Hanna Strikes a Chord with “tough crowd”

Zimbabwean-Ethiopian singer Hanna is quickly proving that she is one of the most exciting voices rising out of Africa’s new wave of talent. With roots grounded in two vibrant cultures and a sound that travels far beyond borders, Hanna has been steadily building momentum, sharpening her artistry with every release and competition she enters.

Her journey into the spotlight began when she earned a spot in Mr Eazi’s emPawa100 initiative, a program designed to empower and mentor promising African musicians. Soon after, she showcased her versatility again through Nasty C’s Lift As You Rise project, where she held her own among some of the most talked-about up-and-coming acts on the continent. These platforms not only amplified her voice but also gave her the confidence to refine her identity as an artist unafraid to blend vulnerability with rhythm.

Hanna’s 2023 single “Can’t Stop” has been an undeniable success, maintaining strong performance across charts and playlists. The track positioned her as a promising newcomer with a sound that resonates both on dancefloors and in intimate listening sessions. It set the stage for what is fast becoming her signature style: music that feels good yet carries the weight of deep emotional honesty.

With her latest release, “tough crowd,” Hanna takes that balance even further. The song is an intricate mix of contrasts—sonically joyful, yet lyrically heavy. Her vocals glide effortlessly, bringing out layers of tenderness and strength in equal measure. It’s the kind of track that commands you to dance while simultaneously pulling you inward, asking you to sit with its bittersweet truths. Hanna manages to capture that rare duality of emotions: the push and pull between celebration and melancholy.

At its core, “tough crowd” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a reflection of the hurdles that artists, especially emerging ones, face when trying to connect with audiences. The lyrics carry an undertone of struggle and resilience, while the production is textured with bright, infectious beats that refuse to let the mood stay down for too long. This juxtaposition is precisely what makes the record so compelling—it speaks to the universal experience of navigating through rejection, doubt, or even indifference, and still finding joy in expression.

What truly stands out about Hanna is her vocal delivery. On “tough crowd,” she doesn’t just sing; she communicates. Every note feels intentional, carrying an emotional weight that lingers long after the track ends. Her tone is at once delicate and commanding, the kind of voice that cuts through noise and stays with you. It’s no wonder that listeners are starting to see her as a torchbearer for a new generation of African artists who can seamlessly merge global pop sensibilities with raw, personal storytelling.

As Hanna continues to evolve, it’s clear that she is not just chasing trends but carving her own lane. “tough crowd” solidifies her as an artist with both the vision and the talent to transform vulnerability into something celebratory, and melancholy into music you can move to. It’s a song that proves she is not only finding her footing but also daring to dance across new ground—turning every crowd, tough or not, into believers.