Xenia Manasseh performs her new single “Wild Ride” for COLORS.
On the renowned black-and-white stage of COLORS, six Kenyan vocalists will perform previously unaired compositions.
COLORSxSTUDIOS and Spotify have collaborated to draw attention to the velvety tones of Kenyan R&B. A writing program was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, for one week at the start of October. Artists, composers, and producers hailing from Africa and various other continents converged at the camp.
Xenia Manasseh, a Los Angeles resident, is a singer-songwriter of Kenyan and Ugandan descent. Her delectable R&B compositions have garnered her international admiration.
The debut album by the Berklee College of Music alumna, “Fallin’ Apart,” was released in 2019 and featured her prowess as a composer and soothing melodic singer. “Maybe,” her second studio album, was released in 2022. “LOVE/HATE Pt.1,” her debut studio album, pays homage to her Swahili heritage and explores the intricacies of love.
Her new single “Wild Ride” for COLORS is exceptionally well-executed by the Nairobi-born singer. Manasseh’s tender vocals are accompanied by a rapid tempo and seamless guitar melodies, serving as they contemplate the notion of progressing beyond a failed romantic relationship.
By basing the composition Wild Ride on her own life experiences, Xenia transports the listener on a journey in 2022. The songwriter-singer has composed music for some of the industry’s most recognizable artists. “Keep dreaming, and keep following your dreams,” she advises her fans.
Monica Kemoli-Savanne, the artist and label partnerships manager for East Africa at Spotify, stated in a press release:
Xenia Manasseh, an additional singer-songwriter, follows suit with her mesmerizing lyrics and exquisite voice.
In a statement, Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s artist and label partnerships Manager in East Africa, said,
“This is the first time that any Kenyan artist is performing on A COLORS SHOW, and we are honoured to have been able to bring this collaboration to life. Our mission of elevating African artists to global stages continues, and we cannot wait for audiences worldwide to discover the amazing R&B talent that Kenya has to offer.”
Our Very Own Xenia Manasseh
Kenyan-born and raised artist and singer Xenia Manasseh is establishing herself in the Atlanta music landscape.
We had yet to become acquainted with Xenia. Fallin’ Apart, her EP, was released in 2019. It debuted at number one on the Kenyan iTunes R&B/Soul charts and at number two in all other categories, which is a tremendous accomplishment.
The Xenia EP’s tranquil melodic lines, composed vocal delivery, and poetic approach afford listeners brief insights into the artist’s innermost thoughts, emotions, and life.
She is admired not only for her vocals but also for penning excellent lyrics. Since joining UCMG, an Atlanta-based record label, in 2018, Xenia has composed music for artists including Big Sean and Teyana Taylor. She has also expanded the collection of her compositions.
Her new single is “Lowkey,” a calming low-fidelity R&B/neosoul composition. “The song is about new love and keeping things low,” explains Xenia. The song’s concept originated solely from the rhythm. “Lowkey” was the rhythmic moniker. This is what sparked my motivation: I desired to produce a work that was distinct from my previous output.
Additionally, Xenia earned her degree from Berklee College of Music, where she composed tunes and studied music business and management. Moreover, she composes and produces her music. Is there anything beyond her capabilities?
The rising sensation discussed with Notion how her academic achievements have propelled her forward in the industry, co-composing a track for Teyana Taylor’s forthcoming album and her future collaborations.