With an acoustic rendition that captures the essence of raw emotion, rising Pop sensation, singer/songwriter, fashion creative, and mental-health advocate, Ananya, releases a captivating new video for her song “Happy.”
Filmed on the sun-dappled rocks of Cape Town’s Bakoven beach, this stripped-down version reveals the song’s heartfelt themes of self-reflection, peace, and acceptance.
Guided by the warmth of an acoustic guitar and the rhythmic pull of the ocean, Ananya invites viewers to experience the song as she first conceived it—a gentle ode to finding calm within the storm of life’s uncertainties.
Ananya on why she chose to record an acoustic version of ‘Happy’: “This song is deeply personal, and filming an acoustic version felt like the purest way to share that intimacy with my listeners,” she explains. “It’s like inviting people to sit beside me on those rocks, with the ocean behind us, and let the lyrics speak directly to them.”
Performed in Cape Town, the acoustic video embraces natural simplicity, allowing Ananya’s voice and the gentle strum of Luke Verrenzen’s guitar to take centre stage. Renowned videographer Marc Williams captures Ananya against Cape Town’s famed shores, where the quiet of the bay provides the ideal setting for the song’s reflective tone. Filming on a beautiful, sunny morning, the video highlights a unique moment of artistic stillness as the waves roll in sync with Ananya’s raw performance.
Describing the acoustic video as “a comforting reminder that we’re all on a journey,” Ananya’s goal is to inspire connection. Her powerful performance encourages audiences to find solace in embracing life’s unknowns and to feel grounded in their shared struggles. For Ananya, this release is an extension of her larger mission, intertwining music with mental health advocacy, a commitment she champions through The Nani Wellness Project, her non-profit supporting mental healthcare in Zimbabwe.
Ananya recounts light-hearted moments that gave the shoot its warmth and authenticity. “At one point, a dog wandered into the frame like he was ready for his big debut! It’s those little unexpected moments that make you feel right at home in Cape Town’s beauty,” she shares.
Originally launched as a Pop single during Mental Health Awareness Month, “Happy” has resonated with audiences for its exploration of complex emotions and the pursuit of authentic joy. This acoustic release, however, peels back those layers, presenting the song in its most intimate form. “Happy” represents Ananya’s ongoing journey as an artist and an advocate, bridging music and mental health to create a space where listeners can confront their own reflections with honesty and grace.
Born in Zimbabwe, Ananya’s unique sound draws from her life experiences and her deep respect for the powerful women who shaped her.
Known for her introspective storytelling, she has captivated a global audience with her debut EP i woke up one night, and now, with the acoustic version of “Happy,” Ananya continues to lead listeners through a journey of personal growth, heartfelt resilience, and self-compassion.
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