INTRODUCING:
ANAIIS
Introducing Anaiis, a woman to watch in our eyes, as her voice is an unforgettable treasure, as she sings about love and learning through life experiences how to set boundaries and create space for self-love. She is championing authenticity through her creative process from writing her lyrics to the visuals in her music videos.
Hailing from Toulouse to Dublin, to Dakar, to California and then New York, she is currently settling into life in south London, where she is loving then culture and artistry which is apparent in her latest tracks, such as ‘Learn to Love’, a stunning collaboration with fellow musician Azekel and if her recent performance for COLORS of her track ‘Vanishing’ is anything to go by, she’s about to be a global sensation.
Interview by SOPHIE EMMETT
HI ANAIIS, HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
I am well, thank you for asking.
YOU’VE LIVED IN A FEW DIFFERENT COUNTRIES - WHERE’S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE CITY SO FAR?
I think I have to give it to London, it’s the place I've lived for the longest since the age of 10 so that must be for a reason. Something has kept me here, I really rate the culture and the artistry, it’s special to me.
WHAT PROMPTED YOUR MOVE TO LONDON?
I was drawn to London because of my love of the artists that were blossoming here. At the time I was just discovering James Blake, Kwabs, Jamie Woon, and Sampha and I thought the music scene was interesting and made space for authenticity.
IT WAS WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL DAY, LAST WEEK AND THIS YEAR’S THEME IS “CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE” WHAT IN 2021 ARE YOU LOOKING TO CHALLENGE?
This year I want to challenge every limiting belief I’ve ever had about myself. I feel like if I can conquer my fears, then anything is possible. I also see that as a way to assert that change is possible in all sectors of life and we must strive and work towards it.
Waistcoat, URBAN OUTFITTERS, Top, JA-DE-MI, Rings & Earrings, BILLIE GRAND
ON SET WE WERE SPEAKING ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES THAT MEN AND WOMEN FACE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD YOU PERSONALLY SAY IS SOMETHING YOU’VE NOTICED?
I’ve definitely noticed the gap in opportunities for women. Too often I go on a set or a studio session and I am the only woman there. I’ve made the conscious decision to insist on hiring more women and women of colour in my projects. I think their expertise and perspectives are terribly needed and we should all make the effort to create more opportunities for women.
Top, DION OF PAEANIA, Jeans, LEVI’S, Rings, PHASE, Earrings, RECLAIMED VINTAGE
HAVING BEEN IN BOTH THE US AND ENGLAND, AS A MUSICIAN WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCES WITHIN EACH MUSIC SCENE?
It’s hard for me to say because I think the landscape has transformed in the US and it’s a very different market and culture. However, what it seems to me is that there is a lack of celebration of black artists in the UK, the challenges are different in the US and it most definitely has its set of issues, but when it comes to representation in the UK, we are far behind. However, I think in the UK there are a lot of opportunities for indie and upcoming artists which I really cherish and value.
BACK IN 2019 YOU HAD AN INCREDIBLE TED TALK PERFORMANCE, WITHIN IT YOU MAKE A BEAUTIFUL SEGMENT ABOUT FINDING GUIDANCE FROM WOMEN, IN PARTICULAR YOUR MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER WHERE YOU FOUND A MIRROR REFLECTION OF YOURSELF. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE EITHER OR BOTH GAVE YOU?
Thank you, honestly my grandma, lately, has been putting a lot of work in; trying to help me not to be an overthinker. She’s been helping me to honor my decisions once I make them and trust my intuition and I really need that, especially in the uncertain times we are in.
“IN ORDER TO BE AN ARTIST THAT HEALS AND DEFIES INJUSTICES, I NEEDED TO LOVE AND RESPECT MYSELF FIRST, COULDN’T BE FOR OTHERS WHAT I HAD YET TO BE FOR MYSELF” THIS IS SUCH AN EMPOWERING STATEMENT TO MAKE, OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS SINCE THE TED TALK, WHAT FORMS OF SELF - CARE DO YOU UNDERTAKE?
Lately, I have been learning a lot about boundaries, even with myself. It’s so easy for me to overextend or overwork myself to please others. However now I know that my energy is not infinite and I have to be mindful of whom I share it with and how much of it I share. When I make sure that I am in spiritual and emotional alignment then I can be the best version of myself for others. Setting boundaries and recognising the worth of my well-being would be forms of self-care I really undertake right now.
Dress, MOLLY O’HALLORAN, Coat, COLLUSION, Socks, ASOS, Shoes, CLARKS ORIGINALS, Rings, BILLIE GRAND, Earrings, ASOS
WOULD YOU AGREE THAT YOUR SONGWRITING PROCESS IS A FORM OF SELF-CARE?
Absolutely, especially with this new work. I’ve realised I can’t truly move on from a situation unless I have written a song about it! Songwriting is like journaling, it’s a way to release what is held in the conscious and unconscious mind, as well as in the spirit.
YOUR SONG LEARN TO LOVE, IS A SPELLBINDING DUET WITH AZEKEL, HOW DID THIS COLLABORATION COME ABOUT AND WHAT WAS THE PROCESS LIKE IN WRITING WITH HIM, ABOUT SOMETHING AS PERSONAL AS LOVE?
Azekel and I have become great friends over the years and it was such a pleasure observing what love means to both of us through song. We have quite different perspectives and so to approach a song on the subject together allowed me to really think about the space “love” occupies in my life. When I write songs, the process starts long before the writing and continues long after the song is released. I am grateful that he invited me into that exploration and writing this song has shifted the way I think and feel about love.
Top, BDG, Coat, BLANK NYC, Trousers, SERENA BUTE LONDON, Shoes, CLARKS ORIGINALS, Rings, BILLIE GRAND, Earrings, RECLAIMED VINTAGE
THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR LEARN TO LOVE FEELS LIKE A LABOUR OF LOVE, ITS IMAGERY IS SO STUNNINGLY AFFECTIONATE I GET A REAL SENSE THAT YOU LIKE TO BE A PART OF ALL THE CREATIVITY, WOULD YOU AGREE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO BE INVOLVED IN THE CREATIVE PROCESS?
As I was saying above, the creative process is forever ongoing. For me, it doesn’t begin in the studio and it doesn’t end when the song is out. I really see all parts of it as a whole so when I am looking at creating visuals, I know how important it is for me to be involved even when it’s collaboration. It’s a matter of intention and making sure that the intention is carried through no matter the medium or the experience.
YOUR MOST RECENT RELEASE VANISHING IS AGAIN VOCALLY IMPRESSIVE (LOVE YOUR COLORS PERFORMANCE) WILL WE SEE MORE RELEASES FROM YOU THIS YEAR?
Yes!! New music coming extremely soon :)
WHAT IS YOUR MANTRA FOR THE REST OF 2021?
You are enough as you are.
FOLLOW ANAIIS
INSTAGRAM | LATEST MUSIC
TEAM CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHER — GRAY BRAME @graybrame
FASHION STYLIST — BIANCA NICOLE @biiancanicole
MAKEUP ARTIST — MEENA BHELLA @bhellamakeup
HAIR STYLIST — JAZ LANYERO @abitofjaz