A Rose in Full Bloom: Inside Anabel Rose’s “How Do The Flowers Bloom?”
by Kojo Bonsamposuro
In the landscape of Ghanaian alternative music, few artists balance vulnerability and sonic fearlessness as gracefully as Anabel Rose. Following her breakout debut, Something About A Rose, the Ghanaian-Filipino alt-pop singer-songwriter returns with a sequel in the story of the rose. How Do The Flowers Bloom? is a 7-track sophomore EP that serves as both an inquiry into adulthood and a testament to her evolution as an artist. This EP captures an artist moving past initial self-discovery into the complex, often messy reality of full bloom.
The project opens on a deeply soulful, intimate note with its lead single, “Imperfect Daughters.” Grounded in reflective nostalgia, Rose reflects on childhood ambitions, revisiting moments of playing dress-up in her mother’s glasses and wearing a white coat as a child who dreamed of making her parents proud. The emotional core of the track lies in its refrain, “Sometimes your life makes other plans.” It is an open letter to family and self, acknowledging that growing up often means straying from the expectations of family and sometimes even your own self, while still honoring the foundation you were given.
Transitioning into an upbeat alternative Afrobeats groove, “Peace of Mind” shifts the lens toward internal strength and navigating uncertainty. Rose approaches life’s chaos with grounded wisdom, reminding listeners that “uncertainty is a blessing” and urging them to face their demons directly. Dre Foryoursoul delivers a calm, soulful feature that complements Rose’s delivery, making the song feel like a comforting, rhythmic mantra about patience, resilience, and learning as you live.
Already established as a standout single banger, “Blasé” surges with pure confidence and magnetic presence. It is an anthem about stepping out of the shadows and fully embracing one’s shine. Anchored by the infectious line, “live your million dollar dream,” the track radiates high energy and swagger, marking a bold declarative point in the EP’s narrative arc.
Turning down the lights for a sultry lovers’ track, “How I Want It Too” builds on the foundational allure of its predecessor. Over lush, atmospheric production, Rose and Grammy-nominated Kenyan star Xenia Manasseh trade alluring verses about chemistry and intense attraction. With vivid lyrics depicting late-night romance in “when you take me out tonight, I’ll wear that dress that hugs me tight, how you like it. pheromones collide, it’s going down tonight!” the song captures the addictive, floating feeling of surrender when two people completely align.
Injecting vibrant pop energy into the tracklist, “In The City” sets the scene of an electric night out. Capturing the thrill of meeting someone at a party, Rose pairs playful, inviting lyrics “Boy, when you ready, come outside, I got some tricks up my sleeve that I wanna try” with dynamic contributions from Herman Suede and Ria Boss. Together, they construct a vibrant, pulse-raising soundtrack to urban nightlife and spontaneous romance.
The EP takes an explosive sonic detour when we hit “Monsters,” a raw, rock-infused track that confronts denial head-on. Stripping away smooth surfaces, Rose challenges the urge to fake composure when confronting internal turmoil: “what’s the use in pretending it’s fine when you go to sleep with the demons at night?” It is a gritty, defiant peak on the project that demands accountability, honesty, and emotional grit.
Closing the EP with rich Highlife rhythms, “Happiness is Free” brings the project home with celebratory warmth. Alongside Jiire Smith, Rose embraces uninhibited joy and brightness, painting a picture of an artist who brings color wherever she goes. Serving as the life of the party, she leaves listeners on a triumphant note. She teaches us on this song that blooming isn’t just about surviving the rain, but learning to celebrate the sunlight when it arrives.
Ultimately, How Do The Flowers Bloom? confirms Anabel Rose as an indispensable voice in contemporary African pop. Rather than offering easy answers to the questions of growing up, loving, and losing, the EP finds strength in the process itself. It is a cohesive, mature body of work that showcases her expanding genre synthesis and emotional clarity. For the Rosalindas (Anabel’s fanbase and community) and new listeners alike, Rose delivers proof that blooming isn’t a single moment of perfection, but a continuous, courageous act of unfolding.