Anabel Rose, a budding star in the music industry, has taken a bold leap from her marketing career into the world of music. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she looks forward to collaborating with one of her idols, Amaarae, next year. According to Anabel, Amaarae inspired her to embrace her passion for music wholeheartedly.
Speaking on Radio Univers‘ At the DJ’s Mercy on 15th November, 2024, Rose described her genre as Alternative Pop and often labeled with a touch of “depressing songs.”
Anabel has released an EP titled “Something About a Rose.” The project features six tracks, including the standout single “Do Not Disturb” (DND), which she remarkably created in under an hour. Reflecting on her creative process, Anabel shared that she listens to beats, experiments with melodic freestyles, and lets the groove guide her lyrics. For her, songwriting is sometimes a spiritual experience.
“So honestly, let’s say if I have a beat, I’m in the studio, I kind of freestyle with it, like a melodic freestyle just to kind of find out what melodic groove best fits on the beat. Sometimes I can map out the whole melodic structure of the song before I write…” She said.
“DND” holds special significance as it was inspired during her struggle to balance her marketing job with her music. The introspection led her to quit her 9-to-5 role, a move she clarifies does not equate to unemployment but rather a shift to focus on her artistic journey.
“When I writing DND, I was feeling very stuck. I was working a 9 – 5. I wasn’t very happy and I was also juggling with my music career. So I would close from work and I would rush to go and do my gigs. It was crazy! I used to work in marketing. And marketing is like everyday of the clock you are working and music too is time-consuming. So I sat in the studio and the I made DND and I realized I don’t want to do this work again. This work dey over me, and as soon as I wrote DND I knew what I wanted to do and I quit my job.” She narrated.
Another notable track from her EP, “Lungs,” caught the attention of team. They reached out, explaining how they’d been following her music and wanted to feature it on their playlist—a significant milestone in her career.
Anabel is also a proud member of the music group 99 Phases. She credits the group for their support and collaboration, highlighting her partnership with female producer Mel, whom she met during her corporate days.
Despite her growing success, Anabel hasn’t escaped criticism. Some on social media have mocked her music, likening it to songs for babies or dubbing it “Afro Dbee,” a term implying her music appeals to the wealthy. She takes such remarks in stride, focusing instead on her craft and audience.
“Not really. I mean, people have quoted some things. Someone said DND sounds like children’s song. Another person called my genre ‘Afro Dbee’. But so far nothing too crazy but I hope it stays like that.” She recalled.
On the topic of nudity in the music industry, Anabel acknowledged that it can help sell music but emphasized that she won’t conform to such pressures. Describing herself as an “awkward person,” she believes in staying true to her identity and choosing what works for her.
“I think in marketing in genera; the term ‘sex’ sells. It’s true. It doesn’t mean you should go and stand outside naked. But the point is that some point of sex appeal always work. Personally I am not someone to speak about how someone should do their things. Personally, I am a very awkward person. So you can’t come and tell me to make my sexuality sell. No! It’s not going to work. So I know what works for me.”
Anabel’s early achievements include nominations on major award platforms like 3Music and performing alongside notable artists such as Manifest and Efya Nokturnal. She expressed her excitement about her progress, grateful for the recognition and opportunities she has received in her burgeoning career.
As she continues her ascent, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for Anabel Rose, whose dedication and authenticity make her a standout in the music industry.
Story by: Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah | univers.ug.edu.gh
