It’s not every day that a music video feels like a memory — but that’s exactly what singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ananya has created with her latest release, “Long Jump”.
Shot in her hometown of Harare, “Long Jump” is a soulful meditation on the bittersweetness of growing up and a tribute to the places and people that shape us.
With dreamy visuals and emotionally rich cinematography, Ananya turns the story of her childhood into a universal reflection on nostalgia, identity, and the push-pull between where we come from and where we’re going.
Filmed in just one day, the video is anything but hurried. Every frame carries weight — from barefoot sprints across the school fields of her youth to a touching cameo by her former drama teacher, who helped cast a 10-year-old version of Ananya for the shoot.
“It was full-circle in the most emotional way,” Ananya shares. “Filming that long jump scene with Angel, my 10-year-old mini-me, we just kept laughing. Our DOP even joked, ‘I’m gonna need you to jump a little further than that.’ It was one of the most joyful moments I’ve ever had on set.”
A filmic visual with heart
Directed virtually by Eleanor Grace Hann, the video embraces a soft, warm, and slightly imperfect aesthetic — mirroring the song’s emotional tone.
“We didn’t want slick or over-produced,” Ananya explains. “We wanted raw, real, and deeply human. That meant no special effects, no choreography. Just feeling.”
The meaning behind “Long Jump”
The song “Long Jump” itself is a gentle, heartfelt ode to the past — to the quiet moments, the childhood memories we carry, and the enduring pull of home.
“It’s about the version of you that existed before life got complicated,” Ananya says. “And in a way, it’s a promise not to forget them.”
Following the success of “I woke up one night”
With over a million streams and widespread critical acclaim, Ananya’s debut EP i woke up one night solidified her place as one of the most exciting new voices in alternative pop. “Long Jump” continues that trajectory — offering not just a song, but a story that feels deeply personal and universally relatable.
As her global fanbase continues to grow, “Long Jump” is a reminder of the power in looking back — not to dwell, but to find the strength to move forward.
Watch the music video below:
Stream “Long Jump” on all major platforms HERE.
More info about Ananya
Ananya is a multi-instrumentalist, fashion designer, and singer-songwriter blending pop, acoustic, and ambient sounds. Her artistry is matched by her advocacy: through The Nani Wellness Project, she supports mental health initiatives and uses her platform to spark meaningful conversation and change.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
To stay in the loop with all things SA Music, Subscribe to our newsletter or if you're looking for something to do, check out our SA Gig Guide.
If you like what we do and you want to support us, feel free to buy us a coffee!
Want to discover fresh music? Follow our editor's 2025 playlist on Spotify or YouTube Music. These playlists are updated regularly.
Take control of your online privacy and access content from anywhere with NordVPN - the trusted choice of millions. Whether you're streaming, browsing, or shopping, NordVPN keeps your data secure and your connection blazing fast. Don’t wait — protect yourself today and get up to 70% off your NordVPN plan!