Rising pop sensation Ananya has dropped a simple but powerful acoustic rendition of “Happy” accompanied by a music video filmed on the sun-dappled rocks of one of Cape Town’s most loved beaches.
The stripped-down version is carried by the warm strum of Luke Verrenzen’s guitar and the rhythmic pull of the ocean, swirling gently in the background. 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.
“This song is deeply personal and filming an acoustic version felt like the purest way to share that intimacy with my listeners,” Ananya explains. “It’s like inviting people to sit beside me on those rocks, with the ocean behind us, letting the lyrics speak directly to them.”
For Ananya, this release is also an extension of her larger mission to intertwine 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-facing single during Mental Health Awareness Month, “Happy” was an instant hit with fans, and as Ananya now peels back its layers of indie production, she presents the song with a beautifully intimate intensity.
