Zimbabwean-born and London-based, Ananya is the kind of artist who wears her stories like second skin. With a voice that blends dreamy intimacy and raw honesty, she’s quickly carving out her space on the global stage while staying deeply connected to her African roots.
Ananya’s latest single, Man Ray, is a hauntingly cinematic ode to imperfect love and the memories that refuse to fade. But beyond the music, Ananya is as grounded as she is glamorous – whether she’s drawing inspiration from her Zimbabwean upbringing, finding freedom in Cape Town, or discovering new designers in London. In this Glamour exclusive, she opens up about creativity, style, sisterhood, and the little rituals that keep her connected to who she is.
Glamour: Your new single “Man Ray” captures nostalgia and the lingering pull of past connections. What inspired this song?
Ananya: Man Ray came from this feeling of looking back at a love that wasn’t right but still shaped me. I wanted to capture how vivid those memories can be: the bedroom, the streets, the little details that stick with you long after it’s over. It’s about that strange mix of nostalgia and unfinished business, where you’ve moved on but part of you is still retracing. Writing it was like putting old love into a frame, turning something fleeting into art.
Glamour: “Man Ray” feels dreamy and cinematic. If it were a scene in a film, what would that scene look like?
Ananya: It would start in the West Village at night, wandering around in search of answers, with everything a little blurry, like memory. It’s not a big, dramatic breakup scene, but more a montage of moments you can’t forget… quiet flashes of love, loss, and nostalgia that lingers for years.
Glamour: If “Man Ray” were a mood board, what images, colours, or textures would we see on it?
Ananya: It would be all in black and white. You’d see patterns and prints, solarization, grain... all that dreamy distortion. And of course, it would be inspired by the surrealism of Man Ray himself. Something that feels timeless, a little unexpected, but unforgettable.
Glamour: You’re Zimbabwean-born, now based in London, and have ties to South Africa through your music journey. How do these places shape your creativity and outlook on life?
Ananya: Growing up in Zimbabwe gave me a deep sense of resilience and grounding. I carry home’s warmth and community with me everywhere. Recording and writing in SA has always unlocked something in me creatively; Cape Town especially feels like a place where I can be completely free artistically. And now being based in London, the pace and diversity constantly challenge and inspire me.
Glamour readers love style inspiration—how would you describe your personal fashion sense, and are there any African designers you’re currently loving?
Ananya: I love tying in small elements that make an outfit feel personal. Fashion is such an extension of my music, so what I wear always connects back to how I’m feeling creatively. I also always take endless inspiration from my sisters. And lately, I’ve been so inspired by African designers; I recently came across Tongoro and oh my word, what Sarah Diouf is doing is unbelievable!
Glamour: You’ve spoken about the strong influence of the women in your life. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from them that you carry into your music and lifestyle?
Ananya: To trust myself and remember that rejection is just redirection. I’m constantly affirming that I can do hard things, and knowing that they support me is such a huge motivator. It pushes me to take risks, both in my music and in life.
Glamour: What’s one self-care ritual you never skip, no matter how crazy your schedule gets?
Ananya: Calling my mom!!!
Glamour: Fans love getting to know the person behind the music — what’s a guilty pleasure song or series you can’t stop replaying right now?
Ananya: Anything on Kansas Anymore by ROLE MODEL <3 (and the summer i turned pretty, of course)
Glamour: If you could plan the ultimate girls’ trip with your closest friends, where are you all flying to, and what’s on the agenda?
Ananya: Hmm, this is a good question! I think I’d pick somewhere in the mountains where we could recharge and reset. The agenda would be all about spa days, meditation, yoga + pilates, long walks in nature, and of course endless catch ups.
Glamour: As your profile continues to grow globally, what’s the one thing you hope people will always remember you for?
Ananya: I hope people remember me for turning every feeling into music that’s raw and honest. For creating art that’s unfiltered, vulnerable, and real, and for giving voice to the emotions we all carry but sometimes can’t say.
