Following the success of her last two singles ‘Emotions’ and ‘Happy’, and critical acclaim from the likes of MTV, Rolling Stone Africa, iHeartRadio, GQ South Africa, and Wonderland, London-based Zimbabwean singer, songwriter and musician ANANYA returns with ‘ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN’T GOLD’, her most introspective and emotionally resonant release yet. Serving as her first offering of 2025, the indie-pop confessional unpacks themes of broken trust, disillusionment, and the quiet strength that comes with seeing things as they truly are. Wrapped in melancholic melodies, poetic lyricism, and ethereal production, the track embodies both the sting of betrayal and the power of reclaiming one’s worth. Ananya’s delicate yet commanding vocals float between heartbreak and resilience, mirroring the painful yet liberating realization that not everything that sparkles is meant to last.
‘All That Glitters Isn’t Gold’ began as a stripped-back piano melody before evolving into a richly textured sonic journey. The track’s unconventional structure mirrors its message – building tension only to crash into silence, symbolizing the weight of unspoken truths. Speaking about the song’s meaning, Ananya explains, “Some lessons hit harder than others. This song is one of those realizations that lingers for a while after the moment’s gone. It’s about looking back at something (or someone) you once thought was special, only to see the cracks you ignored. There’s frustration, disappointment, and that sting of knowing you gave too much. But more than that, there’s a quiet strength in pulling back, in choosing yourself. The song builds and builds, almost like a confrontation waiting to happen, only to crash down at the end – no dramatic finish, just the weight of reality settling in”.
Ananya continues to carve her place as one of indie pop’s most compelling new voices, drawing inspiration from Lorde and Gracie Abrams, while crafting a distinct identity rooted in fearless storytelling, emotional depth, and sonic experimentation. With past singles like ‘Emotions’ and ‘Happy’, she explored self-discovery and resilience, and now, ‘All That Glitters Isn’t Gold’, with its hypnotic slow-burning arrangements, emotional push-pull, and raw vulnerability, marks a pivotal new chapter for Ananya – one that is wiser, bolder, and unafraid to sit in the complexity of truth. As she begins the countdown to her highly anticipated second project with the release of ‘All That Glitters Isn’t Gold’, Ananya is cementing herself as one to watch, proving exactly why her music continues to linger long after the final note fades.
MORE 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 in 2022. 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, growth, and uplifting empowerment.
Her debut EP i woke up one night took 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 evocative music that showcases her most mature and contemplative self. As she shows on songs like ‘Emotions’ and ‘Happy’, Ananya’s music is an invitation to her world, with the rising star 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: https://www.instagram.com/ananyamakesmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ananyamusiczim
