owl!
3. Despite my father being a lifelong ardent Liverpool supporter, I tipped Trent Alexander Arnold (my celeb crush) to be a huge star four years ago.
4. I check my horoscope every day.
5. I can say the alphabet backwards.
What’s next for Ananya?
Doing my best to take it one day at a time, but I’m working on my third single which will be coming out soon.
We’re hosting you for an unplugged music session on our IG Live this Sunday and a little birdie told us that it will be your 21st birthday. What are your plans for the day other than serenading us?
I’m hoping my brother will make his delicious banana pancakes for brunch and I think my younger sister has planned the entertainment for the day… she's the closest thing to Trevor Noah I know. And of course, what would a birthday be without Pizza Inn and watching The Office. I’m really excited to spend the day with my family in my beautiful home country. I haven’t celebrated a birthday at home since I was 14!
